I usually write those follow-ups of products when my stance on them has drastically changed. In this case, it’s not my stance – it’s my skin. Here’s my PSA Follow the Light update.
PSA Follow the Light – what it is
Follow the Light is an exfoliating wash-off mask that’s somewhat similar to The Ordinary’s infamous peeling solution aka “vampire peeling”.
Original review Follow the Light
In my original review, I was very impressed that Follow the Light is not only supposed to exfoliate (and does, due to a mix of acids), but also has lots of skin-soothing ingredients, vitamin c and a lot of antioxidants that are supposed to brighten skin.
From my old review:
The peeling action comes from a combination of Glycolic and Lactic Acid (AHA) and an undisclosed amount of Salicylic Acid (BHA) that amounts to 10-10.5% of acids. The pH is between 3.5 and 4.5. Glycolic Acid needs a pH of around 3.6 to be effective. Lactic Acid needs a pH of 3.8, so we’re well within range. (…)
PSA Follow the Light review
Remarkably, the formula includes not only tons of antioxidants, but also of skin-soothing ingredients. I’m still not really sure about the inclusion of antioxidants in a wash-off formula, but sure. Eight (!) skin-soothing ingredients (most notably Centella Asiatica, Green Tea, Liquorice Extract, Allantoin and Bisabolol) are remarkable and will be very welcome in a peeling mask.
The effects I was seeing were smooth and healthy-looking skin, without the glow TO’s peeling mask usually gives me (which I put down to the gentler formula). Big minus points were both the price and the packaging.
The problem
I had used Follow the Light a handful of times when I wrote my review. And then, suddenly, came the day when I used it, washed it off and my skin was on fire. It was burning and red, and everything I used to calm it down made it burn even more. I finally used the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner numerous times and then reverted back to my Beyer & Soehne Moisturizer that always saves my skin. Again, I applied numerous layers, because my skin just drunk it up.
Next morning, everything was fine – and I was shaking my head. WHAT was that? What had happened? Was my skin barrier somewhat compromised and I hadn’t noticed? No. Was there a problem with one of the ingredients of the mask – I didn’t think so, because I know these actives and use them in other forms.
The only thing what I know for sure is that I had a similar experience every time I tried to use Follow the Light since. I started to use it for 5mins instead of the 20 you’re supposed to do – and still my skin burned AFTER I washed it off.
By now, I use it as a (very pricey) body exfoliator.
PSA Follow the Light update: Conclusion?!
I don’t have a conclusion for you here. Sometimes, products don’t agree with your skin. It happens. Also, a healthy skin barrier is important and prized above rubies. Baby it and cherish it, and don’t make it angry with you. On top of that, ingredient lists can’t tell you that much about a product. Sometimes a supposedly gentle formula can still wreck your skin. And finally, in some cases a short ingredient list has its benefits: you can eliminate ingredients your skin can’t tolerate much quicker.
Is this a bad product? No. Still, my skin reacted to it like I’ve never experienced before.
If you want to buy it, I ordered at the PSA website. Niche-Beauty, Beautylish, Asos and Boots also carry the brand. 50ml/1.7fl.oz. are $39/44€.
Please note that this post is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods or money for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.
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