Spa at Home: Ole Henriksen Micro/Mini Peel System

I love going to the spa.  I love the calming atmosphere, the soothing music, even the enchanting smells.  I just love the whole experience.  Unfortunately, going to the spa can get a bit pricey, so I am always looking for ways to bring that experience home with products that I can use over and over again for the fraction of the cost of one spa treatment.

One such product I recently discovered is the Ole Henriksen Micro/Mini Peel System.  I haven’t been to the spa or an aesthetician for a facial since 2009.  I see my dermatologist regularly and I do my own facials, without extractions, at home. 

The Ole Henriksen peel is a spa-grade, three-step, indulgent process that I can complete in the comfort of my bathroom.

It gets the skin seriously smooth, as well as enhances and renews the skin texture, even after one treatment.

I purchased the introductory peel, which included:

·         Almond polish .5 oz / 15 g

·         Lemon strip .5 oz / 15 g

·         Chamomile comfort .5 oz / 15 g

·         Two natural complexion sponges

·         Measuring spoon

After putting my little guy to bed, I closed my bathroom door (a.k.a. my beauty sanctuary), put on some music and cracked open the peel.  The three step process is a little time consuming, but it allowed me time to finish a heap of September issues along the way.

To start, I cleansed my skin with Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple face wash.  I wanted to use something gentle and soothing before applying the more potent peel.

The first step was the Almond Polish, which includes almond paste, oat kernel flour, bamboo stem powder, honey and orange peel.  This step is intended to exfoliate away debris and dullness.

Using the spoon, I scooped out a small amount, transferred it to my wet hands and using light, upward, circular motions, massaged it into my damp skin for 1-2 minutes, then rinsed it off using warm water and the cool discs that expand to full size complexion sponges when wet.

 

The next step is the Lemon Strip, which firms, softens and refines pores with a blend of lactic and glycolic acid, orange and lemon extract, algae extract, licorice and Vitamin E. 

Using the spatula, I scooped out a small amount and smoothed it all over my face, neck and under the eye (careful not to get any in my actual eye or tear ducts). 

No need to massage this step in.  I left it on for 3 minutes before proceeding to the third step.  The Lemon Strip is not rinsed off.

The last step is the soothing Chamomile Comfort.  This final step moisturizes and calms the skin with chamomile flower extract, bisabolol, borage seed oil, evening primrose oil, azulene and jojoba seed oil.

It is applied directly over the Lemon Strip and left on for 15-20 minutes, then rinsed well using warm water and the complexion sponges.

After completing the Micro/Mini Peel, I massaged on a small bit of Josie Maran 100% Argan Oil, which is AH-MAY-ZING by the way, to moisturize.

My skin felt clean, nourished and decadently pampered, all without leaving the house.  This product is definitely a great way to spa at home.

The Ole Henriksen Micro/Mini Peel retails for $95 for the full size and $45 for the introductory size and is available at olehenriksen.com.  Used once a week, the full size peel yields eight to 10 treatments.

Kiki

Special Delivery: Philosophy the Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash

As the temperatures heat up, my makeup routine usually gets much lighter – some under-eye concealer, a little spot cover up, highlighter or bronzer, 2 coats of mascara and a swipe of lip gloss.  Most days I tend to go bare faced with a little lip balm.

With a bare bones routine like this, clear skin is a must.  To aid in my clear skin quest, I step up my exfoliation game a few notches.

Currently, I am loving Philosophy’s The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash.  This facial cleanser offers a quick, mild microdermabrasion session in 30 seconds.  I like to use it in the shower so the heat can open up my pores and allow this wash to whisk away dirt, oil and impurities.

This exfoliating wash resurfaces and polishes skin, leaving behind a clean, glowing complexion and it is gentle enough for everyday use. 

It has improved my skin tone and lightened stubborn discolorations, buffed out rough, dry spots and brightened dullness. 

This is seriously one of my favorite cleansers.  It’s sulfate-free, antioxidant rich and safe for all skin types.

The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash (from $8 - $60) is available at Philosophy and Sephora.