Merle Norman • Luxiva AHA Intensive Complex • Treatments

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glendonwyne on 1/21/2010 9:52:00 PM more reviews by glendonwyne

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

To begin with, my skin is acne-prone & sensitive. I got this because of the good reviews on MUA. When I started using this, I had some acne, & I was pretty sure it was giving me more, perhaps because of purging. I stuck with it, though, hoping to get past the purging stage & see results. I used the whole bottle. Nothing about my skin changed. Still have acne, still have uneven skin tone, clogged pores, uneven texture...Plus, it's expensive & the bottle, though hygienic, makes it difficult to use up the last of the product. I looked on their website, though, & they seem to have changed the packaging, so perhaps they've reformulated it as well.

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CosmoGirl25 on 7/1/2009 1:27:00 AM more reviews by CosmoGirl25

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This product is the best. It gives exfoliation with out having to scrub. It kept me from breaking out without drying my skin.

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bloom290 on 6/7/2009 6:33:00 AM more reviews by bloom290

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Dry, Fair, Cool   Hair: Red, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Other    

I used this product for quite a while and the glowing reviews are well deserved. I have dry, blemish prone skin that has been nearly impossible to deal with. Taking care of one problem usually means exacerbating the other, as apparently no beauty company has ever thought to address this particular skin type (is it really that uncommon?). This product was a godsend. The blemishes cleared up and dryness was not the issue it once was. For the first time in my life, I felt like a light moisturiser was all that I needed. I can only surmise that the acids were doing the exfoliation my skin would have done if it was normal and balanced, and the potential for clogged pores was thereby minimised while previously ubiquitous dry patches were softened. I only discontinued my use of this product when I discovered a wonderful cleanser that could take the place of both my cleanser and this treatment (I prefer my skincare regimen to consist of as few products as possible). This product has only my highest recommendation.

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BlueStars on 5/3/2009 11:01:00 AM more reviews by BlueStars

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Other, Straight   Eyes: Brown    

After using it for the first few times it did seem to smooth out texture of the skin but after a week or so the results seem to have faded and it's almost as if my skin became immune to it!
Makes skin smooth but not much acne or scarring wise.. does anyone know the strength of AHA in this? Thanks!

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lola_b on 1/21/2009 9:22:00 PM more reviews by lola_b

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

This is one remarkable product! I've been using the AHA treatment alone for about three weeks now, but I did notice dramatic results within a few days. My wintertime flakiness, dullness, and fine lines have all but disappeared! Skin is soft, smooth, glowy and well-behaved. I am also somewhat prone to break-outs and so far,
this stuff hasn't caused any pimples.

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kim4l10s83 on 1/20/2009 10:30:00 PM more reviews by kim4l10s83

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette, Curly   Eyes: Blue    

I'm not so sure about this. I have used half the bottle and have temporarily discontinued use. I hate putting this on because it feels very sticky at first and always burns my eyes terribly even if I carefully avoid my eye area. It also makes any breakouts more uncomfortable. Now that I have looked up the ingredients on the skin deep cosmetic safety database I realize why. Most of the ingredients are irritants to eyes, lungs, skin and have immunotoxicity and the list could go on. I was happy with the results. My skin seemed softer and smoother. I think I will wait till my face is completely clear and then finish up the bottle. I will not repurchase anytime soon. Maybe years down the road when I have more mature skin.

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theriddler01 on 1/14/2009 5:44:00 AM more reviews by theriddler01

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

So after reading the reviews on here I thought I'd give this a try. I bought a bottle on x-mas eve and wanted to use it a few weeks before my review.
I've used this once a day. Sometimes before I go to sleep and sometimes before I put on makeup. Just depends. I have noticed a difference in my complexion the past week. I look smoother and my skin looks not as dull as it used to. But what really told me this was working was the compliments I got last week from coworkers. Seems out of nowhere the younger girls at my work started asking me what I've been doing to my skin lately. They told me I have this glow about me and I look younger. This was all at different times of course. But the compliments were the same. Glowing skin and younger looking. WOO HOO!! So glad I read the reviews. 50 bucks is nothing if it gives me the results this has.
***I do notice a slight stinging/burning that lasts about 15-20 min, but it does have acid in it. Not enough to make me uncomfortable though. I think this lets me know it's working. And it doesn't smell bad to me at all. I'm not wearing it for perfume, so who cares if it does smell strange to some people. At this point with the results I've gotten it could smell like dog poop and I would still use it.

Thanks to the other reviewers for turning me onto this product!

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maple2sugar on 1/11/2009 5:51:00 AM more reviews by maple2sugar

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

This is a wonderful product! I'm so glad I bought it after reading the reviews on MUA. Although it doesn't mention on the bottle, it actually prevents acne from forming. I tend to get clogged pores very easily and exfoliation is not an option for me as it tends to be too harsh for my skin causing white heads and acne to form. This product has worked wonders. Not only has it smoothed out my skin and rid of all the whiteheads and blackheads but it has also stopped acne from forming. My skin feels so smooth now and make up application is amazing. I will definitely keep buying this product although it's a bit pricey but certainly worth it! It will always be part of my night time regimen before I apply my moisturizer and after toner. I love this product!!

P.S. For those who struggle with either the occasional (hormonal) acne or even moderate acne, do give this product a try. It's amazing. It stops acne at the doorstep. Zaps any raised bumps into a single clogged pore that is ready for easy extraction within 24 hours of use (not exaggerating... it works this quickly each time I get a raised bump); leaves no scars behind; and greatest of all.. after extraction the skin calms down over a few hours and it never poses a risk to spread the pimples elsewhere. Also the times I get raised bumps reduces over time, as a started out with pretty bad skin and it was just going through the layers and layers of cleaning.

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*TOP REVIEWER* dragonballz on 1/11/2009 1:35:00 AM more reviews by dragonballz

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

This product makes my face feel somewhat smoother but I dread the application process. It stings slightly upon application and has an unappealing synthetic citrus fragrance. My face always feels itchy and uncomfortable after I rub it in. I wish I could rate this as a 3.5. I have since found a treatment that makes my skin look and feel smooth minus the excessive chemicals/synthetic fragrance that this one has so I won't be repurchasing.

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chesney on 1/4/2009 1:39:00 PM more reviews by chesney

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

Update: I had to come back and change my rating. My sensitivity to it stopped pretty soon after I started using it but it kept drying my skin out, even with moisturizer. I noticed I was getting bumps that just wouldn't go away, probably because of all the silicone in it. I've never had a problem with pimples unless I use the wrong product. Also, even though the SA said it would be great for my skin I actually noticed more fine lines popping up so I've discontinued it.
I bought this to hopefully lessen fine lines and repair previous sun damage. This is a strong aha! It clearly states on the package that it may not be suitable for sensitive skin. I'm 45, dry skin, especially now (winter), sensitive but not extremely sensitive. I've only used this for 2 nights and today my skin is the driest it's ever been, aside from when I used a chemical peel. It actually feels similar to that. I have 2 moisturizers on right now and they're not helping much. I thought aha's were a good choice for dry skin. I definitely won't won't use the aha tonight. Maybe the next time I try it I'll dilute it with a moisturizer and see if that helps. I really like the container and this aha is fairly easy to apply. The scent of this really bothers me though. It's not exactly unpleasant, but I'm sensitive to it for some reason. I seriously doubt I would buy this again but I'm going to see if I can finish the bottle. I may try another weaker, unscented aha.

I rated this highly only because I believe this is a great aha for those who can tolerate it. I didn't want to ruin the ratings just because it wasn't suitable for my skin type.

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dmoyer on 11/24/2008 9:45:00 AM more reviews by dmoyer

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

This stuff is great. I have combo oily t-zone and dry cheeks and this exfoliates without drying. Leaves your skin soft and smooth. I use is only at night under a moisturizer.

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*TOP REVIEWER* murphysmomkk on 11/13/2008 8:22:00 AM more reviews by murphysmomkk

Age: 36-43   Skin: Very Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I wanted to wait until I used the entire bottle before I reviewed this so I could give what I feel is an honest, accurate opinion. What really made me know 100% for sure that this is good stuff? I just saw some recent pictures of myself and - not bragging - I am only reporting the results - my skin looked better than it has in years. This product has restored a glow and vitality that I am (sadly) starting to lose at age 43. Are all my imperfections and fine lines gone? No, of course not - but this did make a noticeable difference in my skin tone, luminosity, and it has somewhat faded some age spots, etc. ... I am not a person that expects miracles from cosmetics. I try to be realistic about what can truly be done about turning back time, and in truth, we all know time can't be turned back ... but this product is a very good product that deserves it's perfect rating. It is expensive and no, you do not get a lot of product. I think it lasted me a month or so, and I used it twice daily. But it is so good that I am on my way back to Merle Norman for some more.
Also, my skin is very dry but this did not seem to dry it out even more. During the time I used it I did not even use any other moisturizer. Also, I wanted to comment on the scent - it does have a scent - almost a faint bleachy smell, but I kinda liked the smell and it was not overwhelming and I did not notice the smell at all after a minute or so of application.

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EMiceli on 11/8/2008 1:32:00 PM more reviews by EMiceli

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I have recently started to try Merle Norman products and LOVE them! I received several samples of this, and I could immediately my skin had a glowy look. I went out and bought the full size bottle as soon as my samples were gone because I did not want to go one day without it! It is not drying at all and has a very nice, fruity smell. My acne is clearing up too! With my Kiehl's TM and MN flawless powder, my skin is looking better than it has in a long time. ;)

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jfai701 on 10/30/2008 2:13:00 PM more reviews by jfai701

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Other   Eyes: Blue    

This stuff is wonderful. Well worth the money, it lasts for a while. I have used this for 4 1/2 weeks, morning and night, still have 3/4 of a bottle left, and my skin is so soft and glowing. My acne prone skin hasnt glowed in a long time. This doesnt break me out and doesnt cause me to get oily or dry. I dont need moisturizer. The red spots on my face from acne are almost gone and i swear this is helping prevent acne along with a few other merle norman products i use. My face is not dull looking anymore, i love love love this product.
Edit-Stopped using this product. After a while of use i didnt notice much improvement in my skin and found a better AHA. (alpha hydrox)

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dorkiexcici on 10/6/2008 3:39:00 PM more reviews by dorkiexcici

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

yes i've been using this for a month. and finally my skin has improved. not drastic results. but definitely help faded my acne scars..especially old ones that were there for months!!! i like how it comes in a pump as well. good product and gonna buy more.

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MiuMiuLvoe on 6/30/2008 2:51:00 PM more reviews by MiuMiuLvoe

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

it's been 2 weeks since i bought and used this product and im noticing brighter skin. i'm not sure about my acne marks disappearing yet but it does free me from my dull looking skin.
i've used it generally every other day and it stings for like few seconds on me when i put it on and then it goes away. smells nice relatively.
definitly recommend it for people who need some long term exforliation.

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gellypop on 6/8/2008 8:58:00 PM more reviews by gellypop

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I bought this product based on the reviews. This makes my skin look so good. I noticed the first time I used it. I feel like it is actually helping to clear up my acne scars. I've been going to a facialist for years to do that. The results are not comparable.

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labellapaloma on 5/17/2008 4:57:00 AM more reviews by labellapaloma

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Tan   Hair: Black   Eyes: Blue    

This is a very good product line and includes the skin peel system as well as the AHA toner. I use the toner after I cleanse with the MN cream cleanser or Olay Facials (depending on if I am showering or bathing:). The toner is good in preparing the skin for the moisturizers and serums (I use dry/normal due to the AHA). Gentle enough for everyday use, fragrance free.

The skin peel system rocks! It is the closest I have found to a peel done by an esthetician (Exuviance is also a good one). The main difference I see is a brighter more even toned skin that has a dewy glow and an overall softening of lines. I use once per week for maintainance.

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nitango on 5/6/2008 9:57:00 AM more reviews by nitango

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I love this product! I've been experiencing problems with my skin for the past year or so and nothing seems to work. I've tried so many different things and finally came across reviews of this product on MUA. I was a little skeptical, as I"ve tried several highly rated products through this site with no results to worst skin. This one actually does what it claims though! This is hands down the best product I've used. I've only been using this for about a week, but I noticed a difference even after the first night. My pores (weren't really big to begin with) are barely visible now and my skin is seriously glowing! It hasn't smoothed out the small bumps I have yet, but the lady at the store said that within 8 weeks, my skin will be completely clear again. I only get a few pimples hear and there on my forehead, but I have small bumps on my cheek area and forehead that aren't really pimples, but I've had a hard time getting rid of them...hopefully this will do the trick. So far, I haven't had any negative reactions to the product. Go out and get this product b/c it definitely does what it says it will. I'm new to Merle Norman and can't wait to try more of their products!

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avalonia on 11/10/2007 4:17:00 PM more reviews by avalonia

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

Yes, it really is as great as others say. I've tried quite a few AHA serums/creams over the years and this is the best. Makes me glow and my pores become invisible and no irritation at all. It tingles when I put it on but not for long. I love that it has lactic acid. My fave of all AHA's. Seems a bottle will last a long time. I paid $42 and think it's a good investment. I won't even use it every day since I love my sugar scrub and aspirin mask so it's be overkill. All I need is a tiny amount (one pump) which I spread between my fingers and then spread over my chest, neck and face. Bottle is travel friendly since the top part locks. It is scented but not enough for gag me.

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