I’ve Tried Countless Chemical Exfoliators: This Is the Fastest, Easiest Way to Get Glowing Skin

Sophie Wirt

March 8, 2024 at 12:00 PM·3 min read

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<p>First Aid Beauty / InStyle</p> — First Aid Beauty / InStyle

As someone forever seeking glowing skin, exfoliation is very much central to my routine. I’ve tried physical scrubs, intense peels, and microdermabrasion tools, all of which have delivered on their promises to diminish dullness and reveal a smoother, more radiant complexion. That said, when I’m time-strapped, traveling, or simply lack motivation to maintain my full skin-sloughing routine, which can take up to half an hour depending on method, I turn to peel pads, which are pre-soaked in skin-sloughing acids. The Facial Radiance Pads from sensitive-skin-friendly brand First Aid Beauty are among the most effective I’ve tried, and resurface my complexion in literal seconds.

For a limited time, you can shop the pads — in addition to everything else from First Aid Beauty — for less, during the brand’s Friends and Family sale. Simply use the code FAMFIRST at checkout to score 25 percent off your order.

<p>First Aid Beauty </p> — First Aid Beauty

The First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads are a single-step, daily chemical exfoliating peel pad. Available in a set of 60 or a smaller jar of 28, the individual peel pads are pre-soaked in dermatologist-approved chemical exfoliators, which loosen dead, dull skin cells from the surface to reveal a fresher, smoother, brighter complexion in a few swipes, with no need to rinse. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, the pads can be used daily after cleansing and prior to other skincare products as needed, or every few days if skin is particularly sensitive or dry.

Key ingredients include two chemical exfoliators; specifically, two members of the alpha hydroxy acid family, lactic acid and glycolic acid. Lactic acid is an excellent exfoliator for sensitive skin types, as it’s significantly more gentle than other AHAs and will not cause irritation or redness, as dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, MD, previously told InStyle. Plus, lactic acid is a humectant, meaning it can draw moisture into the skin to further smooth and soften.

Glycolic acid is also present in the formula, and functions as a more intense skin resurfacer. In addition to amping up glow, acids, such as the ones found in First Aid Beauty’s pads, “allow treatment products and skincare to effectively penetrate the skin,” Dr. Green previously shared with InStyle. In doing so, they allow active ingredients from serums and moisturizers to work more effectively.

In addition to exfoliating acids, the peel pads incorporate a touch of physical exfoliation, too, by virtue of the pad’s textured surface. Finally, the pads are soaked in cucumber water, which gives them a spa-like, refreshing feel and mitigates potential irritation that glycolic acid can sometimes cause on more sensitive skin types.

As a makeup wearer, I appreciate the significant smoothing effect these pads deliver; a few swipes give me softer, more luminous skin, and an ideal base for foundation to glide over.

Yet another aspect I love: The pads are totally portable, making them perfect for travel. As someone who relies on twice-weekly exfoliation in my regular routine at home, I appreciate that this product allows me to maintain smooth, radiant skin on the go.

For brighter, smoother skin in the most fuss-free way possible, shop the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads, which are on sale for a limited time.

Shop more best-selling skincare favorites from First Aid Beauty while they’re 25 percent off (code FAMFIRST at checkout), below.