This time, I’m shaking things up.
Instead of asking for my usual glycolic acid peel, I went for the new NeoStrata ProSystem Retinol Peel. It’s the newest treatment offered at Eudelo and a must for all fans of retinol.
Because, if the 0.25% retinol in your serums works wonders already, can you imagine what a professional dose can do?
What’s The NeoStrata ProSystem Retinol Peel?
NeoStrata ProSystem Retinol Peel is an advanced facial peel that contains a whopping 3% retinol plus a specially developed Retinol Boosting ComplexTM to reduce wrinkles and blemishes, firm skin, and brighten the complexion.
The key ingredients are:
- 3% Retinol: A form of Vitamin A that fights free radicals, boosts collagen production and speeds up cellular turnover (the skin’s natural exfoliating process)
- NeoCitrate®: An ingredient patented by NeoStrata that’s said to boost hylauronic acid and collagen production and plump skin
- Amino ll®: A patented amino acid derivative that boosts collagen and hyaluronic acid to plump skin and smooth lines and wrinkles.
Related: The Complete Guide To Retinol: What It Is, What It Does, And How To Use It
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Before The NeoStrata ProSystem Retinol Peel
I love going to the Eudelo clinic in Vauxhall. It’s a charming little place that reminds me more of a hip hotel in East London than a sterile dermatologic clinic.
The waiting room is decorated with sleek sofas and coffee tables decked with books on skincare, architecture and wellness. There’s also an open-kitchen area stocked with more herbal infusions than I’ve ever seen in my life.
After waiting for a few minutes, I was ushered into the treatment room. A few routine questions later, I was asked if I’d like to have a Visia scan to assess the state of my skin.
If you’re not familiar with a Visia scan, it’s a clever little machine that takes a few pictures of your face and then tells you how sun damaged your skin is, how large your pores are, what areas of your face are the most problematic… Basically, it can figure out all your skin woes so that the therapist can find the best treatment for you.
My Visia scan was pretty good. I just have a little sun damage from all those summer spent in Italy without sunscreen (hey, back then everyone thought sunscreen was only for the beach… I know, I know…) and some congested pores on my nose.
The Nostrata ProSystem Retinol Peel helps with both.
The NeoStrata ProSystem Retinol Peel: The Treatment
The NeoStrata ProSystem Retinol Peel was the shortest skincare treatment I’ve ever had.
Usually, I have chemical peels as part of facials. This time, the peel was a standalone treatment. I lied down on the bed as the doctor applied vaseline around my nostrils and eyes to protect them and then proceeded to paint the peel all over my face.
Five minutes later, my skin was showing no signs of irritation. No tingling. No stinging. No nothing. So the doctor went in with the second layer. This felt very comfortable too.
My skin is pretty tough and can take pretty much anything. If yours is more sensitive than mine, just stop at that one first layer. Please.
The whole process didn’t take more than a few minutes. Then, I was given small samples of serums and moisturisers to use for the following days.
I could go home now.
After The NeoStrata ProSystem Retinol Peel
Usually, a peel is applied and removed at the doctor’s office. Not this time. NeoStrata ProSystem Retinol Peel needs to stay on the skin for 8 hours (4 if your skin is sensitive). Only then you can rinse it off.
I spent those eight hours at home with the windows shut to avoid sunlight (not good when you have retinol on your face and can’t put sunscreen on – I was told to put sunscreen on only after rinsing off the peel).
Try to avoid close contacts with loved ones too. I had warned Mr BWB not to come too close to me but he’s a cuddler. Two days later, his right cheek was peeling too. lol
For the first couple of days, nothing happens. It’s only on the third day that your skin starts to peel. Only a little bit at first. The fourth and fifth days were the worst. My skin was peeling so much, I had little balls of dead skin cells all over my face.
My skin looked a bit red and felt a little tight but it wasn’t painful or anything. Just a tad embarrassing. I’m lucky I work from home most of the time so I didn’t have to go out like that.
The worst part is that you can’t pick or pull at the skin to help it shed. You have to wait for it to shed on its own or you can get scars. 🙁 What you can do, though, is wash your face with a muslin cloth to remove all the little balls of dead skin cells from your face.
The worst part is that you can’t pick or pull at the skin to help it shed. You have to wait for it to shed on its own or you can get scars. 🙁 What you can do, though, is wash your face with a muslin cloth to remove all the little balls of dead skin cells from your face.
A FEW TIPS FROM EUDELO
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF30-50 and avoid direct sunlight for 2-4 weeks
- Use a non-oily moisturiser like La Roche Posay’s Toleriane Fluid (not Ultra Fluid!) 2 or 3 times
- Do not have any other facial treatment for at least 1-2 weeks after your peel
- Resume regular use of Vitamin A products, AHAs and / or bleaching products ONLY after the peeling has stopped.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, pools, sauna and steam rooms until after the peeling has stopped.
NeoStrata ProSystem Retinol Peel: The Results
I swear my skin had never looked better after a peel. It basically removed the entire superficial layer of dead cells on my skin, exposing the newer one underneath.
My skin now was as soft as a baby. It had a luminous glow. And the congested pores on my nose looked a lot smaller too. That’s the first thing I noticed actually!
I feel like one session was good enough for me because I don’t have any serious imperfections yet. But to get the most out of the treatment, you should consider completing all the recommended four. They cost £275 each.
I know it’s a big investment. But if you’ve got fine lines and wrinkles or acne but are not ready to go for more advanced, invasive procedures yet, the NeoStrata ProSystem Retinol Peel can help.
I know I’ll have another one next year. I don’t want to have peels too often as I don’t strictly need it yet but I definitely prefer this to my usual glycol acid peels. There was more “downtime” but the results were more impressive too. 🙂
Hi Gio, great blog. I had my second retinol peel last week (I had one last year too). My skin is sensitive so i kept it on for 4-5 hours. I love the results! The process of peeling is not the nicest but the end result is worth it! My skin is glowing and smooth. i hardly wear any make up! I don’t need it any more! I would recommend it to anyone. I’ve taken my partner with me and he is going through the process as we speak 🙂
Izabela, thanks for sharing your experience. I agree, the peeling process itself can hit your confidence a little but is so so worth. Your skin looks so much better afterwards. 🙂
One of the best ways of being able to go out after a retinol peel is to use neostrata targeted treat emend spf50 tinted moisturiser, I always use it. I have had 5 retinol peels (alongside 6 glycolic peels and 1 TCA) I only ever use neostrata or skin tech. Best products and peels by far.
Kate, thanks for sharing your recommendation. I’ll definitely try it next time I go for a peel. 🙂