I’d read a lot about Philosophy’s Microdelivery Peel and so I had one purchased for me from the USA. The Philosophy brand isn’t available in Malaysia at the time of writing.

What this treatment does is perform a “peel” effect on your skin in that it exfoliates the top layer of the skin to encourage faster skin renewal.

There are 2 components to this treatment. A tub with Vitamin C resurfacing crystals and a bottle with lactic/salicylic gel which activates the properties of the scrub which performs the exfoliating function.

The 1st step is the Vitamin C resurfacing crystals and goes on clean dry skin. It feels rough, rather like a salt scrub and while you scrub your skin, you cannot rub too hard or you might scratch your skin. It smells very fresh and citrusy which is to be expected from something that has Vitamin C in it.

After applying the crystals, you then apply the lactic/salicylic gel. This gel will react with the Vitamin C crystals to perform the exfoliating of the skin. With the chemical reacion going on on the skin, it feels warm and starts to foam a little. You are supposed to leave it on the skin for a few minutes.

These are the features of the product as per Philosophy’s site.

• rebuilds skin – peptides- a combination of amino acids that help rebuild the skin’s support structure. peptides helps improve the skin’s firmness and elasticity while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• brightens skin – vitamin c- this antioxidant and collagen stimulator offers anti-aging benefits, helps brighten the skin and helps protect against environmental attack.
• keeps skin clear – salicylic acid- helps shed pore walls of dead skin cells and helps keep skin clear while minimizing congestion/breakouts.
• exfoliates and moisturizes – lactic acid- exfoliates and moisturizes the skin which helps promote smooth, healthy skin.

The immediate effect once you rinse the gel mixture off your face is “Oh My God! I have baby smooth skin!!” And you do. You just can’t stop touching your face because it just feels so smooth and silky.

I do find however that this effect does not last. After a day or two, it feels as normal. I do scrub my skin every other day and I go for facials often so I’m not sure if any brightening of the skin can be attributed to this product alone. I don’t do this peel too often because I don’t think its very good for the skin. As a result, this set has lasted me ages and ages because you don’t use very much at one go.

The set retailed at US$65. Once you add on the taxes, it is over $70. Ouch! Pricey! So you understand why I’m happy that it lasts a while. Since I don’t have access to this brand, and its heavy to ship internationally, I won’t be stocking up once I finish my set.

Update: For those based outside the USA, this product is also available at StrawberryNET.com.

Pros: Baby soft skin! Keeps skin smooth

Cons: Expensive, not available in Malaysia, effects do not last

[rating: 4/5]