Two minutes might not seem long on a clock, but 120 seconds is all you need to give your skin the boost it needs this time of year. In less time than it takes to boil a kettle, Youth To The People’s new Yerba Mate Resurfacing Energy Facial wields the power of the ancient South American plant, yerba mate (more commonly imbibed as a drink than applied topically), to alleviate flaky, dull, and generally lackluster complexions. Alongside active enzymes sourced from tropical fruits and physical micro-exfoliants, this just-launched product works to sweep away dull skin and reveal a buttery-soft canvas into which your favorite serum will be absorbed more effectively, and your makeup—should you choose to wear it—will glide onto like a dream.
To get the most out of this supercharged wunderkind in a bottle, it’s advisable to get ahead on the how and why it works before diving straight in. Below, take a look at our equally fast and foolproof cheat sheet to getting the best skin of your life in two minutes flat. Yes, two minutes—really!
It works because…
It’s a powerhouse of a product and contains a lot of potent ingredients to ensure results. Two active enzymes from papaya and pineapple), plus micro-exfoliants from sustainably-sourced bamboo and diatomaceous earth, work in tandem to break down and then slough away dead skin cells, revealing energized, fresh skin. Concentrated caffeine from yerba mate and guayusa amplify the performance of both the enzymes and the physical exfoliants, thus explaining the super short usage time.
You should use it because…
Exfoliation is the key to a luminous complexion and this product is an innovative vehicle to get more mileage out of any other products you use. Also, it’s an easy way to combat dry, patchy, flaky, and uneven skin without resorting to more intensive peels (or a useful tool for maintaining results in between specialist treatments). If you’re on the sensitive side or are prone to acne, this product’s for you too—just pay attention to how your skin feels before, during, and after using it, and avoid applying directly onto any open blemishes. Here’s a guide to the correct technique, whatever your skin type.
Less is more because…
Yerba mate contains more caffeine than coffee, green tea, and black tea, which means the active ingredients in the product get to work like a Bugatti at high speed. So, two minutes is really the maximum amount of time it needs to be on your face. Something else important to note: leaving the product on for longer will not equal greater results, but it could cause irritation. If you have sensitive skin, you might want to start by using it more as a light microderm initially i.e. apply, massage, and then wash it off without any breaks in between.
You’ll want to use it forever because…
You’ll notice results after two minutes and start to wonder what magic might happen with consistent usage. Spoiler alert: The first time you can expect an instant boost in radiance and smoother skin, and with continued use, it’s likely you’ll see a significant improvement in overall texture because of the increase in new cells thanks to the dual-action enzymatic and physical exfoliants. Because the caffeine concentrate helps with microcirculation in the skin, you’ll enjoy prolonged contouring and an increased glow as after-effects.
Watch out for...
Using too much pressure when you massage the product into your face. Bamboo and diatomaceous earth give it a slightly grainy texture, and it can be tempting to push these tiny granules really hard in an effort to dissolve them—but it’s not necessary and could cause irritation. A light touch goes a long way. And remember: it takes an average of 28-30 days for your skin cells to complete a full turnover, so you want to avoid over-exfoliating or you’ll have no dead cells left to slough away. If you already use retinol, stick to using the facial once a week. If you have oily skin, try using it two to three times per week. Combination or sensitive skin? One to two times a week should do the trick.
A bonus tip—just because…
The facial plays nicely with all Youth To The People products, but its one true love is the Adaptogen Soothe + Hydrate Activated Mist. Applied directly after, a quick spritz will diminish any residual redness via a proven calming ingredient called pentapeptide-59. Already using the Kombucha + 11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner? Most people find using the toner two to three times a week and the facial once a week—on alternate days—is a good place to start. For example, use the toner one night and then skip any active products the following morning so you can use the facial that evening.
Written by Elsa de Berker for Youth To The People
