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It’s been decades since the advent of the “lunchtime peel,” designed for power babes in skirtsuits and sneakers who would duck out from work and return with a complexion well on its way to looking five years younger. Chemical peels, fuelled by a myriad of acids, slough away dead surface skin cells in minutes and target skin’s natural collagen—the path to softening visible lines and brightening skin. We have NEOSTRATA to thank for inventing the “lunchtime” peel, offering little to no downtime. (Fun fact: The brand is also responsible for discovering the anti-aging benefits of Alpha Hydroxy Acids, or AHAs.)

Now, the brand is taking the concept one step further with NEOSTRATA® Retinol 0.3% Overnight Peel. “We adapted what we have in the physicians market for at-home use,” explains Barbara Green, head of Research & Development at NEOSTRATA. “Retinol, which is scientifically proven to support skin’s natural collagen, is typically used at a concentration of 3% in professional peels,” she says. Here, individually wrapped Retinol-soaked pads offer up a perfectly potent 0.3% concentration, which is ideal for weekly home use. The result? Increased firmness and radiance and more even skin tone after four weeks.

As with any Retinol product, SPF should be applied every morning and avoid the use of acids like Glycolic, Lactic or AHAs when in play. “With Retinol, you balance and tailor it to your tolerability,” says Green. Start layering in creams containing 0.1% Retinol over time, increasing frequency so long as skin stays happy. Get the effects of a spa-style facial at home with the new NEOSTRATA® Firming Collagen Booster by applying it morning and night. This replenishing serum, with NeoGlucosamine and 1% low-molecular-weight collagen, tightens the look of sagging skin.

Interested in seeing the new products up close? Visit the Neostrata pop up at Stackt Market in Toronto, Oct 4th-6th.

AFTER USING NEOSTRATA RETINOL 0.3% OVERNIGHT PEEL & NEOSTRATA FIRMING COLLAGEN BOOSTER, WHAT DID OUR TESTERS THINK?

“I used the Retinol 0.3% Overnight Peel while relaxing on Sunday night. It was soft on my skin and really fresh, and I noticed less dullness the next morning. I put the Firming Collagen Booster on at night and in the morning for two weeks. I really liked this serum because I do a lot of outdoor sports, so my skin is thirsty. I liked the texture, there’s no perfume and it’s really hydrating. It worked well with the peel to maintain a bit of glow.”

Marie-Claude, 42, dull skin

“Immediately after using the Retinol 0.3% Overnight Peel, I noticed a nice cooling sensation. It’s a little towelette that contains all the ingredients needed to make my skin smoother. Afterward, it was almost like my pores had diminished. I liked the Firming Collagen Booster because it’s easy to incorporate into your routine, and I love that feeling of tightness in the cheeks and under the eyes. I would recommend it to a friend.”

Steph, 40, fine lines

NEOSTRATA RETINOL 0.3% OVERNIGHT PEEL, $80; NEOSTRATA FIRMING COLLAGEN BOOSTER, $75.
Both at Shoppers Drug Mart and Jean Coutu stores. For more information, visit neostrata.ca.