REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask ($55 for 1.7 oz.; also available full-size in the $58 Rediscover Radiance Set) claims to provide effective yet non-irritating exfoliation using four types of fruit acid and papaya enzyme.
It claims that it “reduces the appearance of fine lines and dramatically improves tone, firmness, and radiance” and “works well on post-acne scarring, blemishes, blackheads and sun-damaged skin.” It’s recommended for mature and congested skin (but not for sensitive skin).
Instructions are to apply a generous layer, wait 10 minutes, wipe off with a muslin cloth, and then rinse with warm water. (I notice that there are new instructions on Sephora now: instead of using the cloth, pat and “lift” with fingertips to raise up the exfoliated layer of dead skin cells. I’ve only ever removed it with a cloth.)
The texture is thick like honey and does not run off your face. It’s no wonder a cloth is recommended for removal; the mask would take some elbow grease (fingertip grease?) to remove through just rinsing because it’s gooey and clings to the skin.
As you might have guessed from the title, I really enjoy boba milk tea highly rate this mask. I hadn’t used it in months, favoring sheet masks and sleeping masks for their ease of use (no need to wash off and able to go to sleep right after application, respectively). I’d forgotten how effective the REN mask was at refining skin texture and clearing off flaky skin.
Today, after I wiped off the mask with a muslin cloth and washed my face, I kept running my fingers over my newly smooth skin in awe. A minor dry patch on one cheek was gone. The sides of my nose no longer felt bumpy. I can’t say that the results were as dramatic or wide-ranging as advertised, but the mask undoubtedly worked to exfoliate dead skin cells. Perhaps regular use will result in more dramatic results.
In the future, I’ll reserve my sheet and sleeping masks for pampering and extra moisture. But when I want to decongest and renew my skin, I’ll use something more potent like the REN.
Pros: Easy application. Effective at removing dead skin cells and smoothing skin surface.
Cons: Removal requires a cloth. Immediate results are not as wide-ranging or dramatic as advertised (no visible effect on blackheads, acne marks and sun spots, or fine lines).
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