Solution: An Exfoliating Skin Perfector by Glossier
Solution
New year, new Glossier launch, and this one I am SO so excited for. I've been able to incorporate this product into my routines for about a month now, and it came at the perfect time, when my skin started really acting up with texture and congestion- which typically happens around my t-zone, and especially the areas of my cheeks closest to my nose. The texture comes in the form of dryness and bumpiness (I blame winter), and the congestion becomes small bumps that are particularly prominent right between my eyes- cute, right? I do have a few other chemical exfoliators that I usually work into my routines, but my skin needed something more, something different. And in walks Glossier's Solution.
What is Solution? A daily chemical exfoliator ($24, 4.4 fl oz).
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone and anti-stress complex.
Full Ingredient List: Salicylic acid 0.5%, Aqua/Water/Eau, Sodium Hydroxide, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Gluconolactone, Propanediol, Ethoxydiglycol, Magnesium Chloride, Glycereth-7 Trimethyl Ether, Niacinamide, Betaine, Inositol, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Phytic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum/Fragrance, PEG-8, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Acetic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide.
Why exfoliate? For me, exfoliation means getting rid of dead skin cells that clog up my pores and cause the annoying bumpiness and texture I usually deal with. That in turns helps to reduce the redness and irritation in my skin, and in general my skin is much brighter and has a more even tone. Since my skin tends to shrivel up like a raisin (especially in the winter), the dullness factor pops up often, but exfoliating helps to keep that at bay. In the past I've looked to Drunk Elephant's Babyfacial as a treatment every once in a while (this can be a bit strong for me), and Isntree's 8% AHA Gel for more "everyday" treatment.
How I've used it: I went through a bit of trial and error in the beginning to figure out the best frequency in my routines, and for my generally dry skin, 2 times a week turned out to be the perfect amount. I initially tried to used it once a day, everyday, and my skin started getting a bit irritated after day 4, but once I cut back the exfoliator worked perfectly. Some people may be able to use it everyday, some once a week, but be sure to listen to your skin and not overdo it!
Where I use it in my routine: I generally like to treat/exfoliate right after cleansing in my nightly routines, and before my hydrating toners.
Application: The top pump (not sure what else to call it?) makes dispensing super easy, and I'll do about 2-3 pumps with a cotton round and sweep on my face. I didn't feel any tingling sensation while using this, but it will likely depend on your skin! Also, to reduce the amount of tugging or pulling on my face, I always make sure my cotton pads are quite saturated, no matter what product I'm using. Another option for application is to spot treat with a q-tip if you have a pesky blemish you want to target, but don't want to exfoliate your whole face.
Post-exfoliation routine changes?: On days when I use Solution, I like the rest of my routine to be extra nourishing to make sure my skin stays hydrated after treatment. These are the days where I'll either add additional layers of hydrating toners, or incorporate a sleeping mask (LXMI Nilotica Melt is my ride or die).
Results: My skin is so much smoother, and the blackheads on my nose have significantly decreased. They're still there, those pesky things, but so much less noticeable. In general, my skin looks brighter and more even, and so much less congested in my problem areas. Even when my skin was suffering the most while I was sick, on the days I used Solution, my skin would perk up and look more alive than I was actually feeling.
Where to get it? You can shop with me and get 20% off your first purchase (plus free shipping if you spend $30 or more), or if you're a Glossier lover already, you can just shop with me and support! Feel free to comment or DM me with any questions about Solution, or any other Glossier products! Or if you just wanna chat, I'm always up for that too ;)
Get Solution here
*this product was gifted by the brand, but all opinions are my own