I Tried Lancôme’s New 28-Night Overnight Peel…And This Is What Happened

Lancome’s Visionnaire Crescendo is about to hit shelves any day but we were lucky enough to get our hands on the 28-night peel a month ago! Find out what happened when one L’Oreal editor took the 28-night challenge for brighter-looking skin by reading her Visionnaire Crescendo review below!

One of the (many) perks of being a beauty editor for L’Oreal is having access to a handful of the latest-and-greatest skin care products, tools, and gadgets often before they hit shelves. As the guinea pigs of the industry, we test-drive these items and share our final reviews. Does this product really live up to its claims? Will this be a ground-breaking buy, or—the opposite of that—is it a total flop? It’s a risk we take for you, the readers, in order to deliver the most accurate depiction of the product before you spend your hard-earned cash to try it for yourself.

As far as these test-drives are concerned, I’ve pretty much run the gamut from $400 moisturizers to no-frills drugstore serums. My most recent victim? Lancôme’s new 28-night overnight peel dubbed Visionnaire Crescendo. For 28 straight nights, I slathered my skin in this dual-phase night peel (which is soon to launch for all to enjoy!), and I’ve lived to tell the tale. Keep reading for my review of Lancôme Visionnaire Crescendo.

WHAT IS LANCÔME VISIONNAIRE CRESCENDO?

Before I get into the nitty-gritty of my experience, allow me to explain a bit more about this product. Visionnaire Crescendo is an overnight progressive peel that helps fight multiple signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores, and lack of luminosity. Split into two phases, it offers a Skin Intensity Interval Training program that lasts approximately 28 nights. Consider it a bootcamp routine for your skin! Phase one contains AHA from fruit acids to stimulate skin cell renewal, as well as quinoa husk extract to gently exfoliate. After 14 nights, move to the Phase two formula containing a powerful combination of salicylic acid—which works to even the skin’s complexion—and glycolic acid that helps to smooth the skin’s surface. 

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WHO SHOULD USE LANCÔME VISIONNAIRE CRESCENDO

Since the goal of Visionnaire Crescendo is to help you achieve a brighter-looking, more even-toned and even-textured complexion, it’s ideal for anyone with dull-looking skin or who may be concerned with some of the tell-tale signs of aging skin. However, this product is formulated with both BHA (salicylic acid) and AHAs (glycolic acid), so it’s not recommended for those with sensitive skin. If you’re unsure if Lancôme Visionnaire Crescendo is right for you, talk to your dermatologist before use. (Side note: I have combination skin.)

HOW TO USE LANCÔME VISIONNAIRE CRESCENDO

Start by applying three or four pumps of Phase one every night for an approximate duration of 14 nights. (Side note: I applied Phase one for exactly 14 nights.) Once Phase one is complete, start applying three or four pumps of Phase two every night for another 14 nights (approximately). Both Phase one and two should be applied on cleansed and toned skin. The brand recommends following up with a moisturizer afterwards for added comfort. I found that the moisturizer was really beneficial for my skin since I did experience some dryness after applying this product night after night. Pick your favorite night cream or moisturizer, and follow with the remainder of your routine.

In the morning, cleanse your skin as usual and apply broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher. (Do not use Visionnaire Crescendo in the morning.) This product contains an alpha-hydroxy acid that may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun and particularly to the possibility of sunburn. Wear sunscreen daily along with protective clothing while using this product and for a week afterwards. Better yet? Limit sun exposure if possible. We like to use peel products during those times of year where we’re spending more time indoors than out, making the current transition from winter to spring a great time to give it a go!

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Visionnaire Crescendo is designed to use every night for 28 nights. If you choose to continue after 28 nights, start back with Phase 1 and follow the same instructions.

THE VERDICT

And now for the grand finale, did Visionnaire Crescendo transform the look of my skin as I had hoped?

Day 1: After cleansing and toning my skin, I applied a few drops of Phase one into my palm and gently applied it over the contours of my face, making certain to avoid the eye area. The formula was pretty watery—at least more so than what I expected—but luckily it absorbed quickly and left behind a fresh scent without a greasy residue.  

Upon waking, my skin felt softer and appeared more radiant and refreshed.

Day 7: Week one is done! There were a few instances where I nearly forgot to apply this peel. Since I follow a regular night routine, the habit of it almost had me (almost!) applying moisturizer directly after cleansing instead of this peel. Luckily, I reminded myself just in time, every time. As for my skin, I’m really happy with the results. I consistently woke up with skin that looked and felt better than the day before. I did experience some excess dryness on some days which I combatted with extra heaping applications of moisturizer both during the day and at night after applying the peel.

Day 15: I am ready to switch over to Phase two which, as mentioned, combines both salicylic and glycolic acids. Phase two definitely smells a bit more potent than Phase one, which can be a bit off-putting for a few seconds until it dissolves into the skin. I experienced a slight tingling sensation for the first few nights of using Phase two as my skin adapted to the acid combination, but it eventually subsided. If you do experience uncomfortable irritation, stop using the product right away and consult your dermatologist before continuing. I made sure to be extra diligent about my SPF application in the morning—and was sure to reapply every two hours—since my skin was definitely more sensitive to sunlight.

At this point, my skin looks incredibly radiant. I also noticed a significant reduction in the appearance of a few stray lines around my mouth. No complaints about that!