REVIEW: Cane + Austin Retexturizing Treatment Pads

Could these clinical percentages be true? 100% increase in luminosity, 91% of panelists experienced reduced pore size, 87% noticed reduction in appearance of wrinkles and saw improvement in skin firmness, 70% saw dramatic reduction in skin discoloration and age spots! Really?

Yes, really!

I've not seen a product come along with these kinds of claims in clinicals in a long, long time.  The simple truth is, the product does what it says.  As such, it seems fitting to begin my review of Cane + Austin Retexturizing Treatment Pads with the oomph of that backing - the clinical trial percentages.


CANE - as in sugar cane.
This is the source of Cane + Austin's pure, proven powerhouse ingredient: Glycolic Acid.
Known as the superstar of the AHA’s, Glycolic Acid is derived directly from sugar cane, and has the smallest molecular size (of any AHA) which enables it to work effectively both as an exfoliator and moisturizer.

Glycolic Acid goes under the damaged upper layers of skin and destroys the 'glue' which holds dead skin to the surface, removing the dead skin cells that clog pores, resulting in increased cellular turnover, a smoother more radiant complexion and overall a more youthful appearance.
Glycolic Acid yields a smoother, younger complexion, that is soft and dewey with fewer lines and wrinkles, reduced pore size, improved tone and texture and is clinically-proven to correct hyper-pigmentation and discoloration, effective in reversing sun and free-radical damage.
 
 

AUSTIN - as in Dr. Austin.
As both a dermatologist and dermatopathologist, Craig Austin, MD has set himself apart from many physicians in the field with a unique hybrid approach utilizing advanced clinical treatments, histopathology (the microscopic study of diseased tissue and cellular strcuture) with hands-on patient care.
 
With over 20 years experience, Dr. Austin is a leader in his field, sought out by both patients and physcians for his expertise and innovative approach to treatment.  His overall philosophy is founded on the premise of uncomplicated, straightforward proven practices that promote a lifetime of naturally healthy, beautiful skin.  He is an avid proponent of the use of glycolic acid to rejuvenate and correct a host of skin concerns.  Dr. Austin is Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology and Dermatopathology at two major dermatology programs in New York City: Mt. Sinai Medical School and St. Barabas Dermatology Residency Program. he has three offices in the New York area: Manhattan, Southampton and Dutchess County.
 
Ok, so we now know Dr. Austin probably knows his stuff.  (And, by the way, this isn't Dr. Austin's first foray into a skincare line; he's also the derm behind AB Skincare.) We've many times over been schooled in the goodness of glycolic acid (haven't you been reading For the Love of Beauty?). But, do the pads really live up to the hype?
 
 

L-R: Sun Spot Before and Sun Spot After 2 Weeks Use with Pads

Indeed they do!
I've been using the 10% Glycolic pads for two weeks now and am very pleased with the results. My forehead lines are less pronounced which is also a grand phenom, but I tell you, the result that has me singing Zippity Do-Da is the improvement in sun spot discoloration on my cheeks.  'Tis a funny tale (not really). I was in the car with my daughter the other day shopping for homecoming dresses, pulled down the sun visor to block the sun, got a glimpse of my cheek in the visor mirror, and, Holy Cow, saw a dime-sized sun spot on the left side of my face between my cheekbone and chin! Where the hell did that gremlin come from? And why hadn't I noticed it before?
 
It was that very night that I began using Cane + Austin Retexturizing Pads, with the specific hope of lightening that fella on my face.  It's working!  And not only is my face more even, more luminous, and less wrinkled in appearance, the texture is much improved as well - pore size minimized, skin is firmer, more plumped and youthful in appearance.  I like!
 

Cane + Austin Retexturizing Treatment Pads not only contain 10% glycolic acid (the purest pharmaceutical grade available), they also include liposomal vitamins A, C, E, CoQ10 and antioxidants to protect skin from free radical damage.  This is a ONE STEP at-home treatment that exfoliates and retexturizes, while helping to rebuild collagen.  Witch Hazel helps to visibly tone and tighten skin. I noticed a slight tingle on application the first few days I used them, but nothing intolerable or irritating.  I think it is fair to say you can FEEL the power in the pads, which I believe to be a good thing!
 
I'm so impressed with these I have my son using the Cane + Austin Acne Treatment Pads now.  This version contains 5% Glycolic Acid and 2% Salicylic Acid with a powerful blend of liposomal vitamins A, C, E, CoQ10 and antiosidants to help gently exfoliate, assist in increasing cellular turnover, treat blemishes and blackheads, protect the skin from free radical damage, all while allowing skin to heal.  Those clinicals boast an impressive 100% effective result (as noted by panelists) in decreasing blemishes. We'll see how the pads work for him.
 
So where can you get them?  Cane + Austin Retexturizing Glycolic Treatment Pads and Acne Treatment Pads both retail for approximately $60 a jar (a 30 day supply) and are available at SpaceNK, Nordstrom, DERMAdoctor and Cane + Austin online.