There are a few things that getting older has taught me that is actually of some benefit...(1) Hold out for Mr. Right, not Mr. Right now, (2) if you're going to drink at a party, alternate with glasses of water, and (3) my skin loves chemical exfoliation. That last tip is something that I'm a bit of a late bloomer in learning, but it has "made all the difference" (thank you Mr. Frost).I wanted to introduce you to a few of my chemical warriors–nay, heroes–in this concerted effort to de-clog, de-congest, and de-dull my troubled skin.

Alpha-H Liquid Gold

(aka, the other liquid gold in my life)

Alpha-H is a well recognized skincare brand but are perhaps best known for their holy-grail product, Liquid Gold, a chemical glycolic acid that applies like a toner and can be used a few times per week, at night, or, if you're as crazy as I am about it, every single night that you can remember. For best or most intense results, do not put any other product on after you put on the Liquid Gold (i.e. no moisturizer) so it can have time to penetrate and do all of its tingly exfoliation without its low pH (remember–acid!) being neutralized before its benefits can be achieved.

Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

PTR's PEM (too many acronyms?) is something more for once a week–let's say, Sunday evenings, and is in the form of a chemical exfoliant but also has some resurfacing capabilities with aluminum oxide beads, pumpkin enzyme, and alpha hydroxy acid. I like this particular product because it instantly makes my skin feel as soft as Harper's cheeks (that's my infant, in case you're new here). Definitely a splurge, but if you can save up, it's worth it.