Years later, when I began my job at Allure at the age of 25, I started using Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Exfoliating Universal Daily Peel, which is a two-step glycolic and lactic acid treatment that works to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, on my face and saw a drastic difference in the texture and tone of my complexion. 

Thankfully, that same year, Dr. Dennis Gross expanded the line by creating the Alpha Beta Exfoliating Body Treatment, made with exfoliating glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids, specifically developed for larger areas along the body that can be prone to dead skin buildup and excess oil production. While I’ve somewhat come to terms with my keratosis pilaris, which is luckily quite mild, it was the chest and upper shoulder acne brought on by my cardio workouts that ultimately lead me to these Alpha Beta Exfoliating Body Treatment Peels. 

If this is your first time hearing about these magic face and body towelettes, let me introduce you. The original Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel — which, as the name suggests, is for your face — comes with sets of two individually sealed and saturated peel pads, labeled “step one” and “step two.” While the labeled steps might look identical to the naked eye, each step has an entirely separate job: one is saturated in alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids to gently exfoliate the skin, while the other is doused in retinol and resveratrol to protect against free radicals, smooth, and brighten the skin. You gently massage each soaked towelette onto the treatment area, unfolding the cloth as the section dries out until there’s no treatment left on the pad. 

The towelette size for the Alpha Beta Universal Body Treatment Peel, however, is significantly larger, allowing you to treat larger body parts, but you’ll also notice there is only one step in each treatment packet, loaded with all the exfoliating and hydrating ingredients into one heavy-duty remedy for clogged pores. The reason for one pad? Dr. Gross previously told Allure that body skin is far thicker than facial skin, meaning this stuff has to be strong, even in comparison to the original face peel. Meaning the body treatment is far more potent and should only be used for your body, not your face. It requires the same application method as the original: gently massaging the soaked towelette onto the treatment area, unfolding the cloth as the section dries out until there’s no treatment left.