The Ole Henriksen Power Peel is a three step at home microdermabrasion and peel system which is recommended for fortnightly use. The claims associated with this product are pretty hefty. Not only will it treat and reduce wrinkles (apparently) it also reverses sun damage and hyper-pigmentation. I have had microdermabrasion carried out by a therapist once my life so I feel like I have a pretty good benchmark. In each box you get six sachets which have the three steps of the microdermabrasion system.
Step 1 – Almond Polish Facial Scrub
This is a St Ives type manual face scrub. It is uncomfortably scratchy. Described as an almond scrub and it smells really almondy. I applied it very gently to the face but I could not keep massing it onto the face for the 1 – 2 minutes recommended.
Step 2 – Lemon Strip Flash Peel
This is a clear gel that has glycolic, lactic and fruit acids. The lemon fragrance is not very strong.it is cool on application but I found that it did sting a bit – not uncomfortably. This step is left on the skin for two minutes before the third step is applied. It does set slightly, leaves the skin a little tacky.
Step 3 – Chamomile Facial Mask
This is a chamomile clay mask that is applied over the top of the lemon peel. The mask does not set completely and is left for on for 10 to 15 minutes. It removes easily with a flannel
Complexion Sponges
Each box contains two of complexion sponges which confused me. They look like small loofah discs and therefore look like another product to exfoliate with but actually have the texture of sugar paper. When you wet them they expand and become larger discs of sponge.
So what do I think? Well…there is plenty of product in each pod. I like the fact that this system is packed individually so you don’t have to go into a tube or pot to get to the product.
The scrub is way to harsh but overall it does leave the skin very smooth and refined. I applied a generous dose of serozinc after use and went in with the Avene Physiolift emulsion but that absorbed in about ten minutes so I applied a very light helping of almond oil afterwards.
The following day my skin was parched so I applied my usual skincare routine and topped up with moisturising sprays during the rest of the day. The second and subsequent times I used Power Peel, I used a different exfoliator – Antonia Burrell’s Luminous Light with is a much much much gentler exfoliator and my skin was much less parched the following day, but still required emollient moisturisers.
I am confused as to why you would provide six sachets of product and only two sponges. Do Ole Henriksen really want you to rinse and re-use these ‘sponges’? I have just been using my flannel to remove the product.
For my skin, once a fortnight to too often to use this product. My skincare routine involves regular exfoliation so it is too overstimulating for my skin every fortnight. In addition the Almond Polish is waaaaaay to harsh. There are lots of micro-dermabrasion products on the market and I approach all of them with slight trepidation because these products are designed to have a greater impact on the skin than a standard moisturiser and therefore if you are heavy handed (or don’t follow the instructions) there is a real chance that you will do some real damage to your skin.
I think that thirty six pounds for the box of six is good value. You can pick up a single ssheet mask for more than that. If you are looking to kick start your skincare regime or are preparing your skin for a future event like a wedding or photoshoot I can see how these come in handy but if your skincare regime is robust already I think you can pass on this product.