This is a mask – I would technically call it a peel – that is best for clogged or mature skin. It is supposed to aid in repairing sun-damage, acne scarring, blemishes and blackheads by sloughing away dead skin and revealing the newer, healthier skin that is hiding beneath the damaged and clogged layer. It claims to to improve the appearance of fine lines, while also improving the tone, firmness and radiance of the skin. I definitely notice an immediate difference in the appearance and texture of my skin every time I wash this mask off! And, I dare say, I feel like I’ve been less prone to clogged pores and breakouts since I began using this mask. Unfortunately, this is not a product that is recommended for those with sensitive skin, and even my tough as nails skin can tell that it’s pretty powerful stuff! So tread with caution if your skin is on the sensitive side.
So how does it work? It is basically a chemical peel that utilizes naturally occurring acids to exfoliate the skin. This may sounds a bit scary, but it’s completely safe and nothing to be afraid of. The REN Mask uses a complex of four different fruit acids – lactic, glycolic, tartaric and citric– plus papain enzyme to create a gentle, but effective chemical exfoliant for the face and neck. The acids are derived from passion fruit, lemon, grape and pineapple, while the papain enzyme comes from papayas! It is Dermatologist tested and approved, as well as free from nasty chemicals including parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, synthetic fragrances or colorants, T.E.A, D.E.A., glycols, silicones and PEGs. Whew! Quite a list! I love that it is not only effective, but it achieves results without harsh, unnatural ingredients.
The Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask comes in an airtight pump that allows easy control of the amount dispensed. It has an orange jelly-like consistency with a citrusy scent that I find neither unpleasant nor terribly appealing. J When applied to the face, it feels a bit like you’ve spread jelly-like goo everywhere. This “goo” can tingle a bit, but I do not find it unbearable. Maybe mildly uncomfortable, but I really only feel it for a minute or less. It does not harden like many masks, but you may feel it tighten a bit on the skin. After about 10 minutes, it’s time to remove and it is recommended you do so with a damp cloth. I sometimes do this and sometimes do not. Using a cloth with help remove even more loose skin and it ensures you’ve really gotten the skin free of the mask, but I don’t always have a clean face cloth on hand, so in those instances I’ll just rinse it off with water. I always use a gentle face wash to remove any reside from the mask and then go about my standard skincare routine. I tend to do this at night because it can make my combination to oily skin look a bit shiny during the day, but by morning it is absolutely radiant!
As I’ve said, I notice an immediate difference in my skin! It is most notably brighter and so much softer. It does seem to look a bit more youthful as well, though I couldn’t tell you exactly why. Over time, I have noticed definite fading in post-acne scarring marks (what I consider to be hyperpigmentation), and I feel like I have fewer, less severe and less frequent breakouts and clogged pores. My skin is smoother and I have less trouble with dry, flaky patches. I can’t say that I’ve noticed a decrease in the appearance of fine lines, but then I don’t really have much trouble with that…yet! J I would absolutely recommend the REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask to anyone dealing with pretty much any kind of skin issue, as long as the skin is not terribly sensitive.
The REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask comes in a 1.7oz airtight pump dispenser that retails for $55. It is pricey, but it should last quite a while as it’s meant to be used only once a week and does not require too much to cover the entire face and neck area. It is worth the money and, I dare say, my skin looks better than it does after a professional facial when using this mask! I highly, highly recommend this to virtually anyone!!!
REN Products are available from Sephora, REN’s website and at select retailers.