Review: M2 Skin Refinish

Lately I’ve been experiencing annoying breakouts on the surface of my skin. So after looking at my diet and lifestyle, I decided to repurchase a product that I had once used faithfully some years ago. It was called MaMa Lotion then and was effective in aiding exfoliation, clearing skin congestion and reducing hyper pigmentation leftover from breakouts.

It’s now known as the M2 HP Skin Refinish serum and from what I’ve read on the MCK Laboratories web site, it’s been reformulated without parabens. I ordered mine online and couldn’t wait to see if it would help me as it once had. And I am so glad that I did! The serum uses a combination of mandelic and malic acids, along with other ingredients, and my skin seems to respond well to the new formula. It comes in two strengths, 12 percent and 20 percent. I’ve started with the 12 percent version and will likely move up to 20 percent when I run out. This is definitely a product that I will be repurchasing.

Overall, the product works great for controlling my breakouts and it has definitely brightened my complexion. On top of that, it’s clearing up my skin’s congestion and helping to fade some of the hyper pigmentation leftover from previous breakouts. And that’s after only four weeks of use! I use it every night after cleansing my face. Once my face is completely dry, I apply a single pump to my fingertips and spread it over my forehead, cheeks, chin and the top of my nose. I make sure to avoid my eye area, lips and the inside of my nose. Note: MCK Laboratories recommends using the product every other night for the first two months and to lessen or discontinue use if irritation occurs.

What you should know, from my experience:

1. It’s sticky and takes as long as twenty minutes to dry.

I make sure that it’s completely soaked in before following up with a moisturizer, as recommended. Twenty minutes may sound like a long time, but I never rush it! And I recommend that you don’t either when using an acid-based serum. From personal experience, I know that failing to wait means running the risk of moving the product around your face, potentially getting it into areas that you really shouldn’t such as your eyes, nose or mouth. So, let it dry before moving onto the next step in your skincare routine. My own tip would be: don’t put apply more product than you need. The few times that I’ve used two pumps instead of one were when I had the most trouble getting it to soak into my skin.

2. As with all acid-based serums, your skin will be more sensitive to the sun.

It’s required that you use a a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 everyday for the best results. While an acid-based serum can actually improve visible sun damage for some, if used improperly– it can also cause further sun damage if skin is left unprotected. This is also why I only use acid-based serums at night and I definitely take care to wear sunscreen during the day.

3. There may be some peeling and skin irritation.

I have experienced a small amount of peeling, mostly during the first two weeks of use. If I find that my skin is too dry, I’ll skip a night here and there. For some, using the product every other night or even only two nights per week may be beneficial. MCK Laboratories recommends discontinuing use if irritation or excessive flaking occurs.

4. The smell doesn’t bother me, but I know that it does bother some people.

If you’re sensitive to smells, you might try getting a sample to test before deciding to make a purchase or at least make sure that you can get a refund if it is too strong. I haven’t had any trouble with the smell myself and find that it fades quickly.

5. It’s a little costly, but it’s well worth it in my experience.

I paid just under $50 for 1.7 fluid ounces and it only takes a single pump to cover my entire face (but not my eye area, or the inside my nose or mouth!). From  previous experience, one bottle has usually lasted 3-4 months. Fifty dollars can be a lot to plunk down on one product, I know, but I am not at all sorry that I did. For me, it works out that I spend less than $20 per month to keep my skin free of what has become irritating congestion. It’s certainly cheaper than some alternatives I’ve tried, but I more than understand that these concepts are relative.

So far, the only real downside is that I’m not in love with the new packaging. The pump gave me some initial difficulties but it seems to work fine now. However, I did check with the company I purchased it from to make sure that it could be replaced if I did experience any further trouble with the pump.

As far as adverse results, I haven’t experienced any and I’ll be sure to write an update if I do. However, it’s always best to do your own research before buying or using a new product. Also, I would recommend that you perform a test patch with any skincare product before applying it to your entire face, just to be sure that it won’t cause irritation or worse.

For more information, you can visit the MCK Laboratories web site here: http://www.m2skincare.com/.