Alastin Skincare ReSURFACE Skin Polish 2.3 Oz
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A once-a-week polish that works two ways at once: volcanic mineral to buff, and a low level of glycolic acid to loosen what the buffing leaves behind. Alastin's own phrase is dual-action exfoliation.
What is Alastin ReSURFACE Skin Polish?
ReSURFACE is Alastin's exfoliator. In their words it "uncovers instantly smoother, visibly glowing skin with dual-action exfoliation powered by volcanic minerals and glycolic acid to sweep away dead skin cells." A nickel-sized amount on wet skin, massaged for about 30 seconds, once a week.
Why the glycolic acid is at a low level
Alastin is direct about this: "to prevent sensitivity, glycolic acid is included at a low level in combination with arginine. This provides a gentle boost in exfoliation and helps clear out pores without irritation."
Perlite is the physical half, a naturally derived volcanic mineral Alastin includes for gentle exfoliating benefits. Glycolic acid is the chemical half. Alastin says it provides exfoliation and moisturization to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and enhances skin texture. Phytoene and phytofluene are antioxidants carried alongside them.
ReSURFACE specifications
| Product type | Dual-action polish, physical and chemical |
| Exfoliants | Perlite (volcanic mineral) and glycolic acid (AHA) |
| How often | Once a week, or as your provider directs |
| Skin types | Aging, dry, oily and combination, in Alastin's words |
| Who should skip it | Alastin: may not be ideal with redness, inflamed acne, sensitive skin, or a reaction to glycolic acid |
| Size | 2.3 Fl Oz (68 mL) |
Alastin ReSURFACE reviews
- A pea to a nickel is the whole dose. "You use so little it lasts." "All you need is a pea size." At a weekly cadence the tube goes a long way.
- It feels more robust than it looks. One buyer puts it well: pretty rough on the skin, be gentle, and it still does not irritate her sensitive skin. The grains are described as small and not abrasive.
- Keep your eyes shut. One reviewer's practical tip, so the fine particles stay out of them.
- It suits people other scrubs have not. One buyer had never tolerated an exfoliator without drying out and does here. Another switched from apricot pit scrubs and a different brand's dry exfoliator.
- Some buyers use it more often than the label says. Several report two or three times a week. Alastin directs once a week, and with a glycolic acid in the formula that is the number worth following.
Where it fits in the week
Once a week, in place of your usual cleanse. Keep it off the same night as Alastin Renewal Retinol, since acid and retinol together is how most people overdo it. Follow with Ultra Light Moisturizer, and be consistent with face sunscreen the next day. The rest of the line is in Alastin.