During a recent FaceTime session with one of my friends from the great white North (Canada, of course), I was introduced to a product by Peter Thomas Roth called “Max Complexion Correction Pads.”
(We literally do little mini hauls when we FaceTime. I snap photos on my iPhone of products she recommends so that I remember to buy them)—proof:
I was skeptical at first since I had already used (and very much enjoyed) Philosophy’s Micro Delivery Mini Peel Pads. I didn’t want to buy another (similar) product but at the same time, I really wasn’t using the philosophy pads anymore because I adding new products to my routine and didn’t want to over do it. I still use the Philosophy pads to help treat the KP on my upper arm area (one of my readers recommend this to me!)
Plus, my friend always has the best recommendations and we have similar skin issues, so I had to go for it.
The Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads (H jokingly calls them the “Chad Michael Murray” pads because he thinks the three names are ridic) are different than the Philosophy pads. They are much stronger and more potent. They contain the following ingredients:
- 10% Glycolic Acid (AHA) exfoliates surface dead skin cells and stimulates cellular turnover.
- 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA) helps to loosen sebum within the pores and prevents future breakouts.
- Green Tea Extract, an anti-oxidant, protects the skin from free radical damage.
- Arginine buffers the skin from irritation.
- Allantoin soothes and calms.
- Aloe Vera soothes and hydrates.
- Chamomile & Comfrey Extracts comfort and soothe.
I have noticed great results using these. They actually make your pores look smaller and my skin is smoother and brighter. I also believe they help with preventing acne breakouts. The glycolic acid helps with fine lines too, which, as I’m nearing 30’s is becoming a continued concern. Remember, prevention is key!
We each use HALF of one pad every other night or so. We cut them in half ourselves. Isn’t sharing fun? (not to mention money-saving!)
First, I apply a layer of moisturizer to my skin. Then, I apply the product on the pad to my entire face and do NOT wash it off (please note that using the pad AFTER moisturizer basically takes it off, but I have this theory that it’s good to let a little moisturizer seep in before you use such an intense product).
I leave the product on my skin to work its magic overnight. In the morning, my skin is noticeably smoother, softer and my pores look refined. I was actually shocked the first night I used the product because my pores were so small the next morning that I actually thought my vision was getting worse (it’s not).
The one word of warning—they do burn your skin the first few times you use them. Your skin gets a little red and can feel a little tinge of burning (NOTHING unbearable though, it’s mild, IMO).
I am still using other products when I use the PTR pads. I am still spot treating with my La Roche Posay Targeted Breakout Corrector as well as my Proactiv Refining Mask. I also use my eye cream (by the way, I know this seems obvious, but you do not want to get any of this product anywhere near your eyes!)
Something fun about the product is that it actually smells like a peach bellini. Kind of random but it’s better than a pure alcohol smell.
One thing I’ve noticed is if I use these two days in a row, my skin will become oily more quickly (though, I am not sure if that is attributed to the pads or a change in my hormones because of going off the pill). Either way, I cut down to using them every 2-3 days for the maximum benefits for my skin type. I also want to note that these pads also come in a “gentle” formula for those with less tolerant skin.
Overall, I LOVE this product and am thrilled with the results. I also have to admit that I love that they are so easy to use that my H uses them too (even though he calls them Chad Michael Murray pads). It’s nice because there are 60 pads per container and we cut them in half so it would take forever for just one person to use them.
The Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads are available at Sephora and on the PTR website. Here is a handy product description too:
Regulates healthy cell turnover and delivers proven anti-aging benefits that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Deluxe, generously thick, double-sided pads deliver gentle cleansing action on one side and superior pore-refining exfoliation on the textured side. Pads contain a potent blend of Alpha Hydroxy Acid (Glycolic Acid Complex10%), Beta Hydroxy Acid (Salicylic Acid 2%) and Alcohol (46%) in an advanced botanical formulation. Fresh peach bellini scent replaces traditional medicinal antiseptic pads.
So far, the Max Complexion Correction Pads have been one of my favorite beauty finds of 2012!
Have you tried them before (or a similar product?) Let me know in the comments below!
xoxo,
Veronika.
PS- If my review hasn’t convinced you enough, check out the RAVE reviews on sephora.com. I seriously haven’t seen a single product with as many raves as this one!
FTC Disclaimer: I purchased this product with my own money and these are my honest thoughts.
I wonder if these are anything like the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads. I've used that a couple times and loved it!
hmmm I am going to try these! I started using the Philosophy micro-delivery pads after seeing them on your blog, and I notice they make my skin more oily between uses too. I thought it was just me, but maybe it does have something to do it how they are working on your skin? I love them though, I totally notice a difference. These sound great!
@domestic—products like this can make your skin over-produce oil to comensate for the products drying your skin out–that is why it is so important to moisturize and use the every other day or so 🙂
I watched your video the other day when you said your friend recommended them. I have been having awful and painful acne for the past 3-ish months (I have no idea why!) but I was really close to calling a dermatologist because I couldn't deal with it anymore. Anyway, I went out and bought them at Ulta on Sunday and let me tell you- I have noticed a significant difference in my skin in just 3 days! I use them daily (but only half of a pad) and they have cleared up most of my acne already. I hope that I see my scars fade in the next month or so. Anyway, THANK YOU, so much. I was truly feeling so down about my skin! Great product, for sure.
Leslie
(Jhawks from D&R- I rec'd paint colors and tips in your post about stripes the other day =)
leslie— I remember 🙂 your stripes look amazing 🙂 so glad you love this product! I have never read better reviews on any product as this one!
I so want to try these now! At first when I read the ingredients I was disappointed because i thought it listed tea tree extract, not green tea. I'm allergic to tea tree oils, they make me break out into a rash and I get very red and itchy! Now that I see I need my glasses (lol) I can go ahead and try these after I too finish my Philosophy peel pads. I love those, but am always wanting to try new products for blogging purposes 😉 Thanks, V!
I may have to try these after I finish the Philosophy pads — they're around the same price, so why not? I like the philosophy pads, too, but have had the same issue with oiliness. Also — not sure how to incorporate my exfoliant… i LOVE my lancome exfoliant and still want to use it some, but i know when i overuse that, i get oily, too!
Ooh love new product suggestions like this! Have been looking for pore minimizing products- will have to try!
http://glitterandglaze.bloodspot.com
So excited you mentioned using the Philosophy pads on the KP on your upper arms! I have the same problem and although the doctor said it would fade with years, I'm 24 and am still self conscious about the issue. I'm excited to try this to see if it helps, thanks Veronika!
I've used the PTR unwrinkle peel pads with similar results, as well as Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow pads. I think my skin is becoming reactive to them both, though 🙁 when I first used either of those I had the same pore-shrinking surprise in the morning, but lately I've been getting spots within a couple days of use… I wonder if skin can become allergic?
You MUST try betahydroxy pads from trish mcevoy, they are amazing.It completely changes the texture of your skin for the better, everything is smoother. You don't see a lot of people talking about Trish's products on beauty blogs and MUA but its received great reviews and her husband is a dermatologist so all of her skin care products are non-comodogenic, oil free, paraben free etc…
I will have to try these!! Question…I have KP on my upper arms, do you think the Philosophy pads help?
I loved the Philosophy pads, but will definitely have to give these a try! Thanks so much for the recommendation/tips!
Are you still using Exfolikate weekly as well?
Mary—I am still using exfolikate every 10 days or so.
These look amazing! I am adding these to my Sephora list.
I use the PTR masque 2-3 times a week and I definitely notice when I don't use them I start to break out. When I bought the masque they gave me a free sample of PTR moisturizer. It lasted a good while and I will definitely be buying more of it.
I use the PTR masque 2-3 times a week and I definitely notice when I don't use them I start to break out. When I bought the masque they gave me a free sample of PTR moisturizer. It lasted a good while and I will definitely be buying more of it.
These have been my HG skincare product for a couple of years now–they literally changed my skin. I can't live without them!
adding to my list as well. oh andhave you tried his shampoo/conditioner? they smell amazing! and are great for body/volume. thanks for sharing!- annie
Do you find that the Philosophy pads help with your KP? I have KP too, and the only thing I've found that works is Paula's Choice weightless body treatment.
Also, are you supposed to use the PTR pads after cleansing or INSTEAD of cleansing?
Another question: Do you still tone after the PTC pads?
I am eager to buy this one, i hope somebody is willing to share with me too just like you did as money-saving purposes. ~ laser acne treatment NYC.