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Now I have plenty of chemical exfoliators, and we all know they are meant to be gentler or less abrasive than physical exfoliators when using the right way. Call me old school and I still like a physical exfoliator a couple of times a month to get rid of dry skin on the surface or blackheads, it’s the instant gratification without over-sensitising from acids that I enjoy. Nevertheless, I’m careful in choosing the right physical exfoliant, we don’t want apricot scrub on our face anymore. A couple of years ago, I was given a small trial size of the Polish, used it all up then went on to try something else but nothing compared to this. Needless to say, I bite the bullet and got myself a full size.
Lancer was created and founded by Dr. Lancer, a dermatologist who has been in practice by over 30 years. He’s a very well respected dermatologist among the celebrities. The full Lancer Skincare line, once only available to patients, is now carried in prestige retailers around the world and online.
Exfoliation is at the heart of Dr. Lancer’s skincare philosophy. It serves a dual purpose: speeding cell turnover, which is the key to younger, fresher, glowing skin. Using the Polish, the first step in the 3-step Lancer Method, all subsequent skincare products penetrate deeper and work more effectively.
What is it?
Polish is a physical and chemical exfoliator intended for daily use.
What it does
This self-warming exfoliator gently and effectively removes dead skin cells and surface debris with these key ingredients:
- Natural Minerals: Fine Magnesium, sodium and quartz crystals create precise exfoliation without the risk of micro-cuts or abrasions
- Pumpkin and Pomegranate Enzyme: Contains antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E to naturally exfoliate dead skin cells and surface debris while promoting hydration.
- Bisabolol and Roman Chamomile Oil: Deliver soothing benefits to the skin.
Full Ingredients list
Glycerin, PEG-8, Sodium Bicarbonate, Magnesium Oxide, Oleth-20, Trihydroxystearin, Silica, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract (Pomegranate), Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Pumpkin Ferment Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Bisabolol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Linalool.
This product is free from Parabens, Phthalates, Palm Oil, and Hydroquinone.
Lancer a Cruelty-free brand.
Who’s it for
Good for all skin types especially sensitive and dehydrated skins
Everything else
Packaging
A very convenient plastic squeeze tube.
Colour, Texture & Scent
The texture of this white pearlescent polish is soft and creamy with very fine scrubby bits. You can add more/less water to loosen up. It has a very watery milky lather but it doesn’t really foam. It makes either rinsing off or removing with warm washcloth very easy. It has a slight lavender scent coming from the lavender oil in the ingredients list, but it’s not overpowering.
How to use it
Apply a dime size amount to fingertips. On damp skin gently massage with light pressure. Use once daily in the AM or PM. Can be used on face, neck and décolleté. Follow with Cleanse and then apply Nourish.
Lancer instruction
Although it’s suggested to be used as the first step in the routine, i.e. before cleanse, I’ve been using it after cleansing my face or at least having done my first cleanse. It just feels a little strange to exfoliate when my face isn’t already cleansed. I use very little product, maybe just shy from a pea-sized amount onto slightly damp skin. There’s no need to scrub very hard, use very gentle pressure is enough to get the job done as the scrubby bits are so fine. There’s a mild warming sensation while this is working on the skin but it goes away when you wash off the Polish. I use this once every one or two weeks as I already have other chemical exfoliants to work with.
My thoughts and experience
This is a pricey item for a physical exfoliator, no doubt about that but it’s so effective and oddly gentle. I know some people might say this feels harsh but like most things, even a washcloth or facial brush can be harsh if you apply too much pressure on the skin. This hasn’t caused any irritations to my sensitive skin nor any redness after polishing. My skin always feels so smooth and nourished after using it, no dryness or tight feeling at all. This is not your apricot scrub, it’s much more refined and luxurious. I’d highly recommend anyone to give this a try.
Lancer The Method Polish also comes in two other formulas, one for Normal‑Combination Skin and one for Oily-Congested Skin which I have not tried. But if you have these skin types it might be worth trying out!
Would I repurchase? For sure.
Available: £60/120g
Have you tried this before? What is your experience?