If you’re looking to do an alpha hydroxy peel, now is the perfect time: the summer’s vicious rays are coming to a halt, and there is all of June and July’s sun damage to reverse. One great new product for reversing the sun damage is new Skinceuticals Renew Overnight for Oily/Combination Skin ($52.00, Amazon.com). Replete with gentle alpha hydroxy acids like orange and lemon fruit extracts and orange oil, Skinceuticals Renew Overnight for Oily/Combination Skin truly can gently — but effectively — refine the skin over the course of a few weeks. According to Dr. David E. Bank, author of Beautiful Skin, alpha hydroxy acids cause increase exfoliation of the outer layer of skin, unplog pores, and function as a humectant to hydrate the skin. Bank also mentions that AHAs have further been shown to stimulate collagen and elastin production in the dermis. Dr. Leslie Baumann, author of Cosmetic Dermatology, further adds that AHAs have been reported in improving mottled pigmentation, fine lines, surface roughness, freckles, lentingines, and to treat actinic and seborrehic keratosis.
Another unique ingredient in high concentration in the product is bilberry. According to a 1994 review in The International Journal of Cosmetic Science, bilberry is an effective fruit acid for the skin, resulting in an accelerated rate of cell renewal. As cell renewal slows by about 7% each decade, the use of bilberry and other fruit and alpha hydroxy acids truly should make skin look younger.
From my personal experience with the product, Skinceuticals Renew Overnight for Oily/Combination Skin is a thin lotion that dries quickly on the skin, leaving it soft. My skin looked more smooth and even after a few days’ use, but I am making sure to use it in conjunction with a powerful daytime sunscreen, as alpha hydroxy acids make skin more sensitive to the sun.
Overall, a great product, particularly for this time of year. I give it a solid, enthusiastic 8.5/10. (High concentration of effective ingredients: 3/3. New or unique formulation: 3/3. Value for the money: 2.5/3. Sunscreen: 0/1).