MD Skincare by Dr. Dennis Gross • Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel • Treatments

Where To Buy?

ellenwtleung on 5/4/2013 5:56:00 PM more reviews by ellenwtleung

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Let me start by describing my skin situation: I have combination skin that is prone to hormonal breakouts. I've had acne since I started puberty at 11. My pores get easily clogged no matter what I do (steaming, exfoliation, extraction). I'm also Asian, which means that I am more prone to hyper-pigmentation and scarring, even for mild acne and slight sun exposure.
Presently I'm a week post breakout, so any pimples I had have flattened a bit and left behind reddish-brown marks. I have redness wherever I used my acne treatment, and my overall skin texture is rather bumpy.
I'm also a cash-strapped full time student, so I look for products that do many things at once, are quick, convenient and hygienic to use (nothing hard to rinse, no jars with lids, no weird gimmicky packaging), and have gentle formulations (i.e. minimized chance of side effects). I admit I splurged a bit on this product, but it targets a lot of my problems.
So far I'm happy with how quick and easy this product is to use and apply. I only took off one point for packaging because I find it slightly wasteful that I'm throwing a wrapper away every time I use this. But apparently the jar format tends to have the formula drying out before all the wipes get used so I won't complain too much.
As for effectiveness, well... I've only used this twice and already I've seen an improvement in my skin's texture, less irritation, and my dark acne marks look a bit smaller. I'm not suddenly completely smooth and bumpless, but it looks way better under makeup than it did a few days ago. I've only been able to get this result from a product that was discontinued two years ago, so I'm pretty satisfied with this despite the extra cost.
I'd also like to add that as opposed to using this daily as is suggested on the packet, I skip a day, taking care to moisturize well after each use. I also used a gentle face scrub the next day, again moisturizing afterwards. So the key here is to supplement with a gentle manual exfoliation and a good moisturizer.
So while I haven't been using this long enough to report on the long-term results, I can definitely say that this is a good quick fix for post-breakout skin. I can already predict this becoming part of my "cycle" of products that keeps my skin under control. I'll be adding to this review in a month with the results.

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flannerymiles on 4/1/2013 3:15:00 PM more reviews by flannerymiles

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I have been on the search for THE skincare product that would fix all my concerns without ruining my skin. Finally I have found that product. Love this product so much. My skin is pretty sensitive, but I'm one of those that gets a thrill out overdoing it with harsh acne fighting products just so I can feel like the job is getting done. I have pretty large pores, acne scarring (as in the small indented marks in my cheeks), oily and fair skin. Sadly, with most products, they're so harsh that my skin flakes and peels and gets red. I've used what seems like every acne product on the market, over the counter and dermatologist prescribed. My main concern is pore congestion. They're constantly blocked no matter what I do or how I exfoliate. I love retinol products, but they always make me peel and flake! I went to Sephora for a lipstick and got a free sample of the original alpha beta pads. One use and I was in love. The morning after I used it my pores didn't seem conjested, my skin seemed to be smooth and radiant, but not oily. I went to Sephora immediately and bought the extra strength peels since they were out of the originals. I was worried they would be too harsh sting but they didn't feel different. My skin keeps looking better and better. My best friend even got some and it changed her skin pretty rapidly. The best thing for me is enjoying the experience of using the pads, since they don't irritate my skin as I'm applying them to the face. I was surprised they were so gentle. It's great that it has all the ingredients I like (such as sal acid and retinol) that usually only come with getting a peel at a derm's office or through an expensive prescribed topical treatment. The price is sickening for me since I'm not rich ($85 for 30 peels), but after a few uses of the original pads I felt like it was worth it. Now I have to figure out a plan to budget for the next month! FYI-some people say that you can cut the pads in half so you get twice the use, but I found that to be really difficult. The pads are made to hold the right amount of product to apply to the skin. When I cut them in half they were too small to use. Hope everyone likes this product like I do! It's the best I've found so far, over the counter anyway. Good luck!

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Dania0115 on 4/1/2013 9:12:00 AM more reviews by Dania0115

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

Originally, I bought the 14 day challenge. I was amazed by the immediate results. My pores were smaller, impurities brought to the surface, dark spots seemed lighter, skin was dewy. After after a week it seemed this product had done all it was going to do, so I purchased the extra strength. Best thing I could have done. The girl at Sephora said unless you have incredibly sensitive skin, you should be using the extra strength. I have noticed that you can skip a day here and there and get the same results. I buy the individually wrapped pads. That way you always get the same amount of product. It also makes it very easy to travel. I am in my late 20's and wrinkles are not a problem at this point but I am prone to the occasional pimple. This has reduced breakouts and helped with the little dark spots usually left behind. If you can afford to add this to your daily routine, then I highly recommend it!

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fr0stin3 on 3/31/2013 5:11:00 PM more reviews by fr0stin3

Age: 30-35   Skin: Very Oily, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

This stuff is expensive. It's about $2.15 per day. But it's the only thing that I've found that keeps my skin somewhat under control. When I went to Italy, I was lazy a few days and did not use this. The next day, I had some bright red blinking spots on my jawline and cheeks. Balls. I've learned my lesson and I use this daily at night.

The first few days, I rubbed like Lady MacBeth, determined to soak up as much of the liquid as possible. It did burn a little. Especially around my nose. Now, it does not hurt or sting at all.

I notice that after using this product, my clogged pores are coming to the surface and easily leaving my skin. I know I have about 5 years worth of stuff under the surface and my skin's elastic is hiding all that gunk. Previously, a clogged pore would get infected and turn into a full fledged zit before the clog would surface. Now, the clog comes up to the surface like a neutral blackhead and a gentle massage extracts it.

I have the packettes for travel and the big 60 use tubs for home. I use the whole pad. No point in being cheap about it if it being cheap lowers the effectiveness.

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onessee on 2/27/2013 10:02:00 PM more reviews by onessee

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I have no idea how ANYONE can use this product every night! It seems to strip my skin of any moisture I have. No noticeable improvement in tone or texture - just dried out. I cut the pads in half (based on reviews here) and only used it once a week. And even that seems too much too often! The packets are ok, but not good for storing the halves I didn't use right away (used a baggie). I wanted to like it. But not good at all for me.

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Sinfidel on 2/3/2013 1:23:00 PM more reviews by Sinfidel

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

First of all, I love the packaging, which is so convenient. I don't actually use this daily despite the product name, but it's definitely gentle enough for using 3-4 times per week. It stings upon usage but doesn't hurt, and doesn't leave skin peeling or red like a lot of other products do. My skin feels tight and bright after use. I had a few pimple flare-ups before use, but afterwards the appearance of my pimples were drastically reduced. It didn't do anything for redness though, and unfortunately this is just so expensive.

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missminneli on 1/3/2013 4:01:00 PM more reviews by missminneli

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Brown    

My motivation to try these was to address the rosacea on my cheeks. It works! I'm half way through my second box. They may be expensive, but it still works out to be cheaper (and more effective) than IPL for rosacea.
I took the advice of other reviewers and purchased the individual packs, rather than the tubs which dry out, and use them every other night. So it costs just over $35AUS per month which I consider to be good value in comparison to salon treatments.
I love waking up with clear skin!

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strobegirl1 on 12/26/2012 11:50:00 PM more reviews by strobegirl1

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

So I use these pads every 3 nights as a treatment while I use PTR Gentle Complexion Correction Pads twice a day. Maybe I'm using them not enough and I've only used them about 9 times all up but I haven't seen a major improvement in texture, radiance or my acne. I could just be really eager to get into these and I will update soon in the next few weeks or months to be sure

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eifffrank on 12/26/2012 11:20:00 PM more reviews by eifffrank

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

Amazing! I used these to get rid of my acne scars post Accutane (and thus acne). I had to purchase two, but would only used the second box every few days or so. Really such a great product, gives your skin such a glow.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

cax89 on 12/5/2012 10:54:00 PM more reviews by cax89

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

Oh my goshhh... these peel pads saved my life! My skin is a nightmare so I picked these up at sephora and now my acne is twice as good as it was already. All the bumps that were forming are already calmed down. I've been dealing with crappy skin for years so any time it improves even a little I get so excited and this is expensive but its worth it for clear skin!!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

mintchyy on 11/15/2012 11:05:00 PM more reviews by mintchyy

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I LOVE THIS PRODUCT! I had a very bad dark circles which i took 30 minutes in the morning to cover them. I've been using this face peel for about 1 week and it really helps! My dark circles are almost gone, sometimes i have a little acne and this face peel also helps to reduce it, my face looks so bright, fresh, and it's glowing!:D last week i was really upset because my skin is not perfect and i always need to put makeup on and it took like 1-3 hours in the morning.. And it looks cakey too. Now i wokeup with a smooth, soft, bright, fresh and glowing skin! I'm wearing wayyyyyyyy less makeup now! Definitely will repurchase <3

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Natarats on 10/29/2012 2:04:00 AM more reviews by Natarats

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

Im just going to go right out and say that i have tried many, MANY, products to clear up my acne and acne scars, including accutane. so ive been around the acne block a few times ;)

I love love love this product. it smelled good, the burning was quite minimal, and it worked like a charm. It didnt get rid of my acne completely, though the little clogged bumps on my forehead dissapeared entirely and it minimized acne throughout the rest of my face, and made my pores significantly smaller and unclogged the gunk from them for the most part. It also helped diminish my acne scars (though it did not get rid of them for good) and my skin felt SUPER soft and smooth and it looked all glowy.
so to sum it up, it's a perfect exfoliant. scrubs can be harsh on skin, because those little grains dont really "dig" out gunk, they just scratch the skin and make microscopic tears. so this stuff is perfect because it gently disolves the dead skin cells and junk thats on the surface.

one of the very few products that have actually worked for me.

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danafinfin on 10/27/2012 4:18:00 PM more reviews by danafinfin

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

I had been using the original version for months, and just recently switched to the Extra-Strength. I love this product - it's a miracle worker for me: cuts oil production, brightens complexion, reduces acne, fades acne scars and fine lines. I could go on and on...I have a couple suggestions with this product: buy the individually wrapped travel packs - the orig. may dry out on you; start with every other day, or every three days and gradually increase usage to every day. It took me a while for my skin to acclimate, and get used to the product.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

jym414 on 10/24/2012 1:55:00 PM more reviews by jym414

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

I purchased the pack of 5 and found that after using this product, my face had more of a glow to it, felt smoother, and helped diminish my acne scars. It did not work any wonders, however it does seem to exfoliate the skin nicely.

After running out of the product, I purchased the Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel and found that this gave me small bumps that many reviewers seem to complain of.

Therefore, I would recommend the Alpha Beta Peel but not the Extra Strength formula.

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nikrou on 10/2/2012 4:33:00 PM more reviews by nikrou

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

This stuff is great. I personally use it every so often whenever my skin is acting up a bit or needs a nice refreshing glow. Using this at night is great but using it in the morning before heading out gives you a great radiant glow. The only downfall is remembering to slather on some sunblock because the ingredients in this will make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Little notes to whoever is thinking of buying this: don't peel the foil on the lids back all the way -- it will dry them out and will initially piss you off for wasting $70...no fun. Peel the foil back just enough to be able to grab one pad and place it back on. This will keep the product in the pads extra juicy. You honestly don't need to do this pad every single day. I started off using this every other day and moving up to every day and when I did that it started to break me out. So for my sensitive skin it was too harsh for every day use. But as i previously stated, this is great to use one a week as a little pick me up. i would repurchase. You won't end up using them as fast as imagined for the price isn't too back when you look at it that way. I bought a 3 month pack and have had it for over 6 months.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Jels on 8/15/2012 10:36:00 PM more reviews by Jels

Age: 25-29   Skin: Very Oily, Tan   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

After years on Proactiv I'm a free woman!!! this product changed my life. I have clearer skin than I did on proactiv, it's luminous, and looks healthy again. Yes, it makes the skin slightly red afterwards but not for long. I also find I use less oil blotting sheets because it has balanced my face oils. Cleared up my existing pimple scars, and haven't had a white head since I've been using them. When I notice more redness after a treatment I just wait a little longer for the next treatment. Not crazy about the packaging because once its open the air starts to dry out the pads. Once my 30 pack is done i might just buy the individually packed ones to have one hand. However i must say the 30 pack is heavily soaked in the treatment so use it while its fresh. Miracle product!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

elle86mk on 7/29/2012 10:51:00 AM more reviews by elle86mk

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Tan, Neutral   Hair: Black, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I got myself the extra strengh to lighten up my scars. overally the product is good. it dry up my pimples. so scars, i can really see the difference. my scars is not visible but at least it lighten a little bit.

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*TOP REVIEWER* beautyaddict96 on 7/11/2012 8:17:00 AM more reviews by beautyaddict96

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

When I first started using this, it was great. Smaller pores, less acne, less oil, better complexion in general. I even stopped wearing a tinted moisturizer. My skin literally looked like porcelain, it was perfect. I didn't use it everyday, only 3-4 times a week. Thank god I didn't use it everyday, or else my skin would probably be forever ruined, just like some of the other women who have reviewed this product. My skin went crazy. Tiny pimples were all over my face! I have never broken out so badly in my life. I stopped using it immediately and went to the dermatologist. After a prompt microdermabrasion and some adjustments to my daily routine, my skin has mostly recovered. I will NEVER buy this again.

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Wanno83 on 6/13/2012 7:36:00 AM more reviews by Wanno83

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily, Olive   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I started using this product around 8 or so months ago after my face started to break out quite regularly. They were normal pimples and I was just looking for something to clear my skin up and stop the pimples. If I had written this review after using the peel pads for a week or so (as many reviews on this page are) it would have been positive and 4 stars. Those first few weeks my skin felt wonderful, so so silky soft and my pores got smaller and my skin cleared up quite a bit. But alas! After a few more weeks of use I started to get a new type of pimple, loads of small ones all over my forehead, chin, jawline, CHEEKS! and even under my eyebrows!! I have never had pimples on my cheeks or above my eyes before! My skin also became SUPER oily. Thinking it was another product I was using, or something else causing this, I continued to use the peel pads for months. I only stopped about a month ago after I realised the peel pads were the culprit and my skin is practically destroyed. It is a month after stopping using them and my skin is still suffering. What happened is pimples were occurring on my face, but the peel pads suppressed them from surfacing. So while I have no whiteheads, I have loads and loads of little bumps all over my chin, jawline and lower cheeks. If I squeeze them hard (sorry warning this is gross) there is pus, and it is hardened solid as it has been under my skin for so long. This then scars quite badly, and there are heaps and heaps of them.... I should probably see a dermatologist as it is pretty bad and I have no idea how to get rid of them if they have been sitting under my skin for so long!! Worst product I have ever used - I have never had such terrible skin and right now have absolutely no idea how I will recover it without scarring my entire face and being too embarrassed to leave the house!! If any of the other reviewers have recovered from it please let me know the cure :(

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Happythenjaded on 5/21/2012 11:18:00 PM more reviews by Happythenjaded

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

Okay first of all AMAZING. Only reason it gets 4 and not 5 is because it does tend to make my face red and a little sensitive after I use it (for an hour or so?) but thats the only downside!! I have ordered the glow pads and will review thats soon!!

GREAT product that actually works!! BTW-- my skin is SUPER sensitive and I have the EXTRA strength (i ordered the glow facial pads and the regular ones) I think these extra str. are a little too strong for my skin but the results are amazing!!!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No