Dr. Gross Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel review
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Is there such a thing as a holier grail?
photos: we heart this
With our New York makeover approaching, I knew I had to quickly whip my skin into shape. The camera may add 10 lbs, but bad skin? Well, that could ruin the shoot! I turned to one of my two holy grail skin products, the product that I knew could do the job. And this time I had the big gun version on my side –Dr. Gross Skincare Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel($88 for 30 applications).
I tout the wonders of the regular strength peel whenever I can, here at wht, on a guest post at Makeup and Beauty Blog, I even converted our testers, as it made the team’s favorite products of 2010 list. Why do I love it so much? Allow myself to quote…myself.
“The beauty of this product is that it handles every skin woe I have and gives me visible results instantly. Honestly; results with just one use”.
Alpha Beta peel tackles basically every skin complaint you mights have: fine lines and wrinkles, pore size, radiance and dark spots, texture and tone. I’ve had great result with the regular strength, so it would lead to me to believe I’d have even better results with the extra strength. Did it?
Did it ever! Just like the original, it’s a two step process. Step one is the where all the action lies. All the alpha and beta hydroxy acids of the original, but in higher concentrations. Plus the addition of Willow Bark extract and mandelic acid said to be anti-aging boosters. Step two neutralizes all of the hard work that was being done in the previous step, leaving the ingredients on your skin just long enough to work, but not so long as to irritate.
A word of warning, they don’t use the words “extra strength” lightly. Don’t even think about using this if you have sensitive skin. I still let out a “whoa!” when I first swipe the step one pad over my face. Not because of how it feels, because of how it smells. It’s STRONG. But so worth it.
Just like the original, my skin glows after every use. Like “just got a facial” kind of glows. I’ve been using this 3-4 times a week for the past 2 weeks and I have been pimple free, my pores are practically invisible and a dark spot that’s been bumming me for the past two months has finally disappeared. Hooray!
They say the extra strength version is for anyone with moderate to severe signs of aging. I don’t think it will replace the original for me, I don’t think I need it on a regular basis (yet!) But I certainly will keep a batch on hand whenever I need to snap my skin in to shape quickly.
Not sure you’re ready to take the extra strength plunge? Get the regular strength with three sample extra strength packs at Sephora ($80).
Love Dr. Gross Alpha Beta Peel? Let us know which strength you prefer.
Disclosure: This review includes products that were provided by the manufacturer/PR firm for our consideration. It also may contain an affiliate link, a link that gives us a small commission if you purchase the item. For more info, or any questions, please see our disclosure policy.
Great review @stef ! You have me sold on these peels, except for the price. I need to find a buddy to split the cost with and pick up some of these for my massive pores.
What is this,Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel now? I sure liked the daily peel alot, so this must really be for some serious peel performance! I’m sure you will be glowing regardless once you hit the Big Apple! Great review @stef!!
YIKES that’s spendy… but I do have blotchy skin, huge pores, and am starting to get some fine lines… If you see results in justo ne treatment, I guess the per treatment cost isn’t so bad… You’re definitely tempting me, Stef!
What a timely article – I just pulled out my regular strength peels last night after not using them in awhile! I adore this product, too. I didn’t see too much immediate result and figure I’ll have to use them a couple more times this week before really noticing the boost. So it’s nice to know the extra strength is available for quicker action – and the price is not much higher for the extra strength, right? I think I paid $80 for my set of 30, but I’m not positive.
@stef, you read my mind! I was just thinking this morning that I need to dust off my Dr. Gross pads!
You see, I have the impending doom of my high school reunion in a few weeks and want to look as I did many years ago…I love the regular peels, but the extra strength version may whip my skin into shape a bit earlier….the price is steep, but if these pads can erase my past years…it’s worth it! Great post!
I really hope that Sephora offers a sample of these in the near future because my skin is just this side of sensitive. The extra strength could be amazing, or the worst thing I could do to my face. I’m dying to try these, though! The regular strength version of these is nothing short of amazing :)
All I can say is run to the store and buy the extra strength pads as fast as you can !!!!! They are amazing !!!! With just one application everyone at work asked what I did to my skin , it was pore free , firm and glowing . WOW , I love this product !!!!!!!!