Le Métier de Beauté CHEM60 Pro-Peel & Glow10ai Mask Set

Le Métier de Beauté is introducing new skin care exclusive to Neiman Marcus, the CHEM60 Pro-Peel & Glow10ai Mask Set ($265). I can't wait to try it! Here's the scoop.

Ready, Set, Glow! There's no better accessory than healthy, beautiful, glowing skin, and now you can achieve professional, spa-like results in the privacy of your own home with Le Métier de Beauté's CHEM60 Pro-Peel & Glow10ai Mask Set.

CHEM60 Pro-Peel, with a proprietary blend of salicylic acid and glycolic acids, gently penetrates the skin's surface and exfoliates dead skin cells to reveal younger-looking skin in as little as 60 seconds.

• Dimishes the look of fine lines and wrinkles
• Increases hydration and reveals younger-looking skin

Le Métier de Beauté says it's appropriate for all skin types. I really hope I can use it. My skin is extremely reactive to salicylic acid, but with Le Métier de Beauté's proprietary delivery system, which has allowed me to use retinol without a burn, I may be able to use this new peel too.

You can use CHEM60 Pro-Peel up to three times/week. Apply the peel using the brush applicator, squeezing gently to apply a thin layer over the entire face. Avoid the delicate eye area and hairline. Wait 60 seconds and remove the peel by gently splashing the face with tepid water or a damp washcloth. For a deeper peel, leave it on for five minutes. How easy is that?

The GLOW10ai Mask infuses the skin with an unprecedented concentration of antioxidants, vitamins, and hydrators to help the skin renew and rebuild, while strengthening the skin's overall appearance. It's the product that makes my heart flutter. Each time I've had an opportunity to request a new skin-care product from Le Métier de Beauté. I've asked for a mask.

• A sophisticated blend of moisturizers helps renew the appearance of damaged, dull skin.
• The appearance of hyperpigmentation is noticeably lessened/improved.
• Irritation and redness caused by chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laster treatments are visibly diminished.
• Suppleness and smoothness are greatly restored, resulting in a fresh, hydrated surface.

Follow the CHEM60 Pro-Peel with the GLOW10ai Mask, using the applicator that comes with it. Apply a thick layer all over the face, avoiding the delicate eye area and hairline. The mask may be applied 2-3 times/week with the peel, or it may be used alone. I suspect I'll use the peel only once/week, but I may use the mask three times.

These two products are available as a set and will be available at Neiman Marcus in September. I know the counter reps are hoping to have the set for Beauty Week. They know it's going to be a hot seller.

Photo courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté

New: Natura Bissé Tolerance Enzyme Peel

When I experienced my Natura Bissé Pure Air Bubble Diamond White Facial, I was introduced to a new product, Tolerance Enzyme Peel ($150). I have used it since that time, and I'm totally smitten. This enzymatic peel for delicate skin must have been made for me - and possibly you?

Tolerance Enzyme Peel is an exceptionally effective and gentle exfoliator that was developed "based on cutting-edge cosmetic engineering with a blend of ingredients that emit ultra-soft vibrations and provide a multi-sensory experience."

Tolerance Enzyme Peel gently pampers the skin with a non-aggressive (granule-free) micro-exfoliation of the most damaged layers of the skin, revealing an even, smooth, soft, and luminous appearance. Ideal for all skin types, especially the most sensitive and delicate skins, Tolerance Enzyme Peel is formulated with prickly pear (opuntia ficus) and papaya (carica papaya) extracts that exfoliate and renew the skin from within by stimulating a natural self-exfoliating process. The peel also includes a botanical extract of chamomile that soothes, decongests, and maintains the skin’s natural pH balance and a sugar extract from bio-fermented zea mays along with other derma-soothing and moisturizing ingredients that will help you maintain a porcelain complexion. It does this without without causing any inflammation, redness, or feelings of discomfort. I can attest, through use, that it's ideal for the most sensitive and delicate skins. It was designed to work for all skin types.

I was afraid to try Tolerance Enzyme Peel. It contains salicylic acid, an ingredient that burns my skin on contact more often than not. I chatted for a long time with Michael Ann Guthrie, Natura Bissé's National Director of Sales, when she was at Neiman Marcus during "the bubble." She assured me that my skin wouldn't react to Tolerance Enzyme Peel, and she gave me samples to try (and later sent more). Michael Ann was absolutely, totally, 100% correct. Not only did it not irritate my sensitive skin, it improved it. What's totally amazing is that it "does its thing" in only a few minutes, which will leave anyone who says exfoliation is too much trouble at a loss for words.

Here are the benefits, according to Natura Bissé.

• Non-aggressive exfoliation
• Upon application to skin, the gel texture adheres to the epidermis and perfectly lifts off the dead cells
• Allows for exfoliation in the more delicate areas of the face (eye contour and lip area)
• Your skin is left smooth and velvety; its texture is visibly refined
• Deep sensation of well-being; your face breathes and glows with a natural radiance
• Ideal treatment to alternate with Natura Bissé's fabulous Glyco Extreme Peel during the resting periods
• Does not cause photosensitivity, but using sunscreen during the treatment (an SPF 30 at a minimum) is recommended

The experience of using Tolerance Enzyme Peel is extremely pleasant. Apply it with average thickness all over your face (and neck if you wish). Massage the product with ascending circular movements until the texture liquefies on the skin. That takes about a minute or less. Once the peel liquifies, you can wash it off, but you really should continue to gently massage your face for a short time, ensuring you dislodge any dead skin cells and dissolve impurities. Natura Bissé recommends that you then perform gentle friction maneuvers using the tips of the fingers, area by area, and always holding the skin. You don't have to perform that step (in my opinion); a gentle massage wherever you applied the product works just fine. Remove the excess product with a sponge moistened with warm water - or just wash it off as I do. It's easy to use, fast, effective - and best of all, gentle.

How does my skin look after I use Tolerance Enzyme Peel? Smooth, even-toned, pore-free, and glowing. It leaves me with a healthy, rosy glow (not red), a glow that I don't have naturally. My skin feels smooth and clean, without any dryness that might be caused by stripping the skin's moisture. It's a miracle!

I am absolutely in love with Natura Bissé's new Tolerance Enzyme Peel. It launched in February. By now, I'm sure Natura Bissé regulars will have tried it. If you haven't - for whatever reason - you must. This peel, designed for sensitive skin, will delight you, no matter what skin type you have. Can exfoliating be fun? It is now.

You can purchase Natura Bissé products at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, or you can shop at Natura Bissé's Web site (where there is currently an amazing gift with purchase). Definitely swing by the next time you see a Natura Bissé counter. Ask for a sample of Tolerance Enzyme Peel. I think you're going to love it as much as I do.

Photo courtesy of Natura Bissé

Brazilian Peel - It Works

Brazilian Peel by Advanced Home Actives ($78) is the first clinically proven, professional-strength, self-neutralizing glycolic peel for safe use at home. Brazilian Peel was recently selected for Allure magazine's best skin-care breakthrough award. It's an insider's secret you should know.

I had an opportunity (courtesy of the company) to try it, and I am delighted with the results - so much so that I shared a vial with a friend who is an aesthetician to see if my impressions could be validated by an expert. They were!

The 30% glycolic acid peel includes ethically sourced açaí (an antioxidant) to visibly and instantly brighten, smooth, firm, and tone skin. It's an affordable alternative to pricey professional peels.

I experienced its remarkable effects first-hand. Advanced Home Actives says fine lines and wrinkles will be visibly reduced after four weekly applications and a radiant, youthful complexion can be maintained with continued weekly use. I found instant firming with just one application. The Brazilian Peel should not cause redness or irritation. My skin is extremely reactive, as is my friend's skin. Neither of us experienced any adverse side effects. I think this is the perfect peel to use before a big date. It will make you look youthful and glowing.

The $78 set, four applications, provides each dose in a syringe-like tube. To use a dose, cleanse your face, neck, and décolleté, then pat your skin dry. Dispense one dual syringe into the palm of your hand to activate and mix the contents (peel and neutralizer) with two fingers until you feel a warming sensation. Apply a thin layer of product to your face, starting at the top of the forehead, working down both sides of the face and nose (don't forget your nose like I did the first time). Apply the peel to your neck and décolleté with downward strokes. Avoid getting the peel in your eyes and nostrils; remember, it has acid in it. The instant you apply it, you'll feel a comfortable warm sensation, but it disappears quickly (which is a shame). There is no discernible fragrance.

Wait 10 minutes. You may feel your skin tightening or tingling as the product works. I felt mild tingling. If you feel real discomfort at any time, rinse off the product. Otherwise, after 10 minutes, just rinse off the peel with lukewarm or cool water and apply moisturizer. Remember, fresh skin can be especially sun-sensitive, so wear sunscreen.

It wasn't easy to create a product that was strong enough to result in effective exfoliation without causing irritation or the other problems that can sometimes occur with overexposure or sensitivity to glycolic acid. It took three years of design, development, and clinical testing to roll out Brazilian Peel. With its high glycolic acid concentration, it can be used at home because the pH of the product is controlled. The glycolic activity occurs at the beginning of the treatment. Then over the 10-minute treatment time, the patented Q-Mag Mineral Neutralizer deactivates the glycolic acid, raising the pH to a level that is tolerated by the skin without irritation.

Clinical testing of the formula showed no irritation when the product was left on for 24 to 48 hrs, but who would do that? Laboratory testing (no animal testing!) of the pH of the product showed that after 10 minutes, the pH rises to the point at which the glycolic acid is no longer active. The calming ingredients have taken over, including the açaí, magnesium, and sulfur, to soothe the fresh, soft, radiant skin that was hiding just below the surface.

Don't let the name of Brazilian Peel mislead you. It has no relationship to the Brazilian Blowout (the formaldehyde-laden hair treatment). This product is good for you! I would recommend it to anyone who would like to speed along exfoliation in a gentle manner, without the damage physical exfoliators can create.

If you are interested in the impressive research results, head over to Sephora, where you can read them and purchase Brazilian Peel. You can also order from the Advanced Home Actives Web site with free shipping.

Photo courtesy of Sephora

Kiehl's Photo-Age Deep-Action Exfoliating Cleanser

Kiehl's new Photo-Age Deep-Action Exfoliating Cleanser ($22) is one of four new Photo-Age products offered by Kiehl's to un-do ultraviolet (UV) damage. The exfoliating cleanser breaks apart surface discoloration and stimulates cells to restore fresh, even-toned skin. It's a very creamy cleanser that contains gently rounded scrub grains.

Relying on their extensive pharmaceutical expertise and botanical knowledge, Kiehl’s has introduced a line called Dermatologist Solutions Photo-Age Corrector, clinically-demonstrated to powerfully reverse visible and invisible signs of UV damage. In addition to the exfoliating cleanser, there is a toner, spot treatment, and moisturizer. You can see them all at this link. All of the new products are reasonably priced - something we have come to expect from Kiehl's.

What UV damage can we see on the skin's surface? Brown spots, discolorations, dullness, blotchiness, and fine lines. Unfortunately, there is also invisible damage below the skin's surface due to past, cumulative sun exposure, This damage has not yet risen to the skin surface, but trust me, it will!

I purchased the Photo-Age Deep Action Exfoliating Cleanser. It creates a very creamy and gentle lather and did not irritate my sensitive skin at all. You have to make sure not to use it too close to your eyes, so I used my eyelid scrubs before I used the cleanser. Kiehl's new cleanser did leave me squeaky clean, which means it cleared out any dead skin cells that were present on the surface of my face, along with any oil and other "stuff" I don't want to consider. I used a heavy-duty dose of moisturizer afterwards, and I was "good to go."

With any $20 purchase at Kiehl's online, you will receive three samples. Why would you do that this week when you could visit or call Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie, mention Best Things in Beauty, and get two bags of goodies and an entry into a drawing for a $500 shopping spree?

Photo courtesy of Kiehl's

Exuviance Performance Peel AP25

You must exfoliate your skin to look your best. I try to exfoliate twice each week, although some weeks I only remember to do it once. I prefer chemical peels to physical ones. The little beads in many physical peels create micro-injuries to my face, leaving me red.

One of the reasons I haven't done a spa or physician exfoliation treatment is that I don't really want to peel. I don't want to endure 10 days of looking like I ran toward a fire. I know the results are great, but I'll take a gentler method, thanks. The gentler methods are gentler on my bank account anyhow.

The nice folks at NeoStrata sent me Exuviance Performance Peel²⁵ ($60) to try. I've been using it with great results for weeks. It's time to tell you about it. It works!

Exuviance Performance Peel²⁵ is a 25% blend of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), including glycolic acid, mandelic acid, and gluconolactone, that exfoliates dead, dull surface layers and stimulates the process of cell renewal among all skin layers to reveal fresh skin cells. Here's what Exuviance Performance Peel²⁵ could do for you.

• Refine pore size and smooth texture
• Visibly diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Improve clarity and brightness
• Brighten and even skin tone
• Provide an allover healthy glow, suppleness, and smoothness to skin

NeoStrata's clinical studies showed that 100% of users saw an improvement in fine lines and wrinkles and 94% saw more even skin tone with an improvement in radiance. What have I noted? Without a doubt, this peel diminished the size of the pores around my nose, made my skin very smooth, evened out my skin tone, and notched up my glow. I'd call that a success! I make sure to use a deep moisturizer after my treatment.

A box of Exuviance's peel provides a six-week supply of 12 treatments. There are two sealed packets that you use with every treatment: 1) The activator pad, and 2) the neutralizer pad. After cleansing your face, apply the activator pad, avoiding your eyes and lips. Let the peel sit for 10 minutes while you check e-mail, watch television, read the paper...whatever. Then use the neutralizer pad to stop the action. Rinse your face and apply moisturizer. I usually apply the peel before I shower, so the rinse becomes part of my normal routine.

The directions say to monitor your skin's response and neutralize the peel if you experience any uncomfortable stinging, burning, itching, or other nasty sensations (my words, not theirs). Even though I have very sensitive skin, I have experienced nothing extreme. I can feel the peel working. It feels a bit like someone is tickling my face with a feather. Once I shower, my skin feels firm and soft and looks firm and even. Nice!

You can purchase Exuviance Performance Peel²⁵ at NeoStrata's Web site, where you will find samples and free shipping offers. The peel and other NeoStrata products are also available at ULTA, Pure Beauty, and physician's offices. Just use the locator online to find a retail site near you.

To sum up, if you want occasional drama and are willing to endure at least 10 days of shedding skin (and possibly discomfort), go to a professional. If you want a regular, effective at-home treatment that won't give you an ugly, visible peel, but will exfoliate effectively, give Exuviance Performance Peel²⁵ a try. I'm voting for the latter; I'm a no-drama kind of gal.

Photo courtesy of NeoStrata

Sisley Botanical Gentle Facial Buffing Cream

There aren't many physical facial exfoliators I can use. Sisley makes a wonderful exception to that rule. My skin is sensitive, thin, and easily injured. At times, all you have to do is touch it to make it turn red. That's why chemical exfoliators are usually the best choice for me.

Botanical Gentle Facial Buffing Cream ($81-90) is so gentle, I could use it more often than I do. For my skin, twice a week is enough to keep the flakes at bay and leave my skin looking clear and radiant. I realize that "radiant" is one of the buzz words of the skin-care world these days, but your skin isn't going to glow if it has a layer of dead skin cells sitting on the top-most layer.

Botanical Gentle Facial Buffing Cream contains very fine polishing granules. The finer the granules, the less chance for abrasion. The granules are suspended in a rich cream containing chamomile that moisturizes and soothes as you exfoliate and matricaria, which has soothing and softening properties particularly beneficial to fragile skins. There's also kaolin clay to add a bit of firming action to minimize the appearance of your pores. Naturally, when you rid your skin of the impurities and dead skin cells at the surface, it will be more receptive to the other treatment products you use.

Apply a thin layer of Buffing Cream like a mask to your clean, dry face and throat, using circular motions and avoiding the eye contour area. Allow the Buffing Cream to dry for one minute, then remove it with gentle exfoliating movements, best in upward strokes - rolling the cream off your face. When the product no longer rolls off your face, rinse thoroughly with water. It's recommended that you use the Buffing Cream before any mask so that your skin can reap the full benefits of the mask. Or simply apply your treatment product(s) after its use. You can watch a short demonstration of the application technique at Sisley's Web site.

It's a luxurious treat to use it. It may be expensive, but it's worth every cent to me. Use Gentle Facial Buffing Cream for a few months, and you won't want to give it up. Sometimes, you can find a sample at Neiman Marcus, Saks, and select Nordstrom stores. Even if you can't sample before you buy, no matter what your skin type, odds are you'll find this exfoliator indispensable.

Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Benefit Celebrating April Fools' Day with a Treat

Benefit Cosmetics is celebrating the gags, jokes, and pranks of April Fools' Day with a honey-laden offer! Today only, with any $75 order, you will receive a "Honey Snap out of It" exfoliating facial cleanser with any $75 order. Use the code FUNNYDAY at checkout before midnight PST.

Something good will come out of today's frivolity!

Photo courtesy of Benefit

LIERAC MICRO-ABRASION

LIERAC Paris is on my short list of "most favorite" skin care product lines. I was recently given a new product, MICRO-ABRASION ($38), which I have been using for a couple of weeks. It has become my go-to exfoliator!

It's hard to wax poetic or find inspiring language to describe exfoliators. They are somewhat like utilities. You can't live without them. Exfoliators keep your skin clear and bright and banish the dead skin cells that gunk up your pores and make you look dry. If you don't use an exfoliator regularly, it's likely your skin isn't as radiant as it could be. You may even look older than you are!

Not all exfoliators are alike. There are chemical and physical exfoliators, and within each category, there are huge variations in formulation and effectiveness. Not only that, some are way more gentle on the skin than others. I have a "rough time" with many physical exfoliators, often called microdermabrasion products. Some contain large particles that tear up my sensitive skin, leaving my face looking like it had a collision with asphalt.

I'm happy to tell you that LIERAC's MICRO-ABRASION is nice and gentle. It has claimed an exclusive spot in my shower. Officially called MICRO-ABRASION Stimulating Smoothing Cream for the Face, this pro treatment contains a high concentration of tiny alumina crystals (25%) to polish the skin and urea (3%) to make the process comfortable. Both ingredients - tiny particles and lots of cream - make this a great exfoliator for all skin types, and particularly sensitive skin.

LIERAC says you will achieve instant smoothness when you use it. Naturally, it polishes off dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Additionally, by massaging it in for two minutes, you will achieve deeper cleansing to encourage re-oxygenation of your skin and prepare your skin for the skin-care treatment products you use. The result will be better toned, ideally moisturized, and glowing skin. Your pores are likely to look tightened too. Four minutes a week, and you will look better! How hard is that?

The directions say to use it once or twice a week. I have been using it twice, as directed. Naturally, I keep it away from my eyelids. My sensitive skin is happy, and so am I!

You can find MICRO-ABRASION at the LIERAC Paris Web site, CVS Healthy Skincare Stores, and online sites. Check LIERAC's Store Locator for other sources.

Photo courtesy of LIERAC

Cosmedicine Medi-morphosis Self-Adjusting Exfoliator Giveaway Contest Winner and Survey Results

Congratulations to Danielle M! Random.org selected her as the winner of Cosmedicine's Medi-morphosis Self-Adjusting Exfoliator. Danielle was notified by e-mail.

We did a little survey with the contest. The results were interesting.

• 33% of contest entrants exfoliate daily! That's once or twice a day. Wow! Many of those who exfoliate daily wrote that they have acne.
• 16% exfoliate 3-4 times/week, and another 16% exfoliate 2-3 times/week. That means 32% of you exfoliate 2-4 times/week.
• Another 16% exfoliate once/week, and 11% exfoliate less frequently than once/week.
• 6% don't exfoliate.
  

One entrant who doesn't exfoliate at all sent a reason that tickled me. "My skin doesn't like to, and since we have a strained relationship, I try not to overstep our boundaries."

There you have it! These numbers don't add up to 100% because all entrants didn't "confess" their exfoliation routines.

Exfoliation removes dead skin and dirt, keeping your skin cleaner, healthier, and glowing. How often you should exfoliate depends on many factors, including the type of exfoliator you use, your skin type, and how you skin reacts. There are no hard-and-fast rules - only guidelines. Those with oily skin can usually exfoliate more frequently than those with sensitive skin or eczema, but the type of exfoliator is critical to frequency. Try to use the most gentle product effective for your skin. Talk to your dermatologist about it. Don't injure your skin. And make sure to moisturize after you exfoliate!

Thank you for entering. We will start another giveaway contest tomorrow, so stay tuned.

Photo courtesy of Cosmedicine

Cosmedicine Medi-morphosis Self-Adjusting Exfoliator Giveaway Contest

The day after Christmas (when readers were shopping the sales or chilling out), I told you about Cosmedicine Medi-morphosis Self-Adjusting Exfoliator. Exfoliators should always be an essential part of your skin-care routine, but when the weather is cold and dry, you have to exfoliate to look your best.

If you didn't read it, check out the Best Things in Beauty post about Cosmedicine's Medi-morphosis Self-Adjusting Exfoliator. Then enter the giveaway contest by e-mailing bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com. Let me know how often you exfoliate your facial skin. My little survey!

The winner will be selected at random. The deadline for this giveaway contest will be Friday, January 8, at midnight (any time zone's midnight - doesn't matter because I'll be getting my beauty sleep by then). The contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents (addresses).

I'll be posting this contest on Free!Grechen, which you know by now is my favorite contest site. Get your entry in early so you don't forget as the week passes. Good luck!

Photo courtesy of Cosmedicine

Cosmedicine's Medi-morphosis Self-Adjusting Exfoliator

"Oh the weather outside is frightful..."

The weather we have had in the Mid-Atlantic will do a number on anyone's skin, but it's been especially harsh for us dry, sensitive types. This is the time of year when exfoliation should be an essential part of everyone's routine. It's not enough to slather on serums and creams. We need to exfoliate to keep the flakes at bay and keep our skin looking and feeling good.

Cosmedicine's Medi-morphosis is a deep-pore exfoliator with "stop-action crystals" that are supposed to dissolve when they hit healthy skin, customizing their action. More on that below. Cosmedicine promises zero irritation, based on test results with 217 participants, and recommends Medi-morphosis for even the most sensitive skin.

I like Cosmedicine products, so I purchased Medi-morphosis a few months ago, and I have used it twice a week for the last two weeks. I am wary of physical exfoliators - many are so harsh. I can recommend this one. I have been very pleased with the results.

Here are the features and benefits Cosmedicine attributes to Medi-morphosis.

• Refines pores - a 12% immediate reduction in pore size
  
• Accelerates the release of cellular debris, roughness, dullness, and skin damage
• Eliminates potential for overdoing - the exfoliation process automatically stops when the dry skin cells have been sloughed off
• Leaves skin smoother, brighter, more luminous, and never over-exfoliated
• Helps erase the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Helps fade pigmentation and age spots

The key ingredients are witch hazel, a natural toner with potent antioxidant and anti-irritant properties; sodium dehydroacetate, made from organic salt and used to fight bacteria and fungi on the skin; and silica, a special form of crystal derived from sea algae.

The "smart crystals" are said to be only strong enough to slough away flaky, dead skin, and they are supposed to immediately break down when they come into contact with strong, healthy skin.

Here's how you should apply it.

• Massage a quarter-size amount of product over wet or dry face after cleansing (use larger amount if using on dry skin) until all the exfoliants dissolve and you no longer feel crystals.
• Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
• Do not use on active breakouts.
• May be used on lips, decollete, the back of your hand - anywhere except your eyelids.
• Use twice or three times a week.

I like it. It does a great job of exfoliation, and my skin has absolutely no redness or other signs of irritation after I use it. I'm a little concerned, though, at the message that I don't have strong, healthy skin! I apply Medi-morphosis on wet skin in the shower and massage gently as long as I think my skin can take it (about a minute and a half). It does feel "sandy." The crystals do not dissolve completely, but I stop anyhow. I haven't been brave enough to continue (I know my skin), and, honestly, I don't have more time to give it. No matter! It works. My skin is nicely exfoliated after I use it, and my glow returns.

I know the products I use to protect my skin absorb better after I've removed that layer of dead skin cells. That's why exfoliation is essential all of the time, but even more important in the cold, dry winter air. You must have a base of healthy skin cells for optimal performance from your skin care products and makeup.

You can see a sales video about Medi-morphosis at this link. It's worth watching if you are interested in learning more or thinking about trying it.

Medi-morphosis is not a new product, so it's available at many sources. Here are just a few in different sizes: Sephora ($15 for 1.5 oz), Cosmedicine or Beauty.com ($38 for 3.4 oz), and DermStore ($42 for 4.2 oz).

Photo courtesy of Cosmedicine

Best Drugstore Beauty: L'Oreal Go 360 Clean Facial Cleanser with Scrublet

What a catchy idea! L'Oreal's new Go 360 Clean Facial Cleanser with Scrublet ($5.98 to 6.99) is a deep facial cleanser that has its own little scubbing pad that pops right into the front of the container - you won't misplace the little devil! This product should appeal to women and men.

The Scrublet is a super-soft, flexible cleansing disc that applies the cleanser with 500 extra-supple touch points that gently glide across the skin, activating the cleanser formula on contact, creating a high-foaming lather. This rich lather gives the pores a good workout, unclogging them, and gently removes traces of everything that doesn't belong there - oil, dirt, and makeup. L'Oreal says the new cleanser is clinically proven to clean better than traditional cleansers, resulting in more beautiful skin.

• Smaller pores: Go 360 Clean shrinks the appearance of pore size and refinishes the skins surface to reveal skin with more clarity.
• Deeper cleansing: Unique formulas reach down deeper to every last pore.
• Softer skin: Sweeps away dead skin cells for an extraordinary softening and smoothing effect.
• Easy to use: The Scrublet is fuss-free.

There are formulas available for every skin type. The Deep Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin (my choice) is a soap-free lotion that treats sensitive skin with extra-gentle care. The fragrance-free formula features glycerin and shea butter to condition skin while gently and effectively cleansing.

The Deep Facial Lotion Cleanser and Deep Cream Cleanser, both oil-free, have notes of naranji, orange flower, and mint for a refreshing fragrance and feel on skin. The formulas help reduce oily areas, dry skin patches, and blemishes with their deep cleaning, pore-by-pore action.

The Deep Exfoliating Scrub is a gentle, but effective scrub that exfoliates skin with natural apricot seed powder and salicylic acid to reveal perfectly clean, smoother skin. With a fruity apricot fragrance, this exfoliating scrub is gentle enough for daily use.

This is the perfect time of year to introduce scrubs that remove dead skin cells, which make you look and feel dry. The Go 360 Clean Facial Cleansers are pretty cool and deserving of the "Best Drugstore Beauty" label.

You can purchase these right now at CVS and Walgreens. By January, you should be able to buy them at all stores carrying L'Oreal products.

Photo courtesy of CVS

Best Drugstore Beauty: St. Ives Facial Exfoliators

St. Ives, a drugstore staple, is famous for its Apricot Body Scrub. The company also makes facial exfoliators, and at least two are top-notch. Timeless Skin Daily Microdermabrasion ($7.99 suggested retail) will exfoliate all but the most sensitive skin gently and effectively. Fresh Skin Moisturizing Olive Scrub ($7.99 suggested retail), is a bit more moisturizing.

St. Ives advertises that both products are gentle enough for daily use, and someone who suffers from oily or combo skin or frequent blemishes might want to try using one of these every day or every other day. If you have sensitive skin, once or twice a week should be just fine (and massage in gently!).

Timeless Skin Daily Microdermabrasion is formulated with fine mineral crystals to scrub and lots of ingredients to soothe, including chamomile, vitamin E, glycerin, and jojoba esters. Olive oil sets The Fresh Skin Moisturizing Olive Scrub apart from its sister scrub. Otherwise, the ingredients are fairly similar.

To use either, just moisten your face with water and apply the product with your fingertips, massaging gently over your entire face. The mineral crystals can be rough if you massage too vigorously. Definitely keep it out of your eyes.

I think I bought mine at CVS, but you can find St. Ives products at many drugstores and supermarkets - also at Wal-Mart and Target. You can also buy St. Ives online at Drugstore.com and Amazon. I found the best price today at Drugstore.com.

The company's commitment to nature is serious, and I like that.

• No parabens or phthlates
• Natural ingredients: exfoliants, extracts, moisturizers, and vitamins
  
• Never tested products on animals and no animal ingredients
  
• Sourced from environmentally sustainable vendors
• Eco-friendly packaging
• Customers are encouraged to recycle empty containers

All this for less than $8!

Photos courtesy of St. Ives

Best Drugstore Beauty: Vichy's Exfoliating Cream

Vichy makes a fabulous Exfoliating Cream ($16) for dry and sensitive skin. It's labeled for all skin types, but if you have dry and/or sensitive skin, it's a good one to try.

What's in a name? I bought this product about six months ago, and it was called Purifying Exfoliating Cream. Now it appears to have another name in the United States: Detoxifying Exfoliating Cream. I have compared the ingredient lists of the two, and they are the same. Buy whichever you find. Update 10/24: Detoxifying is the old name. The new name is Purifying! Kathy Shoreman at CVS cleared that up for me!

This is an extremely gentle physical exfoliator. It's loaded with good stuff for your skin, including Vitamin E, shea butter, soybean oil, and Vichy's Thermal Spa Water, which is rich with mineral salts and oligo elements. The little exfoliating beads are jojoba pearls, said to be perfectly round so that they won't produce what I call micro-tears in the skin. It's hypoallergenic, alcohol-free, soap-free, and colorant-free.

The minute you apply this cream, you'll notice its rich, creamy feel. I can't use many physical exfoliators because my skin is so sensitive, but this one has never irritated my skin - not a trace of redness after using it. I wet my face, lightly massage it in using circular movements for about a minute, and then thoroughly rinse it off. It leaves me with smooth, clear, and radiant skin.

The container is small (2.5 ounces), but a little of this luxurious cream exfoliator goes a long way. I think this product is a little treat, and I love the fact that I can get it at CVS.

You can find Vichy's Exfoliating Cream at CVS, Vichy's Web site, and other stores that carry Vichy products.

Photo courtesy of CVS

Do You Have a Favorite Facial Exfoliator?

On weekends, when I have a little extra time, I remember to exfoliate. There are two basic types of exfoliators: chemical and physical. The physical ones usually have some kind of micro-beads that polish off dead skin cells. The chemical ones do their work by reacting with the upper layer of the skin, weakening the binding properties of the lipids that hold dead skin cells together. This allows the outer skin to "dissolve," revealing the underlying healthy skin.

So, what's the point? Dead skin cells cling to our skin, and they make us look and feel dry, flaky, and dull. In order to renew and refresh our skin, we have to exfoliate. Sure, skin exfoliates over time without any help, but not fast enough!

There are only a few physical exfoliators that I can use, given my "reactive skin." Most of them are way too rough, no matter how little pressure I use when applying. I have successfully used My Blend Skin Polishing Cleanser ($70), a nice, although pricey, gel-based product that cleans as you exfoliate. It's gentle and non-drying, and I can use it a few times/week. I like the two-for quality of using it. My Blend products are a bit "obscure." I was introduced to them at Saks, and the only one of the My Blend products I tried that really grabbed me was this exfoliating cleanser. I would purchase it again.

My skin likes the glycolic acid exfoliators best. These are the basis for chemical peels administered in high concentrations by physicians. Glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane and is one of the most powerful and penetratable alpha hydroxy acids. We can purchase glycolic acid products in many brands at lower, safer concentrations than are used for in-office procedures.

I have used the 20% Natura Bisse Glyco Peeling 25% Pump (there is a 50% pump available too, but at an even higher price), and Glycoderma Revitalizing Facial Cream (25%) - the latter meant to be used as a leave-on cream, but I use it as a treatment.

There are also many moisturizers with glycolic acid. You leave these on, as opposed to the treatment products above. M.D. Forte Facial Cream I (15%) and Alpha Hydrox Enhanced Cream (10%) both work well. However, I prefer a treatment product I can use for 20-30 minutes and then wash off.

These exfoliators represent a wide variety of price points - from the $10.99 to $130. I'd recommend starting with the least expensive one you can find.

Watch out for salicylic acid in chemical exfoliators if you have sensitive skin. It burns my skin. I stay away from all products with this ingredient. I think it's good for younger, particularly acne-prone or oily skin.

I'm always looking for a newer, better exfoliator, so please send recommendations in the comments.

Photo courtesy of Saks.