INSTYTUTUM Flawless Pads-Retail $69
No matter what skin type you have, it's a good idea to exfoliate to encourage cell turnover and to slough off extra skin cells that could clog your pores and prevent your skincare from penetrating as easily. There are two different types: chemical (acids/enzymes) and physical (beads/sugar/fruit that manually scrub the skin),and everyone has their own preferences even though both have their own benefits.
Instytutum is the only one I know of that combines so many different acids together in one product to chemically exfoliate the skin! I've used this exclusively the entire month of June, and here are my thoughts now that it's July.
Btw, this was sent to me for a review, and like always all opinions are my own.
Specs:
Size: 88 mL/3.0 oz(60 pads)
Type: Chemical exfoliating pads
Includes: Glycolic+Lactic+Citric+Salicylic Acids
Made in Switzerland
Scent: No idea how to describe this scent...but I don't mind it!
Claims:
Reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Improve skin tone and texture
Reduce pore size and pigmentation
Firm and soothe the skin
Refine and renew skin
Increase moisture
Boost collagen production and cell turnover
Glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinimide, citric acid, provitamin b5, purslane extract.
The acids:
Glycolic +Lactic+Citric (AHAs): "Regular use of AHAs reveals smoother, softer, visibly firmer, and more even-toned skin with fewer signs of sun damage, including fine lines and wrinkles."-Paula's Choice Article (so helpful!)
Salicylic (BHA): " refine pore size, alleviate bumps and clogs, soften the look of wrinkles, improve skin texture, tone, and hydration, and restore a gorgeous glow" -Paula's Choice Article
Performance:
Not surprisingly these pads come in a tub, which I'm totally OK with, but it might have been a little nicer if it was a pop-up top. I personally try not to expose the product to too much air so that it won't dry up. Anyway, these pads are untextured soft cotton (I think?) rounds that you swipe onto the skin to exfoliate after cleansing. I had to make sure to read the instructions carefully because the first time, I used it wrong. Do not wash the product off after application, and make sure you avoid the eye area since it's thin and more sensitive. And don't forget to put sunscreen on after using this product!
For the entire month of June, I used this twice a week as part of my nighttime routine.These pads are thin, but not fragile so I didn't have to worry about it not dispensing product evenly. There's a generous amount of product in here (60 pads) so if you were to exfoliate twice a week, it'll last you 30 weeks of continuous use! While in use, the formula does sting on my face a tiny bit, but it's definitely not unbearable, nor does it deter me from using the product. If you have very sensitive skin, you might feel a stronger tingling, but may get used to it over time. Just use it once a week to play it safe until your skin gets accustomed to it. Since there are 4 different kinds of acids to exfoliate away dead skin cells chemically (vs physically), this makes sense, but all in all I think it’s great they provided a variety of acids instead of just salicylic. Or just glycolic. I loved that my skin looked brighter instantly after use because of the chemical exfoliation. After letting the product sink in a little bit, there is a tiny bit of tackiness that I didn't really like, but definitely chose to overlook since this product worked so well for me. Obviously since this is an exfoliant, skincare products glided so nicely over top! The scent isn't off putting, and each round provided just enough for one application unlike the Neogen gauze pads, I couldn't get away with only using half a round to extend its life.
And after a month of using this in combination with consistent use of vitamin C serum (plus sunscreen), they both helped lighten the acne scarring that I've struggled with ever since the beginning of this year. It also does clear out my pores, therefore making them seem a bit smaller-I won't say no to that!
I do wish, however, that for such a luxe product, that they'd make the rounds themselves more interesting, textured or something to make the experience a little nicer for the price.
Verdict:
Yes! I love these flawless pads. They're actually effective and this way you won't want or need another product to get the benefits of another acid. Compared to the Neogen peeling pads, these are slightly more expensive per pad but totally worth it.
Neogen: 90 cents/pad
Instytutum: $1.15/pad
Save Some $:
I've seen these flawless pads go half off on Instytutum's website so subscribe to their newsletter or follow them on Instagram if you're not in a rush. Otherwise, if you want something lighter on the wallet, the Neogen Gauze Pads are amazing too. They're both chemical+physical exfoliants and even though there's 30 single-use pads, I normally cut those in half to extend their life. I have a review on it here.