Tried and Tested: Six super glycolic skincare treatments

L’Oreal Revitalift Laser Renew Peeling Lotion 29

A long time staple in my bathroom cabinet and one of my favourites. It’s very good at smoothing out skin and exfoliating gently without any scrubbing which makes it ideal for fragile skin. Use after cleansing as your would a toner, don’t wash it off and apply your normal serum or moisturiser on top. I haven’t noticed any “peeling” so I’m not sure why that’s in the name. Don’t worry, your face won’t fall off.

Estée Lauder Idealist Dual Action Refinishing Treatment €50.50

This is a great product that works really well to smooth skin and exfoliate because it contains high levels of active ingredients. The glycolic is joined by salicylic acid (the pore unblocker) and you’ll feel the difference straight after use. Spread over cleansed skin and massage in - you don’t have to use much. Leave it on for five minutes, wash off and bingo.

Elizabeth Arden Skin Illuminating Retexturising Pads €60.45

This box of cotton discs is saturated in a mixture of glycolic and amino acids. I like it because it couldn’t be more simple; swipe a disk over your face to quickly exfoliate and you’re done.

Neostrata Oily Skin Solution €39.95

Neostrata make some of the strongest glycolic treatments around and this kit is designed to be used once a week for four weeks. It’s pretty strong and I definitely wouldn’t recommend it to those of you with fragile or sensitive skin. However you can use it anywhere on the body and it can help to clear skin on the back or chest for instance. As men’s skin is thicker and often oiler than women’s it’s a treatment that is worth considering if skin is very congested

Clarisonic Sonic Radiance cleansing device Kit €249

The Clarisonic Aria is very effective method of sweeping away dead skin cells and exfoliating at the same time. I like this kit because it includes three cleansing products all with ingredients to brighten skin. The evening cleanser includes a gentle glycolic and lactic acid mix which work with the brush to deeply exfoliate. Your serum or moisturiser can sink into new fresh cells and will do a better job. Yes, there are cheaper sonic brushes out there but in some cases you get what you pay for and this is one of them.

Aisling Loves . . . Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask €35

I use this mask all the time because it’s easy, quick and really works. Despite the current trend for leaving makeup on all night we all know that it’s a very bad move. This mask is the quickest way to recharge. Spread a thick layer of the gloop over your face for ten minutes and after you’ve washed it off drench your skin with lots of moisture rich serum or moisturiser (yes even if you have oily skin). Instant forgiveness.