Olay's Resurfacing mask offers baby-soft skin in one use

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Being indoors has a lot of us playing mad scientist in our bathrooms. As far as skincare routines go, I’d been on the hunt for something to get my skin baby soft, especially since I wouldn’t be exposing myself to the outdoors (and sun) as much. To my surprise, the product that gave me (and over 100 other happy shoppers) glowing, soft skin was already sitting on my shelf for months.

My Olay Resurfacing Peel Vitamin C + AHA two-step mask had simply been collecting dust in my mom's bathroom cabinet months before I ever opened it. When I actually used the darn thing, it quite literally became the mask I didn’t know I needed.

The mask works in two parts. The first is the vitamin C-infused formula, which works to exfoliate the skin with vitamin C crystals. It even warms up as you rub it in, so you can actually feel it working. Plus, vitamin C is said to help reduce fine lines and uneven skin tone.

After rubbing the crystals in for one minute, the AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) Peel Activator is applied on top of the vitamin C to create a white foam, making the crystals dissolve.

Shop: Olay Resurfacing Peel Vitamin C + AHA, $20.24 (Orig. $26.99)

Credit: Olay

After washing off the mask, I felt like a snake who had just shed its skin. The mask left my face feeling super smooth and more radiant than before. Plus, all of my other skincare products worked in tandem with one another easily, so I didn't get that peeling skincare aftermath.

Using it the first time, I was a little shook that I hadn't given it a try sooner. But after a second use of the mask, a week later, I realized I used it too soon: My skin had become a lot more sensitive when rubbing in the vitamin C crystals. After that experience, I now use it every 1–2 weeks or whenever my skin feels really grimy.

There are similar products on the market like Philosophy's Microdelivery Resurfacing Peel that retails on the higher end, at $72. And in the Philosophy peel kit, you get 59 ml more, and still helps deliver smoother, softer skin. Depending on your skin's sensitivity, this product can also be used more or less frequently on a weekly basis.

Additionally, The Body Shop sells this $23 Vitamin C Glow-Revealing Liquid Peel. And if you buy one at Ulta, you get another for 40 percent off right now. It requires only one step, but it features a liquid-to-gel formula with Camu Camu Berry, an ingredient with 60 times more vitamin C concentration than an orange. However, the potency could cause some customers with sensitive skin to breakout.

Shop: Philosophy Microdelivery Resurfacing Peel, $72

Credit: Sephora

Shop: The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow-Revealing Liquid Peel, $23

Credit: Ulta

One customer who left a low rating on the Olay Resurfacing Peel explained that although the product worked, the fragrance was its only setback.

"I love the product, but why is there any need for fragrances period? So many people have reactions to fragrance and can’t use OTC products."

Another customer pointed out that the mask has uneven portions when it comes to dissolving the vitamin C crystals with the AHA.

"When I started using step two, it only created a very light foam and didn't dissolve the crystals very well. It seems that the portions you receive are kind of backward, as you need to use step two generously, but you would probably run out and need to buy more before you got through the tub of step one."

I also had this prediction, but seeing as I use a small amount of step one's vitamin C, I haven't had this problem yet. On the other hand, the 4.6-star rating shows that other customers who shopped the mask overall had positive outcomes.

"I am not even through my first bottle/jar, and I have already purchased four more (one for my sister, one for my sister-in-law, and two for myself just to stock up in case they discontinue this product)," one customer wrote, giving it 5 stars. "I am somewhat obsessed with my skin after I use it, and secretly stroke my cheeks for the rest of the day."

One shopper shared a similar result as I experienced, which was the mask makes other skincare products easier to apply.

"Step one has a heavy citrus scent, and the scrub is aggressive. Step two tingles a bit as it works. The end result is skin that feels softer and looks smoother, making your other products glide on and soak in."

If you enjoyed this story, you may also like this $17 wrinkle cream that's highly approved by dermatologists.

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