Marissa's Pick of the Week - Brighter By Nature

Radiance and clarity are my main concerns for my skin, so naturally I had to try Origin's new Brighter By Nature High-potency brightening peel with fruit acids ($37.50). These mini-peel pads are loaded with skin brightening, anit-oxidant packed fruity acids from blueberries, Goji berries and grapes. Chamomile, aloe and lavender soothe redness and sensitivity. Test results showed that this treatment can be comparable to a 30% glycolic peel.

While this product claimed to be a "glycolic peel without the redness," I did see a little red. The box also indicated that a "tingling" sensation is normal, but what I felt was more of a sting. It wasn't unbearable, just a little uncomfortable. Both of those side effects are well worth the face I woke up to the next morning. My skin was noticeably brighter and acne scars were faded.

I recommend only using the peel pads two nights a week. Don't use them in the same 24 hours as your regular scrub and mask. You should use a broad-spectrum SPF everyday, but it's especially important after this treatment. Your face just shed several layers of dead skin, so your skin would be more vulnerable to UV rays.

Remember: Not every cosmetics counter girl knows what they're doing. The employee turnover rate in cosmetics is high, and most don't get formally trained until they've been there for a few months. It's not rude to ask how long they've been there and if they've gone to class yet. This is YOUR skin. Don't put its care in the hands of an untrained sales person who hasn't got the proper product knowledge.