Dr. Alkaitis Organic Enzyme Exfoliating Mask

I have recently become pretty obsessed with natural and organic (when possible) skin care products, mostly due to the influence and encouragement of my fellow blogger Nav of Beauty Huile. With a little nudge from her, I've decided that I'm going to start posting once a week or so about my experiences with skin care products as an ultra-sensitive skin type. I'll be using a rating system: 0-5, 0 meaning no sensitivity or irritation whatsoever, to 5, meaning that I pretty much burned my face off (nod to Victoria J, EauMG).

To start things off, I'll be reviewing Dr. Alkaitis Organic Enzyme Exfoliating Mask. Exfoliation is one of those words that gives me shivers down my spine, because I rarely know what I'm in for. That's because my skin is so reactive and so unpredictable, that I'll be sensitive to something today that I had no problem with last year. It's not an unusual occurrence. I broke out in red bumps all over my face as soon as I entered the pre-surgical area of the hospital when I had my gallbladder out a couple weeks ago. I was honestly more worried about my skin than the surgery, and I had the anesthesiologist in stitches over my kvetching.

Dr. Alkaitis Organic Enzyme Exfoliating Mask: Irritation Factor= 0 out of 5

This mask is one that comes in powder form (my favorite kind), and you mix a teaspoon of the mask with a teaspoon (or a bit more) of water and make a thin paste, sort of like pancake batter. There is enough in the jar for 25 masks. Application is sloppy, slimy fun, and it's left on the skin for 5-7 minutes. One major caveat: you must keep the mask moist on your face, or the enzymes will be inert. I take a wet muslin washcloth that I use specifically for masks and lay it over my face as I loaf until it's time to wash it off. You can also mist face with a spray-bottle at frequent intervals. The scent reminds me of steel cut oats soaked in milk, and I love that. After rinsing and completing my toning, oiling and creaming steps, I stared hard at my skin in the mirror. No redness, no irritation (not even when the mask was on), I see and feel a subtle, beautiful refinement in the tone and texture of my skin, and my complexion is calm and happy.

Trish and Dr. Saul Alkaitis, my most favorite father and daughter team ever

It's hard to believe something could truly exfoliate the skin without my even feeling a single tingle, but I'm a believer now. Not only are there work-horse enzymes contained in the mask to devour surface debris and dead skin cells, but also phyto-nutrients, antioxidants and minerals which are delivered to the skin. It brightens, and with continued use, even lightens, and it serves as an overall gem of an anti-aging treatment that is a pleasure to use. I am so into this brand. You can expect more reviews of this product line in the future, because I become a little more obsessed with it every day.

So, my sensitive-skinned siblings-in-spirit, Dr. Alkaitis' Enzyme Exfoliating Mask is not only acceptable for you, but I heartily recommend it as the only product of its kind that I've used that delivers visible results after just one use, and actually soothes angry, moody skin in the process. Put your mad scientist outfit on and get to mixing, because your skin wants this mask, like, yesterday, for its very own-- sooner rather than later.

EDIT: Trish Alkaitis mentioned that it's very important that everyone knows that this particular mask is only to be used twice a month, tops. Just because it doesn't sting doesn't mean it's not getting down to business. 

Ingredients list:
Organic Oat Buds*, Blueberry*, Bilberry*, Strawberry*, Raspberry*, Grapes* and Blackberry*; Extracts of Barley Grass*, Turmeric* and Cat’s Claw; Enzyme Exfoliating Complex consisting of Cellulase, Lipase, Lactase, Protease Complex, Xylinase, Amylase, Bromelain, Papain, Maltase, Beta-Glucanase, Invertase, Pectinase, Mannanase, Phytase, Alpha-Galactosidase, Arabinosidase and Glucoamylase.
* – Signifies certified organically grown. 


[Product purchased by me for my own use. It is available for $55 at several fabulous online shops, including Alkaitis.com, Spirit Beauty Lounge, Saffron Rouge and Bella Floria]