PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: "Peeling" is a European term for one of the most unique European items in the entire cosmetic field. THIS IS NOT A HARSH CHEMICAL PEEL. It doesn't "peel skin" as we know it, but gently lifts off more hardened, dried skin cells than can be achieved by scrubs or any other "exfoliating" product. Dead-cell accumulation prevents treatment products from penetrating and keeps skin tone from looking fresh and vibrant. For aging and problem skin, PEEL is absolutely vital; it offers multiple benefits, which one can see and feel with just one application. Used by Europe's top Skin Treatment Specialists as a supplementary cleansing step in any skin care program. Any skin type, any age, can benefit from a once-a-week "Peel". Our Peel ingredients also stimulate the deeper new cells to move upward at a faster rate - causing the skin surface to look tighter, clearer and healthier. (REVIVA LABS)
INGREDIENTS:
I have been using the Reviva Labs Light Skin Peel for the past 4 weeks, once a week. Like mentioned in the product description, this doesn't actually "peel" your skin, it's more of a mask. The consistency is a little strange - it's a little liquidy, but dense like bread dough before it has set. It has a very "spicy" scent, very reminiscent of pizza spices or oregano. Maybe it's the oil of thyme in the ingredients list? To get some product out, I prefer using a spatula for sanitary reasons and then smoothing the product all over my face. The instructions state that it should be left on for 3-5 minutes, so I usually always leave it on for 5. Once it's on my face, I can really smell the alcohol in the product. It seems a bit strong at first, but it goes away. Its pleasant to have on the face, as it doesn't seem to stiffen my face much or cause tingling, burning, etc. After 5 minutes, I will try to peel it off, but each time I've used this, I wasn't able to peel it off. It didn't matter if I put a very thin layer or thick layer, the mask doesn't completely dry in 5 minutes in order for you to peel it off. It does peel off on tiny areas such as the chin, but on my cheeks, I had to use a wash cloth or exfoliation brush. In a way, I like it because you get a little extra exfoliation from the gritty crushed almonds, but it's also somewhat a pain. The instructions do state though to remove it with your fingers, dry towel or cosmetic sponge. That doesn't work that well because residue will be left behind on the skin unless water is used, and it doesn't state to use water. Afterward, my skin feels very fresh, cool, clean and slightly tight. I then as always, continue with a moisturizer and go to sleep. In the morning, my skin looks fresher than the day before and my pores look reduced. The lasting effect is a few days. It is a nice peel/mask, but I do think it's a little expensive at $20 per 1.5 oz.
PROS: Takes little time (3-5 minutes), didn't bother my sensitive skin despite the high content of alcohol, wasn't drying, soothing, made my pores appear smaller and brightened my overall complexion after each use.
CONS: I think a misconception about this product is that it's called "Light" Skin Peel, and some people take that as it will "Lighten" your skin, but there are no claims that it will lighten. It is also called a "Peel", but as I mentioned, this doesn't peel your skin, nor does it peel off after 5 minutes. I think the name doesn't suit the product at all and it would better off called "Brightening Mask" or "Revitalizing Mask" so the consumer won't expect lightening or peeling - they will expect to use a mask that will freshen up their complexion, which is what this will do.
PACKAGING: The packaging is good, the only thing that would make it better is if it came with a small spatula to scoop the product out, or if it came in a squeeze tube. It gets a little difficult to get product out, especially when you're close to the end.
OVERALL: Overall, I do really like this mask and I will continue using it once a week to freshen up my complexion. I will definitely be using it a night before I want my skin to look in tip top shape. Although I do think it's expensive at $20 per 1.5 oz, you can see after 4 uses (maybe even 5) that I barely made a dent in the product. This will indeed last a long time, and it doesn't expire until 2014.
Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for free for consideration. This review is completely honest based on my individual experience in using this product.
