Want Your Glowiest Skin, Ever? Then You *Need* To Try This Overnight Peel

Glycolic acid has a special place in my heart.

Easily my favourite ingredient. It may seem like a bold claim, but the way it leaves your skin glowing, ugh, phenomenal.

Even our Brand Marketing Coordinator, Jordi, scolded me for having so many liquid exfoliants in my routine. But I'm a stubborn girl who loves exfoliation.

Now, I already have my favourite products locked in, but when I heard whispers around the office that the Medik8 Sleep Glycolic was the best brightening peel EVER, you best believe I had to get my hands on it.

So as a glycolic acid fanatic who reckons she’s already tried the best of the best, here’s my road test and full review of the Medik8 Sleep Glycolic with before and after pics.

But First, What Is a Peel?

If you hear peel and squeal a bit inside, I promise you’re not alone.

Typically a peel is performed by a professional in a salon.

They’re basically an intensive exfoliating treatment that includes a powerful dose of active ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), vitamin A (retinol) and exfoliating enzymes that work their magic by resurfacing the skin.

If you've ever braved a professional peel, you know they can be a little spicy.

Since they pack such a punch, it's often best to leave them to the professionals. But fear not!

Enter, at-home peels. Because let's face it, most of us don't have the time or cash to splurge on frequent facial visits.

Consider at-home peels the cool older sibling of your trusty chemical exfoliant liquids or toners.

They still pack a punch with a potent cocktail of active ingredients, but they're designed to be safe and user-friendly for home use, as long as you follow the instructions (don't worry, we won't judge if you read them twice).

Introducing, Medik8 Sleep Glycolic.

Alright, let's dive into what makes this at-home peel so mind-blowingly epic.

Medik8 Sleep Glycolic 30ml is a one-stop solution for a flawless complexion, sans the downtime and irritation that can come with in-clinic treatments.

But what's the secret sauce that makes it so darn amazing?

First up, we have the star ingredient: 10% glycolic acid with crystal encapsulation.

Picture this spicy, potent concentration of AHA wrapped up in a clever cyclodextrin-based shell.

Once it hits your skin, this magic shell gradually breaks down over time, allowing the glycolic acid to work its wonders on the surface layers of your skin while you catch those beauty Zzzs.

Next, we have Korean clover extract, the ultimate support system for your skin's natural repair and hydration process.

It's like having a personal assistant for your skin's wellbeing, ensuring the skin barrier stays intact and your complexion remains in tip-top shape.

Last but not least, we have glycerin, the hydration hero.

Acting as a humectant, it draws in moisture, and then locks it in place, leaving your skin supple, plump, and oh-so-hydrated. Prepare for that irresistible dewy glow!

So there you have it, a peel that works its magic overnight without the fuss.

What Can Glycolic Acid Do for Your Skin?

This superhero ingredient doesn't mess around with superficial fixes, it goes deep, deep down into your skin's secret lair.

Its water-soluble molecules are like stealthy spies, infiltrating your pores and breaking the glue that holds the cells together.

Talk about intensive exfoliation!

By sloughing away damaged cells, excess oil and impurities, it reveals a revitalised complexion with a radiant glow.

Say goodbye to fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, and acne troubles, as glycolic acid works to reduce their appearance, while also unclogging and minimising pores.

But wait, there's more.

Glycolic acid is a true team player. It clears the path for your future skincare, making sure they penetrate deep into your skin's fortress for maximum impact.

Consider it the ultimate wingman, setting the stage for your other treatments to shine brighter.

My Medik8 Sleep Glycolic Review.

In the pursuit of radiant skin, I said goodbye to all my exfoliating babies for a week-long affair with Medik8 Sleep Glycolic.

To my surprise, its consistency is more of a cream rather than the gel I expected. No scent hassle and a breeze to use. A fantastic start.

Following the directions to a tee on Sunday night, I applied a pea-sized amount, sealing the deal with a moisturiser to lock in its magic and some extra TLC.

No tingles, just totally normal the next day, but my skin had no idea what was in store for it.

As Tuesday night rolled in for the next peel sesh, it was smooth sailing again—no drama, just delightful progress.

Wednesday morning, I had to consult my best friend, not to completely out her - but she usually notices absolutely NOTHING.

She said: “I actually noticed that you look glowier.”

Finally, on Thursday night, the curtain closed on the last peel session.

I’m not going to lie - this one made me a little anxious, this was my third night of exfoliation this week using 10% glycolic acid. I really thought I was in for a tingle or some redness the next day, so I popped on a hyaluronic acid serum after the peel.

Come Friday morning… just look at the after pic (^!!).

The results speak for themselves, the freckles under my eye/cheek area are noticeably lighter, my skin is undeniably radiant AF, and to top it off, those pesky sebaceous filaments around my nose have dramatically reduced.

I thought my skin would feel quite sensitive and raw by the end of it but thanks to the Medik8’s crystal encapsulation, my skin feels completely fine.

Final Verdict.

If you’re looking for a peel in preparation for an event or just to reboot your skin every so often, look no further than the Medik8 Sleep Glycolic. A great alternative if you don’t want to go in to get a facial.

A word of advice, if your skin is more on the sensitive side, go into this slowly. Using this twice in the week will do the job, obviously with a few rest days in between.

But if you’re an exfoliating acid lover like me with quite strong skin, three times a week will give you an excellent glow.

Finding underrated gems, like the Medik8 Sleep Glycolic, is one of the many perks of working at Adore Beauty.

But the secret is out: this is hands-down, the best at-home peel. EVER.

P.S. Please, please, please remember to reapply your SPF, there is absolutely no point using peels like this and not protecting your skin during the day.

Want more exfoliating product recommendations? Check out these articles:

• The Difference Between Our 3 Dermalogica Exfoliating Powders for Smoother, Softer Skin

• 4 At-Home Overnight Skincare Treatments That Are (Almost) as Good as a Facial

• The Exfoliating Product That Transformed My Skin Texture in Less Than a Month