Just wanted to circle back and say THANKS. I bought a couple of Alpha Hydrox products (a cleanser and an exfoliator) and am pretty happy with them so far. Not quite La Prairie happy, but pretty darn happy and at about 10% of the price!

I use an AHA from Paulas Choice--5% RESIST. I didn't notice a huge difference until I started using it morning and night. I'm 38, majorly sleep deprived, rarely have time to exercise....and my skin glows like I'm outside, living a clean, healthy, active lifestyle. (which I hope to be once my kids are older and start sleeping). I would get some samples from PC and from Sephora and see what you think. The Philip Thomas Roth one is highly recommended, but it was too much for me. I liked the one by REN. The also gave me one from Ole H to try, but it did nothing. Point is, you may need to try a few before you find what works for you. You definitely don't need to spend $250 for this!

I think of retinol as kind of like a chemical exfoliant. I use Retin-A and also use a physical exfoliant. I really like Philosophy's Microdelivery Wash. It's gentle enough to use every day, and my skin feels super smooth, without any of the flaking that retinol can sometimes case.

I am suspicious of facialists trying to sell products. Most of them get commissions on anything clients buy.

I've used Alpha Hydrox AHA Souffle and have noticed a real difference. It's about $15.
http://www.drugstore.com/alpha-hydrox-aha-souffle-12-glycolic-aha/qxp141163?tab=1#TblTabStrip

I've bought salicylic acid and a glycolic acid from Amazon. You can buy the liquids at different strengths. They were inexpensive. I've also purchased hyaluronic powder to make my own gel. There's lots of info online about how to do this safely yourself.

I wash my face, and use retinoids and sunscreen every day - but I think I need to start doing more. Every time that I've gotten a facial, the tech recommends that I exfoliate at home with something like the La Prairie 3 minute peeling mask. That project is $250 so that's a little steep for me unless it really is the best thing out there. Do you use a chemical exfoliator? Am I even saying it correctly - basically something that exfoliates without the scratchiness of the stuff I used to use as a teen. Any recommendations? Thanks much!!