A facial peel. To me, it conjures up images of Jocelyn Wildenstein, Joan Rivers, and that episode of Sex and the City where Samantha's face turned red from a glycolic peel, and she had to cover it with a veil.

But, in the name of research (and with much trepidation), I purchased The Microdelivery Peel from Philosophy. I figured if you could do it at home, the potential for damage couldn't be that high. This peel comes with Vitamin C crystals to exfoliate, and an activating gel. I began the requisite 60 seconds of massaging the crystals into my face. OK, skin still attached to face. This is good.

Then I rubbed on the Rapid Activation Gel. What's this? It's warming up on my skin? At first I thought my face was going to peel off, but after consulting the box I found out the warming action was normal, and I proceeded with the peel.

I was afraid to look in the mirror after rinsing off the peel, but when I looked, I saw that my skin was even, soft, and glowing. Nothing stuck in my pores. No dry patches or oily patches. Just fresh, brand-new skin.

Don't be afraid. Peel away!