30% Glycolic Acid Peel

A few weeks ago I was looking for a solution to my skin issue that I'm having now. The most unbelievable part of it all is that I have no idea where the breakouts are coming from! Stress isn't really a huge part of my life right now. I do drink coffee like crazy, but I have always done that. I drink water all the time. I wash my face daily, and exfoliate regularly. But wait, I have changed my face wash! I honestly didn't think that it would be a big deal if I bought some different face washes to try out and review. In the midst of trying out different face washes, I noticed my skin was getting substantially worse.

I found an idea with Makeup Artists Choice products. I researched, and finally chose the 30% Glycolic Acid Peel. I received it in the mail within a week, and was so nervous!! It came with a pamphlet that explains to you how to use your peel. It was very useful, because to neutralize the peel, you mix baking soda and water and apply it to your face.You use cotton balls to apply the solutions.

I want to show you all how this is going to work for me. Every Thursday is when I do the peels. I will be posting my progress frequently.

This is what the bottles look like.

 

Now, I was definitely convinced that it was a great product. I saw pictures on the website of women who have used it and saw amazing results. Here is the message to "Acne Clients" (credit MUAC):

"You are beginning your treatments with pores that are congested/clogged with embedded dirt, dead skin cells and sebum.  As you begin your treatments the sebum just under the surface will likely emerge as blemishes.  This is normal.  Breakouts may seem more pronounced since the acid is cleaning the pores more quickly than with regular cleansing products.  Typically within the first 3 weeks, the skin begins to show improved clarity with very few breakouts.  Please try to be patient during this time.  Deep cleansing and exfoliation is a "process" which takes some time to work."

This seemed to speak to me. And it still does. I have been using the peel for 2 weeks now. Today was the first application. 

Here is me in the beginning of January:

Although I had some makeup on, my skin was decent. I didn't have a crazy breakout and my blemishes weren't nearly as visible as they are now. 

Here I am today:

And the left side of my face is just as bad. I have an issue with blackheads, and acne scarring, and pimples and redness. A combination I have never known much about. Maybe it's the foundation I am using (Mac Pro-longwear NW50--[mixed with]--Mac Pro-longwear NC45) that is breaking me out. But I will show you a picture of a time when my skin was luminous..and then I will tell you what facewash I was using...

This was my skin in April/May 2010. And the facewash I was using? 

Biore Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser

And so I bought it last week, and I am so excited to get back to Biore. But I will say that in the last picture of my skin at one of it's best times, I was using Stila Oil Free Natural Finish Foundation...And I'm wondering if I shouldn't go back....

Have any of you had any breakouts from some products? Or changed up your routine and found out that it wasn't working well for you? 

XXXO