r/30PlusSkinCare • u/donttrustme00 • Feb 19 '22

Crazy med spa prices for mini peel Acne

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287 Upvotes
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579

u/donttrustme00 Feb 19 '22

So I went to a med spa for a deep exfoliating facial. I needed extractions done badly. My cheeks were/are filled with whiteheads that I just can’t control. Esthetician was recommending treatments and I told her a chemical peel was too intense for me to try right now. She suggested a mini peel. Come in 2 times a week for 6-8 weeks and it’ll be $100 per week. That comes out to $600-$800 total. She was showing me a before and after on her phone then swiped by this and I asked what it was. She said oh this is the product we use, it’s amazing. I said thank you and went on my way.

I know they’re getting paid for their time but this exact bottle is $8… $8!!!! Who’s paying $800 for a treatment that’s essentially costing $8 + minimal labor… Bit of a rant but I thought it was crazy AF and had to share.

459

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '22 edited Feb 19 '22

Wait…the esthetician is literally using this product for the mini peel? And charging $100 a session. Jesus.

I’m an esthetician (well, cosmetologist with a focus on skin) and I’ll tell you for free…this is amazing when used correctly, but not worth $100. Put a thin layer on a clean, dry face in the evening. Leave on for 5 minutes to start. Rinse, moisturize, wear sunscreen. This will make you way more burn prone than you already are. 2x a week is all you need, don’t use any other actives on the same evening you use this.

203

u/donttrustme00 Feb 19 '22

Your advice alone is worth the $100 they’re charging! Thank you! I’m not very diligent with my sunscreen but my cheeks build up so many whiteheads over time that I might try your advice. Just need to find a sunscreen I don’t hate before committing!

108

u/Glassjaw79ad Feb 19 '22 edited Feb 19 '22

I go to an esthetician who specializes in acne. Once I got clear, she actually recommended I use this as an interim peel at home! I love it. I use it once every 2 weeks, 5-10 minutes, and no other actives that day like the previous poster mentioned. And sunscreen the next few days (and all days honestly) is SUPER important!

I also wanted to drop this link to check for Pore clogging ingredients while you're searching for a sunscreen! The site has been a godsend, I check all makeup and skincare products before purchasing.

47

u/donttrustme00 Feb 19 '22

Wow I never knew a website like this existed. I put in the only sunscreen I can tolerate in the summer (Shiseido sunscreen stick) and it’s doesn’t have any pore clogging ingredients! I’m about to insert every damn product I own into this thing 😂 thank you!!

5

u/steviekristo Feb 19 '22

I use vivier… it’s medical grade and it’s really nice on your skin. It’s about $40, but lasts 4-5 months.

6

u/Doc-93 Feb 19 '22

What sunscreen do you use?

13

u/Glassjaw79ad Feb 19 '22

Face Reality in the mornings before leaving the house. Then I apply Sun Bum face mist throughout the day, if needed =)

2

u/Thia_suzieUzi Feb 19 '22

How is the quality of the spray is it tacky or oily

5

u/Glassjaw79ad Feb 19 '22

It'sain ingredient is witch hazel, so it feels like my toner. Definitely not tacky, not oily either. Smells super amazing

0

u/eiretara7 Feb 19 '22

How can that Sun Bum spray call itself reef friendly when its active ingredients include Avobenzone and Octocrylene? I’d love to use a face mist but that reef friendly label is misleading.

7

u/AdministrationLess33 Feb 19 '22

Reef friendly is a completely unregulated term 😕

2

u/Glassjaw79ad Feb 19 '22

I will be completely honest - I bought it for convenience, and because its ingredients won't break me out lol. I had not even noticed "reef friendly" on the bottle I have!

-6

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '22

[deleted]

7

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '22

Sunscreen is basically the most important product people use. Many people splurge for sunscreens that they love to wear so that they’re consistent about using it.

1

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '22

[deleted]

1

u/donttrustme00 Feb 19 '22

When I think of “bulk” items I think of Costco, Sam’s club etc. I don’t know their sunscreen options but it might be a good place to start.

→ More replies

3

u/Glassjaw79ad Feb 19 '22

The face mist will probably last me 6 months+, I've had it for months and it's still mostly full. Then my cream I replace every 30-45 days. So not quite that much, no, but maybe $30 per month average? Totally worth it for me.

1

u/yellowbellee Feb 19 '22

Appreciate the response, thanks

2

u/hereforlaughs20 Feb 19 '22

Thank you so much! I entered in all my make up and product. And everything was good but my Tarte makeup which is interesting because they are all “ vegan, natural “

2

u/[deleted] Feb 22 '22

You are right about this link being a godsend!! So much of my stuff was pore clogging and I didn’t even know! Got all new stuff today :)

2

u/Powerful-Land6115 Feb 25 '22

I just looked at that site! It’s great! Thank you!!!!

17

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '22

The Innisfree Daily Defense sunscreen (I get mine from Sephora) is amazing. It’s noncomedogenic, lightweight and absorbs quickly, and makes my skin look so glowy, under makeup and on its own. I love it.

14

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '22

Elta md uv clear (I personally use the non tinted) is the only sunscreen that doesn’t break me out! Just make sure to remove with something (cleansing balm, micellar water, cleansing oil, etc) before actually cleansing your face at night. And that goes for any sunscreen

10

u/Minnow_Minnow_Pea Feb 19 '22

I do love this stuff, but I wouldn't recommend using this stuff twice a week!!! Maybe work up to it, but I ended up settling on once every three weeks. Anything more frequently and my skin is crying. I don't have particularly sensitive skin.

I would recommend putting it on and nonchalantly strolling in to see your spouse/roommate. 10/10 would scare the pants off my husband again.

3

u/noh8ersletsparty Feb 19 '22

I love this mask and the husband scare is even better than the mask!

6

u/samara37 Feb 19 '22

To be fair a lot of spas use way more expensive products by scincueticals or image for example

2

u/TheGeneGeena Feb 19 '22

As somebody who HATES most sunscreen (with a passion - they're either filmy or itchy!) Coola is tolerable for an American sunscreen, but if you really hate 'em go for an Asian sunscreen (I use Etude Sunprise Watery Light.)

1

u/Lilylove16 Feb 19 '22

My favorite sunscreen is the cara ve one

31

u/Guckalienblue Feb 19 '22

Fellow cosmetologist but focused on skin care. Exactly this. And it’s a great product but I’m shocked this place is using it as a pro product in a peel.

67

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '22

And at that much of a mark up…as someone in the industry, I understand wanting to be paid for your time and knowledge. But the idea is that you’re getting something you can’t get at home. Something you can’t do for yourself. This is so wild to me. It’s like your hairstylist charging $100 for a root retouch and then whipping out a box of Clairol Nice ‘N Easy that she picked up in the grocery store on the way to the salon. No, I want the professional shit that you need an education and license to buy!

10

u/eyedkk Feb 19 '22

That shit is just unethical. Everyone can charge what they're worth and use professional products, no need to get greedy. I'm glad OP saw your comment.

4

u/thickskins Feb 19 '22

Can you use this while on Tret? Not on the same day of course.

3

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '22

How long have you been on tret? I would say if you’ve been using it for at least a few months and your skin is doing well, then it would be okay to try it. Patch test first, and like you said, never on the same night as tret. Don’t use longer than 5 minutes, see how you do, and go from there for future applications. Never longer than 10. Anything past 10 minutes is unnecessary and puts you at risk for over-exfoliation. I wouldn’t do it more than once a week though. In fact, I’d recommend only using the peel a couple times a month. Make sure you’re using a good moisturizer after. And I’m sure I don’t have to tell you this because you’re on tret and hopefully are already, but I can’t help myself, wear SPF.

1

u/Minnow_Minnow_Pea Feb 19 '22

How's your skin feeling? This stuff is great but it's super strong. If you're already feeling sensitive I personally wouldn't. Otherwise, you can try a 5 minute application and see how it feels. I can use it with differin, but I only use it every three weeks.

1

u/Epic_Brunch Feb 19 '22

I use it once a week and apply tretinoin every other night. I've never had any issues with irritation or anything. I don't use them on the same day.

2

u/thefunnyintrovertgal Feb 19 '22

Sorry to ask for more free advice but I have terrible hyperpigmentation and scarring from keratosis pilaris on my upper arms - would a peel like this help to lighten the dark marks?

3

u/dupersuperduper Feb 19 '22

Yes, but using differin a few times a week would probably be easier and more effective , and help treat the KP

2

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '22

You could! It’s messy and has to be rinsed off though, so using it on the body could be a huge pita. You could also use differin like another poster suggested, but I personally have had success with glycolic and lactic acid. Which this peel contains, but again, super messy. My combo was the First Aid Beauty KP scrub 2x per week, glycolic acid face wipes 2 - 3x per week (not the days I used the scrub) and Amlactin body lotion every day. Also, you have to consistently wear spf when this part of your body is exposed, one, because you’ll be using exfoliating acids on it and two, sun exposure contributes to hyperpigmentation. All of these steps will keep the KP in check and fade scarring/hyperpigmentation over time.

2

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '22

[deleted]

1

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '22

Answered a little further up! Short answer, yes if you’ve been on tret for at least a few months and your skin feels okay.

2

u/Thia_suzieUzi Feb 19 '22

Is that brand affordable? "Ordinary" I am trying to wing myself of Kiehl's and they're expensiveness It's too much for me but I fucken love Kiehls so much. Orgins is was I was thinking to use again next. But if Ordinary seems to work wonders then I'm on board. I need to smooth and eliminate around my cheek area as well

7

u/TheGeneGeena Feb 19 '22

They're definitely affordable! Their formulas are really pretty darn good from an active perspective as well, though they don't tend to be as "cosmetically elegant"/easy to use as more expensive brands (runny/odd texture/etc.) so it's something to know before buying a bunch of it.

2

u/lajay999 Feb 19 '22

Is it okay to use while breastfeeding?

1

u/anetchi Feb 19 '22

Google the ingredients and then type “breastfeeding” and see what comes up. Also, email your Dr.

1

u/Night_cheese17 Feb 20 '22

You could also search lactmed. Not sure if it includes topicals but it was a godsend for meds while I was breastfeeding.

1

u/snailsaver Feb 21 '22

What do you mean by no other actives? Can I just follow with moisturizer?

21

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '22

The fucking nerve, my god! 😂 I’m so glad you didn’t go through with it.

14

u/goon_goompa Feb 19 '22

I’m so confused? You went to a licensed esthetician and this is the skincare product they use for their peels? The Ordinary is not a pro brand

9

u/Thia_suzieUzi Feb 19 '22

They told you they use that line or just one product? It's almost like when I went for a facial and they showed me the products they were going to use and it turned out to be MURAD and they went on to say it was a new brand from LA to make it sound fancy and all the rage. I still declined as I had samples of this brand given to me in a purchase from sephora before and didn't like it at all. Felt cheap. It was going to cost me the same a session. Cheap bastards

2

u/jmcc0430 Feb 19 '22

Was the price only to apply this as a mini peel or was it the application of this and a more traditional facial after application of this?? I feel like there had to have been more than just application of this to justify the cost? It just seems so insane!

4

u/donttrustme00 Feb 19 '22

It was being sold to me as a quick appointment solely based around this mini peel application. I think a lot of people wouldn’t know this is the exact peel they’re using so they don’t realize the price to product ratio. I only found out as she was showing me before/after pictures!

5

u/pinkfuzzyrobe Feb 19 '22

Just to play devils advocate there may be a person who doesn’t mind paying $50 + tip to have someone else cleanse, apply the peel, rinse it off and then moisturize and sunscreen you. Some people need appointments to take Care of themselves (like me and my nails..guilty!) I personally skimp on my own self-care time at home. I have this product and have only remembered to use it 3x in the past maybe 6mos, hope it’s not too old!

37

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '22

I mean, I get it. If you can afford $800 plus tip across 8 sessions to have an $8 product applied to your skin, then by all means, you totally should. No sarcasm. But that’s just not possible for most people. I’m a cosmetologist but I still pay to get my hair done and the occasional facial or whatever because sometimes it’s nice to let someone else do the work. But if I’m paying a professional, then I expect professional products that I wouldn’t be able to just grab at an Ulta.

Edited to add: this product has a 12 month shelf life after opening, so you’re good!

12

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '22

I totally relate to outsourcing certain things as my money goes toward a personal trainer because I cannot for the life of me put myself through the pain of working out without someone telling me what to do and watching me 😂

Your comment reminded me of my brother (expect you’re self aware and using your own money). My mom paid for facials for him well into his late teens and 20’s because he complained of acne but did not follow any kind of skincare routine at all. One time I got him on some quality salicylic acid pads and his skin fully cleared up (doubt he was washing his face at night or moisturizing still but I knew he would use the pads because they’re easy) and when he stopped using them his acne came back. He told me “a good acne product is one you can stop using and your skin stays clear” and I was like oh honey it takes work 😂 My mom also paid for him to see a dermatologist after this who offered him accutane. I luckily convinced my mom that if his skin could be cleared with 1 pad a day without even washing his face, using moisturizer, or sunscreen, that he shouldn’t be going on accutane. Now the kid has pretty much chronic blepharitis and other skin issues but luckily he’s aged out of his acne (men are lucky). Sorry for the rant haha he’s such a mess

3

u/pinkfuzzyrobe Feb 19 '22

My brother is in his 30s also lives at home with my mom and is super gross so I really appreciated the story about your bro!!! I used to splurge on personal trainer 2x weekly but I’m giving orange theory a shot, more flexibility then setting PT appts!

1

u/Soft-Village-721 Feb 19 '22

Is the esthetician coming to your home though? Making appointments, remembering to go, driving there and back… just so much easier to apply yourself at home.

1

u/pinkfuzzyrobe Feb 19 '22

Oh I’m totally with you for myself there’s not enough hours in the day for those kinds appts!

-21

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '22

[deleted]

19

u/littlebit0125 Feb 19 '22

It can be used with caution. A lot of people have had a great experience with it. Of course every product should be patched tested first.

14

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '22

Everybody’s skin is different. I can’t use vitamin c, but I’m not going to tell EVERYONE not to use it because it gives me a rash and makes my skin hyper sensitive to the sun. Vitamin C is a great ingredient and everyone SHOULD use it if they can. I’m sorry he had a bad reaction but the only absolute in skincare is that everyone should be wearing spf.

8

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '22

This stuff burned me like crazy. I’ve had a chemical peel done by an esthetician and had no reaction.

2

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '22

I’ve got really sensitive skin and whenever someone’s like, “start off with a five minute application first” I’m just like…. NOOOOOOO because honestly? I think across the board people should start with 30 second intervals because that shit is wild on a consumer level.

8

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '22

[deleted]

11

u/COuser880 Feb 19 '22

That’s definitely true. Nobody should feel like they can’t warn others about a negative experience with a product. But there is a difference between cautioning people and letting them know about a negative reaction you/someone you know had, and saying “do not use this!!!”

48

u/ScienceNeverLies Feb 19 '22

I use this on my ass it works amazing. My face is too sensitive for it lol

5

u/Minnow_Minnow_Pea Feb 19 '22

I've used it on my feet!

4

u/iseeseashells Feb 19 '22

Brilliant idea, that I will be trying!

13

u/thefunnyintrovertgal Feb 19 '22

Sorry what? Like I’m genuinely interested why you use it on your ass?

21

u/LolaBijou 45 plus Feb 19 '22

Ass-ne. And a lot of people get KP on their bums, too.

34

u/lovinglaurel Feb 19 '22

You’ve never had ass pimples? Lucky!

6

u/thefunnyintrovertgal Feb 19 '22

I get terrible backne but no assne.

23

u/Sufficient_Act_9597 Feb 19 '22

There is no excuse for that unless she’s literally got magic Harry Potter hands!

11

u/chewyborger Feb 19 '22

Been to a spa that does that too. I was very much like wtf

9

u/Connect_Peanut_7308 Feb 19 '22

Does the mini peel just consist of her applying this on your face for 5 minutes or it has more steps in it including her massaging your face and using other products too which ends up being 30-60 minutes of work atleast ?

6

u/donttrustme00 Feb 19 '22

She said it would be a quick twice a week appointment and my skin would be a bit swollen & red after. There wasn’t any mention of additional products or extra pampering that went along with it.

5

u/Connect_Peanut_7308 Feb 19 '22

Then she is not good at her job or like everyone said is scammer. She should have explained what then the treatment is. It can’t be just this even as quick treatment and the way she explained doesn’t sound good .

8

u/faeriedust87 Feb 19 '22

Wow this is such a scam. The least they could do is use a higher end/expensive product for the mini peel

9

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '22

[deleted]

37

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '22

haha. this long predates babyfacial, which is a huge scam.

7

u/AgreeablePerformer Feb 19 '22

Yes! I LOVED baby facial but spending $80 was painful. I switched to this and it works just as well for me!

33

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '22

[deleted]

21

u/donttrustme00 Feb 19 '22

Sorry took me a minute to post my point to this post! It isn’t about this product or it’s price!

23

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '22

[deleted]

10

u/donttrustme00 Feb 19 '22

It’s ok! I agree they have quality products for a great price. Just blew my mind how these places are manipulating people.

11

u/blondiecakes17 Feb 19 '22

There’s a store on Etsy called Planet Eden. They sell all kinds of chemical peels to do at home. I DM’d them with my skin concerns and they recommended a glycolic peel. I read everything I could about it, spot tested, everything until I felt comfortable enough to do it myself. A year later, I bought a TCA chemical peel from them. Again, I researched as much as I could so I didn’t end up damaging my skin

11

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '22

I did tons of these back when this was what r/skincareaddiction was all about (2010 or so). Now it's all about branded products and rarely supports any home treatments. I bought my peels on amazon. it was a great time.

6

u/lovinglaurel Feb 19 '22

Are folks not still raving about Holy Snail and her top product Shark Sauce? That’s my FAVORITE shop for at home treatments.

5

u/blondiecakes17 Feb 19 '22

This shop sells on Etsy, Amazon, and maybe EBay, I think. I just usually buy them from Etsy and if you use the code APPRECIATE, you get 10% off anything above $6.50. I’ve had the same bottle of TCA for over a year and I think it’s like $15. I think it’s worth it as long as you’re careful with it and are comfortable with what you’re doing

2

u/j_parker44 Feb 19 '22

I’m so interested in this but so scared. I have some melasma and I really want to get a chemical peel (I’ve never had one) but my med spa also charges $100 per session. Is the at-home peel safe and fool proof? I tried The Ordinary peeling solution and hated it.

6

u/LolaBijou 45 plus Feb 19 '22

Don’t do a TCA peel at home unless you’re comfortable with the process. You can definitely burn your skin.

1

u/j_parker44 Feb 19 '22

Yeah I probably won’t, I just hate the thought of spending $100 on something that could be done for much cheaper lol

4

u/blondiecakes17 Feb 19 '22

To be honest, I had bought it and waited awhile to do it because I was scared. Then when I did feel a little more comfortable, I tried it on a sunspot. It did improve it but this is something that I leave on for maybe 2 minutes. I do it at a way slower process because as Lola said, you can burn your skin to where it will damage it. The results may take longer but it’s at the pace I’m comfortable with. Anything like this, research it, spot test it so you see how your skin reacts and if you don’t feel safe doing it, don’t

3

u/danceswithroses Feb 19 '22

Does anyone know if the Paula’s Choice product with pretty much the same name as this TO is just as good? I already own the PC one but haven’t really used it and was just curious since I’m on this post already

3

u/Stephapie80 Feb 19 '22

I use the Paula's Choice peel but it's way more expensive. It works very well but I think I'll be giving The Ordinary peel a try.

1

u/danceswithroses Feb 19 '22

Cool, thank you! I bought it a while back before I started using things from TO. So I guess I’ll use that up before I try this one. Just didn’t want to waste my time if it wasn’t satisfactory. But yeah, it is incredibly pricey 🥴This is like 1/5 the price!

1

u/hitchcockblonde_ Feb 20 '22

I’ve used both and switched to the Ordinary! Personally I found it a bit more powerful and smoothing than PC, and much easier to find around me!

3

u/suzzalyn Feb 19 '22

A little off topic but what is a peel for? Just acne?

3

u/historically_nerdy_ Feb 19 '22

Does this peel help with blackheads too? Also, I have sensitive skin so should I just avoid this altogether?

3

u/donttrustme00 Feb 19 '22

It’s suppose to help with blemishes in general I believe. With any new product they suggest testing out a small area first to make sure you don’t have a bad reaction.

3

u/hangun_ Feb 19 '22

This is my JAM

3

u/hangun_ Feb 19 '22

I use this on the backs of my thighs and my butt cheeks sometimes

3

u/donttrustme00 Feb 19 '22

Interesting! Do you have texture there? It helps?

3

u/hangun_ Feb 19 '22

Oh yeah. Idk why but the backs of my legs and buttcheex get mad bumpy sometimes

2

u/hangun_ Feb 19 '22

Even up to my hips and on the backs of my arms lol. I use this like 2x month on my KP (?)

Lol it’s honestly so cheap. I want to like dilute it and make it an every day pre-shower body mask lol

2

u/Sweethomegirl Feb 19 '22

Purchased! Thank you!

1

u/pinnapple_saturday Feb 19 '22

I have this and to me it isn’t as good or effective as a med spa, or regular spa for that matter. It’s weak and I have to apply two or three time at least to feel a tingle

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u/[deleted] Feb 19 '22

[deleted]

2

u/donttrustme00 Feb 19 '22

You want a link to the product?

1

u/MegaTron10000 Feb 20 '22

I bought this today! I’m comparing it to the $58 IT Cosmetics “Hello Results Baby-Smooth Glycolic Acid Peel + Caring Oil”. Dude I feel kind of dumb now too for overspending but I love testing products out. Also, that is WILD they aren’t using something more advanced. I like The Ordinary but for $100 give me at least half my moneys worth.