REN is a brand that's been growing in popularity since its launch in 2000. The products feature a 'clean skincare' stamp to let you know exactly what undesirable ingredients they're free from, as well as only using 100% plant and mineral derived actives, including organic essential oils. The REN Micro Polish Cleanser was a product that I was keen to purchase; my combination skin has been subjected to all manner of manual exfoliators, but recently these have been getting a bad press in favour of chemical and acid exfoliators that are said to be gentler and more effective.
The Micro Polish Cleanser is presented in REN's usual simple and clean packaging, with its orange colour-coded label letting you know that this product is intended to improve the radiance of skin. The formula is a thick cream cleanser with a fresh orange scent, that contains (gritty feeling but actually sparse) Amber Powder Microbeads to polish the surface of the skin. The main source of exfoliation comes from Papaya derived Papain and Pineapple derived Glycolic Acid that help to remove dead skin cells, decongest and reduce inflammation. I use this about twice a week on clean damp skin, massage over my face with my palms to maximise on exfoliation from the microbeads, and rinse off with warm water. Immediately after using this my skin feels gorgeously smooth, oil and dirt are swept away and my face feels clean rather than tight. I did notice after the first few uses that blemishes and problem areas looked a little redder/drier, but I can only assume this was just my skin getting used to the new acids as it soon subsided.
I've been using this for a few months and, while I haven't noticed a difference in pore size, my skin looks brighter and is definitely a lot smoother - especially at the sides of my nose and between my brows, where it used to feel rough and congested even with frequent manual exfoliation. The cleanser still slightly dries out blemished areas so moisturising well after use is a must for me, as well as starting with infrequent use to see how your skin reacts if you have very dry or sensitive skin. Despite initial worries about the amount of product in the packaging, the 150ml has lasted well: I don't think I'm even half way through. A product that's worth the investment.
The REN Micro Polish Cleanser is available for £20 at Selfridges, John Lewis, Space NK and larger Marks and Spencers stores, as well as REN Online.
Written by Kirsty Paterson
@taupeandpearl Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
The Micro Polish Cleanser is presented in REN's usual simple and clean packaging, with its orange colour-coded label letting you know that this product is intended to improve the radiance of skin. The formula is a thick cream cleanser with a fresh orange scent, that contains (gritty feeling but actually sparse) Amber Powder Microbeads to polish the surface of the skin. The main source of exfoliation comes from Papaya derived Papain and Pineapple derived Glycolic Acid that help to remove dead skin cells, decongest and reduce inflammation. I use this about twice a week on clean damp skin, massage over my face with my palms to maximise on exfoliation from the microbeads, and rinse off with warm water. Immediately after using this my skin feels gorgeously smooth, oil and dirt are swept away and my face feels clean rather than tight. I did notice after the first few uses that blemishes and problem areas looked a little redder/drier, but I can only assume this was just my skin getting used to the new acids as it soon subsided.
I've been using this for a few months and, while I haven't noticed a difference in pore size, my skin looks brighter and is definitely a lot smoother - especially at the sides of my nose and between my brows, where it used to feel rough and congested even with frequent manual exfoliation. The cleanser still slightly dries out blemished areas so moisturising well after use is a must for me, as well as starting with infrequent use to see how your skin reacts if you have very dry or sensitive skin. Despite initial worries about the amount of product in the packaging, the 150ml has lasted well: I don't think I'm even half way through. A product that's worth the investment.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
The REN Micro Polish Cleanser is available for £20 at Selfridges, John Lewis, Space NK and larger Marks and Spencers stores, as well as REN Online.
Written by Kirsty Paterson
@taupeandpearl Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
