How To Choose Which Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 Is Right For Your Skin
Biologique Recherche’s Lotion P50 launched over four decades ago and has become a cult favorite and one of my must-haves for good reason. While it is referred to as a Lotion, it is one of the best exfoliating toners on the market.
As a chemical exfoliator, it dissolves the stratum corneum (which is the top layer of the epidermis) rather than physically removing it which is what scrubs do. With consistent use, you can work up to using Lotion P50 twice daily.
Lotion P50 is the cornerstone of Biologique Recherche's skincare and epitomizes their research into epidermal reconditioning. The Lotion P50 range, supports the epidermis’ natural process and the reconstruction of the epidermal shield. The fortified epidermis can then effectively fulfill its protective functions, thus enhancing skin’s self-regeneration potential. All Biologique Recherche skincare treatments begin with the “P50 Ritual”.
The name P50 was not randomly chosen, it has a detailed meaning. The “P” stands for peeling and the “50” is the result of 2 epidermal cycles that last an average of 25 days (about 3 and a half weeks), to achieve the first level of epidermal reconditioning required to purify the skin.
The 1970 formulations differ from their counterparts with the addition of the ingredient phenol. Phenol helps exfoliate, purify, and brighten the skin. However, it is not recommended for women who may be or are pregnant / breastfeeding.
There are 6 different formulations of P50 and it is important to consult with your esthetician to determine which is best for your skin. Remember: what works for your girlfriend might not work for you.
Below is a guide to Biologique Recherche’s Lotion P50:
Lotion P50: Keratinized & Oily Skin
I typically recommend the original Lotion P50 to clients with keratinized (thick skin) or skins producing an excess of oil, as it regulates oil production. This multifunctional lotion exfoliates, cleanses, and purifies the epidermis, helping it maintain its acidic pH balance.
The formula benefits the epidermis by enhancing its cellular renewal, improving the strength and quality, as well as hydrating its outermost layer.
It is also great to treat ingrown hair for men. This formula is infused with keratin proteins, essential oils, onion, horseradish, cider vinegar, sulfur, and phytic acid. It hydrates and strengthens the layers of skin by exfoliating, purifying, and regulating sebum.
Benefits:
- Daily removal of dead cells and impurities
- Helps regulate sebum secretion and purifies
- Promotes epidermis renewal
- Increases the resistance and quality of the epidermis
- Balances pH on the skin’s surface
Lotion P50V: Dry Skin
Lotion P50V activates, strengthens, and stimulates the skin and is recommended for people with mature skin that is not sensitive. It is comprised of many vitamins including walnut extract, which is key for regenerating and protecting the skin.
Yeast extract is an ingredient that is specific to P50V - it helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin texture.
It was created for those with skin not too sensitive, not too strong, and on the normal to dry side. It still does the job but with addition of plankton and brewer’s yeast, it is slightly more conditioning than regular p50.
Benefits:
- Daily removal of dead skin cells and impurities
- Tones, fortifies, and stimulates the epidermal functions
- Purifies the skin
- Promotes epidermis renewal
- Increases the resistance and quality of the epidermis
- Balances pH on the skin’s surface
Lotion P50W: Sensitive Skin
Lotion P50W is the gentlest formulation. It is recommended if you have normal to sensitive or reactive skin. Arnica, a plant related to the sunflower, is an exclusive ingredient that helps with inflammation and soothes the skin.
Benefits include gently purifying, smoothing, moisturizing, and rebalancing the pH of the epidermis. The formula balances lactic and salicylic acid with glycerin and Arctium Lappa root to make it efficacious and gentle
Benefits:
- Daily removal of dead cells and impurities
- Promotes epidermis renewal
- Purifies and soothes the epidermis
- Increases the resistance and quality of the epidermis
- Balances pH on the skin’s surface
Lotion P50 PIGM 400: Hyperpigmentation & Dark Spots
Lotion P50 PIGM 400 is the latest formulation for pigmented or dull skin. The newest member to the p50 line, which contains no phenol at all, was made specifically for people dealing with hyperpigmentation.
Wasabi extract is the highlighting factor along with flavonoids, which are antioxidants found in many fruits and vegetables.
Vitamins B3 is an exclusive ingredient with anti-inflammatory properties that combat acne problems. It leaves the skin prepared to receive the application of the PIGM 400 product range.
Benefits:
- Removes dead skin cells and impurities daily
- Enhances epidermal renewal
- Lightens the skin. Reduces the size of pigmentation marks and prevents them from appearing
- Inhibits melanin synthesis
- Improves the quality of the epidermis
- Unifies and brightens the complexion
- Balances pH on the skin’s surface
Lotion P50 Corps: Body Care
Lotion P50 Corps purifies, balances, and protects the skin. Similarly formulated to the Lotion P50 for the face, this lotion has been specifically adapted for the body removes your body’s dead skin cells, leaving skin soft and glowing, due to its purifying, hydrating, and stimulating properties. Scales are eliminated, the epidermis is purified, leaving the skin cleansed and rebalanced, ready to receive adapted treatments.
Benefits:
- Stimulating the skin’s natural exfoliation
- Purifying the epidermis by eliminating its dead cells
- Balancing the pH on the skin’s surface
- Accelerating cellular renewal
How to Use Lotion P50
For the first 2 weeks of using a Lotion P50 formulation, it is normal to experience more breakouts than usual, as the skin is acclimating and balancing. You might also feel a slight tingling sensation, which is a sign that the product is starting to rebalance the epidermis - as the skin’s pH begins to balance, tingling will decrease.
There are many ways to apply your Lotion P50. The most common is with a cotton pad or cotton ball. However, to get the best results, make sure you have completely removed all makeup and cleanse face prior to application.
- The 1st week: Apply the lotion with a damp cotton pad, dabbing over the face, neck and décolleté using upward strokes.
- The following days: Soak a cotton pad with just lotion.
Lotion P50 is not for everyone. I do not recommend using on children. It should not be used on scratched or irritated skin or an open wound or burn. Never use during vitamin A or acid-based treatments.
*Lotion P50 should also not be used immediately after a peel or medical laser treatment.
Following any surgical procedure on your face, it is best to wait at least one month for the skin to heal before beginning your Lotion P50 regime again.
If you are unsure about when and how to use Lotion P50, ask your esthetician, or schedule a consultation with our team.
