Neova Reveal Exfoliator (20% Glycolic)

Hiya Everyone

I've said it before, and I say it again - I absolutely love glycolic products!  My initial love for glycolic products started with Alpha H, and has now been expanded to include Neova.

Important Information

Name:     Neova Reveal Exfoliator (20% Glycolic)

Size:       59ml/2.0 fl oz

Cost:       $42.00USD from Futurederm

What is it?

Per Neova's website: - 

A new, high-performance glycolic exfoliator that rids dead surface cells from skin’s surface to reveal a healthier, more vibrant and even toned appearance. A perfect bi-weekly booster that prepares the skin for maximum penetration of treatment products to follow.

Fades visible signs of photodamage

• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Refines skin texture and clarity
• Reduces the appearance of pore size
• Suitable for all skin types

Ingredients

The Product

The exfoliator is packaged in a white tube with a grey cap, and is about the size of most hand creams I have.  The packaging itself looks very "serious" - there's nothing pretty and there's no faff - its neat functional packaging.  However, from a scientifically based brand like Neova, I wouldn't expect anything else.

The exfoliator is a clear gel consistency, and its neither particularly stiff nor overly runny - to me, it feels similar to aloe vera gel.  It spreads easily onto the skin.  I use an amount about the size of a peanut m&m.

With this sort of product, it's really important to follow the directions precisely, or you could end up damaging your skin.  The directions say to apply it evenly over a cleansed face, neck, décolletage, and the back of the hands.  Leave for 3-5 minutes and then rinse thoroughly and pat dry.  The exfoliator can be used once or twice a week - or as the skin tolerates.

As with any product that removes a layer of skin (and in general really), the use of a broad spectrum SPF is recommended to prevent skin damage.

How'd it Go?

I have reasonably sensitive skin.  I am prone to eczema, so I have to be careful of what I put on my face.  I have used this product 4 times now, and the first time I used it, it was a battle to keep it on for the full 5 minutes, as it was incredibly uncomfortable on the skin - similar to a prickly burning feeling - I was all but dancing on the spot until I could rinse it off my face!  However, which each subsequent use, that feeling is fading.  While it still isn't comfortable, its no longer difficult to keep it on for 5 minutes.  I would recommended doing a patch test before slathering this all over your face.

Although my skin is on the sensitive side, I haven't had any adverse reaction to using a product with such a high glycolic percentage.  My skin is quite red for an hour or so after I've washed it off, but then it fades.  I definitely wouldn't recommend using this before heading out!   I've also  had some pealing along my nasolabial lines the first couple of times I used this product, but that hasn't recurred since.  

After washing the gel off, my skin feels ever so slightly irritated.  However, my understanding is one of glycolics functions is to trick the skin into thinking its been injured by mildly irritating it.  This irritation triggers the production of collagen to assist in the healing process.  Collagen production = anti-aging benefits = yippee!!!  Immediately after removing the gel, my skin feels really smooth, and the appearance of my pores is diminished.  My complexion is more luminous since using the gel.

Oh, I have also been using it on the back of my hands as recommended, and I don't think my hands have ever looked better.

The Verdict?

Love, love, love it!  This has skyrocketed in my stash to be a holy grail product.  I'm so pleased that when I bought this from Futurederm, they were having a 40% off sale, so a snagged a back up.  For me, $42USD is a lot of money to spend on one product, but I will buy this again when I run out, whether there's a sale on or not.