What the Heck IS a Peptide? And What Does It Have to Do with Turkeys?

So I had to go online to the DHC website and figure out what the heck is all the fuss about “Q-10” and “peptides”. I tried the DHC Neck Treatment Essence and the DHC Eye Treatment Essence. Both are peptides and both feel essentially like water! Allegedly, these peptides promote cell turnover and collagen production for less wrinkles and younger looking skin. It feels a little sticky, but I also think that the carrier for the sample (a packet instead of a pump), make it difficult to use and gauge how much is needed. I’m not saying I’m a believer, but with a family history of major “turkey neck” on the female side, I’m not leaving it to chance! There are a lot of articles on the web that suggest these peptides really work. So we’ll see!

I tried Pangea Organics Facial Cleanser in Egyptian Calendula & Blood Orange. I kind of like the fact that it is totally organic and, of course, it smells great. But the cleaning wasn’t really phenomenal. It was okay, but didn’t leave my skin smoothly glowing. I’m sure it’s a wonderful product line. I’m just not that into organic and “green”.

In an effort to reduce the acne, I used Dermalogica Anti-Bac Cooling Masque. Funny because I left it on for about 20 minutes instead of 10 minutes (just because I got busy). But it kind of soaked in for a masque. Did it work? I’ll let you know if it helps prevent a full-fledged break out! I still had acne in the morning! :-)

Back to the tanning products I went. I used the L’Oreal Sublime again, which was fabulous. It also didn’t seem to smell as much this time. For an extra kick, since it didn’t take to my face due to the constant scrubbing, I tried the Tan Towel Plus. There is sure a big following (see www.tantowel.com) and, at first, I just didn’t get that much out of it. I used it on my face and could see a bit of a difference, but it was sticky and I don’t like that. It’s also quite pricey. But, the selling point was that it was an easy to use towelette and that it exfoliates while tanning.

Well – sure enough, when I awoke in the morning, I was very happy with the tan! What I don’t like is that it still fades when I wash my face at night, so you pretty much have to reapply every two days. But, for summer, I think it's a totally great purchase, since nothing else has worked on my face for that summer glow - oh, besides the cancerous sun that is!

Touted as a cleanser for sensitive or dry skin that won’t strip away your moisture isn’t exactly what I felt about this product. DHC Face Wash felt like soap. Yep, pure, basic, liquid hand soap. I swear – it even bubbled the same way. This one is a total must miss, especially at $28.50.

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel for Sensitive Skin: I was looking forward to trying this product ever since I picked it up for 100 Beauty Insider Points at Sephora last week. I was disappointed however. First off, it didn’t really smell all that good, which was totally disappointing for an organic product, especially one that touts itself as green apple. Second, I didn’t feel any tingle at all like I wanted to get from a peel. Next time I hope to try the regular strength peel.

Shiseido Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam: You just can’t top Philosophy for a gentle cleansing cream. This one felt good on my skin, but isn’t worth the extra money. Plus, it certainly doesn’t match up to the smoothness of the DHC Cleansing Foam. Shiseido has a LOT of different types of cleansers, however. I may still find one that sweep me off my feet.

Shiseido Bioperformance Super Refining Essence: The first thing you need to know is that it is $76 for 1.8 ounces. I used it tonight for the first time, so I will have to report later if it really worked in the morning. However, my face feels super soft. I like that it is a little less thick than the other night creams I have tried. But the main problem I have with it is that is smells like my grandma’s house! (i.e. old lady smell). Yuck-o city!