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Most Recent Questions
Recent Question:
Is it too harsh for sensible/dry skin?
Recent Question:
Will this even out a summer tan in the face. Tan was made by glasses?
Recent Question:
How often should this product be used?
Recent Question:
Does this effectively clear up blackheads? (particularly stubborn blackheads)
Recent Question:
does this make your skin look dewy?
Questions with Most Recent Answers
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Use Higher Sunscreen??
Question:
Do these pads make you sensitive to the sun?
Question:
Do these pads help for acne scarring and sun damange?
See all questions : Skincare Q & A : Exfoliators & Peels Q & A


Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads

What it is:Exclusively formulated to cleanse skin, clear up blackheads, refine pores, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. What it is formulated to do:Each potent pad contains alpha hydroxy acid (glycolic acid 10 ), beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid 2 ), and alcohol (46 ) in an advanced botanical formulation creating a unique, clarifying, synergistic action. This formula cleanses the skin, clears active acne blemishes, visually minimizes pore size, eliminates the formation of new blackheads and blemishes, and supports natural cell turnover as it delivers proven anti-aging benefitsto help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. What it is formulated WITHOUT: - Parabens - Sulfates - Synthetic Dyes - Phthalates - GMOs - Triclosan
Questions & Answers:
64 Questions
 | 
233 Answers
Overall Rating:
4.429 out of 5
4.4
out of
5
Product Details

Questions & Answers for Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads

Question
OK with acne creams?
Is it ok to use another acne spot treatment after applying this? I have been trying the PTR sulfur spot treatment afterwards and I seem to be breaking out more. I can't tell if my acne is getting worse for other reasons, or if it is too much for my skin. I'm not drying out at all...
asked 2 years ago
jgirlie
(Seattle, WA)
on Max Complexion Correction Pads
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
It's best to let this product work its wonders instead of putting on another product afterwards. Try not to have more than one product on the same facial area at one time.
answered 6 months ago
Gaylen
(Chicago, IL)
answer 2
Personally for spot treatment I like the Ole Henrickson Blemish Serum. You might want to try it out
answered 1 year, 4 months ago
melrw
(Phoenix,Az)
answer 3
Thanks all. Sounds like I was overdoing it. I used the Ren system and the PTR sulfur treatment for a bit and it calmed everything out, though I was still getting a mild but new blemish every day. I've switched back to using these PTR pads again about once a day, alternating with the Philosophy sal. acid treatment, and occasionally both together. I'm only using my Clarsonic once a day, at night.

So far so good! my skin is clearing up and I haven't had a new blemish in a few days.. fingers crossed!
answered 1 year, 10 months ago
jgirlie
(Seattle, WA)
answer 4
I think you can add another product just be careful not to dry your skin too much.
answered 1 year, 10 months ago
kph51
(Wilmington,NC)
answer 5
I would only use this alone, if you are braking out more, you might be overdoing it. This can cause the same exact problem all over again. Try the cucumber gel mask from PTR.
That, sometimes that just calms everything down. Once a week I normally give my self with a night off from these pads and just use a cheep gel cream moisturizer. Everything seems to work better.
answered 1 year, 11 months ago
elyzium13
(NY)
answer 6
I also use these pads along with the Murad Acne Spot Treatment which is sulfur-based and haven't had any problems with it. This product may be too strong for your skin and you may need to use the gentler version.
answered 2 years ago
lshblr8
(Saint Louis, MO)
Question
reduce oil?
looking for something that will reduce pore size and oil. will this work for me?
asked 1 year, 11 months ago
lucyella
on Max Complexion Correction Pads
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
Definitely. I have found that this product does mostly everything I need for my face. If only it was moisturizing as well, I would probably buy this product in mass bulk.
answered 6 months ago
Gaylen
(Chicago, IL)
answer 2
Yes, it will make a noticable difference. I saw a minimization of my pores in four days. However your skin may become a little oily after the first few uses, this is just a reaction to the exfoliating and can be easily managed but luckly it won't cause break outs, just a little shine. Hope this helps!
answered 1 year, 2 months ago
sephoralush
(Chicago, Il)
answer 3
My son is using this product and although his acne is not better yet the oil is much less, he did not have a problem with pore size
answered 1 year, 10 months ago
kph51
(Wilmington,NC)
answer 4
Not sure about pore size - but definitely helped in the oil reduction dept.
answered 1 year, 10 months ago
mimitomorrow
(Seattle, WA)
answer 5
I bought this primarily hoping to reduce pore size and saw absolutely no improvement. Try something else... then let me know what works!
answered 1 year, 11 months ago
umiami07
(Baltimore, MD)
answer 6
yes
answered 1 year, 11 months ago
icano24
Question
Have you found a good moisturizer (with antioxidents) to use with this to keep dryness or flaking at bay?
asked 1 year, 10 months ago
chloegirlnyc
(New York, NY)
on Max Complexion Correction Pads
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
I dont know if it contains antioxidants...but Cliniques Turn around night cream has worked WONDERS on my extremely flakey and dry skin. I wake up and my skin just glows...its awesome. Also, its oil free, if thats a concern of yours. It didnt break me out at all. Give it a try :)
answered 1 year, 4 months ago
brittneylynn
(Riverside, CA)
answer 2
you might need the other correction pads that this company makes. You can combine it with a moisturizer like dermalogica...I really liked that brand
answered 1 year, 4 months ago
melrw
(Phoenix,Az)
answer 3
It sounds like your skin is getting too much of the product. You may want to cut down on the usage to once a day, gradually building yourself up to twice a day in the course of a few weeks. If this doesn't work, you may want to try the gentler version of the product or squeezing some of the product out into the container before applying to your face.
answered 1 year, 5 months ago
euphoricspiral
(Boston)
answer 4
Yes! Philosophy's Hope in a Jar is the perfect evening moisturizer to use with these pads. I love how intensive these pads are, but if I use them a few days in a row I get flakey dry skin patches on my face. I use the Peter Thomas Roth Oil Free Moisturizer in the morning and the Hope in a Jar at night and it keeps my flakey skin at bay.
answered 1 year, 5 months ago
palkama
(Reston, VA)
answer 5
I love aveenos intensive calming lotion. The only moisturizer that got me through accutane and is Not clogging.
answered 1 year, 6 months ago
jellz
(Washington dc)
answer 6
AmorePacific rejuvenating creme is extremely hydrating. It has bamboo extracts which are really moisturizing.
answered 1 year, 10 months ago
techchic7
(Rochester, NY)
Question
Instructions
I can not find the directions on how to use this product. Can I please get the instructionds (Max Complextion correction pads
asked 2 years, 10 months ago
lauren10
(Bloomingdale, Illinois)
on Max Complexion Correction Pads
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
You simply swipe it over clean dry face, neck, chest, etc. Follow with serum/moisturizer/spf. You can use it daily am or pm
answered 2 years, 5 months ago
courtneycourtney
(Seattle, WA)
answer 2
The directions are on the inside of the label. It peels back from one corner.
answered 2 years, 6 months ago
mrsdesh
(Johnson City, TN)
answer 3
After washing, wipe pad on your face avoiding eye area. You may want to start using once per day to see how your skin will react.
answered 2 years, 6 months ago
wantperfection
(Gonzales, LA)
answer 4
These pads are great because you really can't go wrong in how you use them. Just make sure you don't wash your skin after using the pad or it will wash off the treatment solution. I use these pads in the morning and at night. In the morning after I wash my face, I use one pad on my face, chest and back. At night after I shower I do the same thing. I found that one pad is enough for those three areas because it has enough solution on it. You don't have to wash your skin before using a pad because these pads are made to cleanse your skin as well as treat.
answered 2 years, 7 months ago
Linsey
(Gainesville, FL)
answer 5
There's a tab you must peel back behind the ingrediants, etc.
answered 2 years, 10 months ago
ak99
(Atlanta, GA)
answer 6
Use after washing your face at night (or every other night, depending on your skin type). Use the smooth side for gentle cleansing. Use textured side for a little extra oomph. I use the smooth side first, and then the textured side. You can also cut them in half for longer use (read 60 pads now become 120).
answered 2 years, 10 months ago
danyelleb
(Las Vegas, NV)
Question
after applying, do I rinse off after a few minutes and put on moisturizer? or do I put moisturizer on over the product without rinsing?
asked 9 months ago
palos
(palos park, il)
on Max Complexion Correction Pads
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
Don't rinse off, and put a moisturizer on right afterwards.
answered 5 months, 2 weeks ago
addict2dior
(Houston, TX)
answer 2
You don't have to rinse this one off.
During the day, I apply fresh aloe to my skin after application.
It's light, absorbs quickly and can be work under makeup. It's also calms the burning and soothes the skin.

At night, I use Clinique's Moisture Surge Intense after application. It's super creamy so you only need a tiny bit but it also calms the tingling sensation.
answered 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Kinesha
(Boston, MA)
answer 3
I use a mosturizer after using this product, but it is so strong, I only use it at night.
answered 5 months, 2 weeks ago
lss1985
(dfw, tx)
answer 4
You shouldn't wash this product off unless it is burning and irritating your skin. It is meant to stay on. I find it best to let it soak in and completely dry before I put any moisturizer on.
answered 7 months ago
Gaylen
(Chicago, IL)
answer 5
Don't wash your face after applying. The product needs time to work. Put your moisturizer on over it.
answered 9 months ago
mrsdesh
(Johnson City, TN)
answer 6
There is no need to rinse after using these pads. I usually wait until my skin dries, then I follow with PTR AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel. Use a tiny bit, rub between your hands and smooth over your face, especially your T-Zone. I follow that with an anti-aging serum and finally a moisturizer. Hope this helps :)
answered 9 months ago
otter0407
(Augusta, GA)
Question
Will this help rid of acne scars?
I am 25 years old. I have very oily skin and break out around my chin due to hormones. Frquently with cystic acne. The rest of my face gets some blackheads but overall is just oily with large pores. Im looking for something that can help with acne, oiliness and also with acne scarring. Even after a large sucker goes away, I'm left with a dark spot and sometimes another pimple forms right in the same area of the scar. I love dr dennis gross pads but the price is too steep for me. Thank you!
asked 6 months ago
rosec917
(Brooklyn, NY)
on Max Complexion Correction Pads
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
It will help with scars, but I recommend looking into the Murad system as well. It's helped a lot with getting my acne prone skin under control (I was person who went through two accutane treatments and almost had to do a third until I found this product and Murad), and with Murad, they have a product that helps to lighten your skin. If you decide to use that product, please be warned that you will need to wear sunscreen because your skin will be more susceptible to UV damage.
answered 2 months, 1 week ago
TheMightyQuinn
(Chicago, IL)
answer 2
yes
answered 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Lisha2937
answer 3
These pads are worth every penny. I've tried several things for oily, acne prone skin for 20 years and after one use, my skin was 10 years younger and smoooooooth!! Definitely worth a try and you can always return them.
answered 5 months, 1 week ago
otmom
(Old Town, Maine)
answer 4
Yes!
This helped clear up acne scars & dark spots.
It's a truly amazing product.
answered 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Kinesha
(Boston, MA)
answer 5
it controls oil, and clears up acne, but it doesnt really clear acne scars.
answered 5 months, 2 weeks ago
lss1985
(dfw, tx)
answer 6
Definitely. This product has glycolic acid in it which has been proven to help with scars. You might also consider the "Un-Wrinkle" product by Peter Thomas Roth (same brand). Don't be frightened by the name! Even if you don't have wrinkles, that product will help with scars, pore size, acne, etc.
answered 6 months ago
Gaylen
(Chicago, IL)
Question
Will the drying go away?
While i have noticed that the imperfections are diminishing, it also noticed that it has made my skin dry - especially on my nosebridge and where it connects to my cheeks. It is beginning to look wrinkled like a prune and often, I have to apply more moisturizer.

Is this normal? Will the dryness go away after a few more uses or should I discontinue?
asked 7 months ago
Anonymous
on Max Complexion Correction Pads
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
yes, just use it once or twice a week.
answered 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Lisha2937
answer 2
You do have to wear a good quality moisturizer.....this is a toner base alcohol. Which, mean it's going to be a little drying. Use the light version if the dryness continues
answered 4 months, 4 weeks ago
phatgeorgia
(Boyton beach, fl 33436)
answer 3
this product is for people with very oily skin, like myself, and I only use this every other day. I would suggest using the gentle version of the pads, if you dont have really oily skin.
answered 5 months, 2 weeks ago
lss1985
(dfw, tx)
answer 4
Continue continue continue! This happened to me as well, but I used moisturizer and tried to avoid that area if I could. It will go away if you moisturize and don't use it on that area.
answered 6 months ago
Gaylen
(Chicago, IL)
answer 5
try the gentle complexion correction pads. I ALWAYS use moisturizer after I apply these.
answered 6 months ago
SelenaNY
answer 6
Frankly, while I think this is a great product it isn't really meant to be used for everyone. And even if you CAN tolerate it, I would suggest using it once or twice a week to start. After a few weeks, add a third day or a fourth. But really, it's not something that need (or should) use every day to see results.

It has a lot of really harsh stuff in it if you're not used to it and it WILL make you dried out.

But trying to add it in to your routine slowly is the way to go. Once you can tolerate it, you'll see that you don't need it every day and your skin will glow rather than be fried.
answered 7 months ago
sbsunshine
(Santa Barbara, CA)
Question
Did anyone reuse a pad?
When I first opened the bottle I noticed the pads were quite soaked in solution, so even after I wiped my face the pad was still very much wet. I was wondering if it's a good idea to reuse it, due to solution excess, but at the same time I'm afraid not to spread the bacteria that causes acne and all sort of stuff...Did anyone try it out?
asked 1 year, 1 month ago
allyana
(New York, NY)
on Max Complexion Correction Pads
6 answers
Answers
answer 1
I use the pads on my face and other part of my body were I have dark spots.
Don't reuse the same pad if the pad still wet after use on your face use it one other dark areas on your body.
answered 1 week, 5 days ago
rac45
(Yonkers, ny)
answer 2
I recommend cutting the pads in half, rather than reusing. I do this, and it seems to still be more than enough product for an application.
answered 2 weeks, 2 days ago
NatCoPA
(Pittsburgh, PA)
answer 3
Do not reuse the pads, and if you are getting too dry, use every other day, or every 3 days until your skin can become use to the chemicals.
answered 5 months, 2 weeks ago
addict2dior
(Houston, TX)
answer 4
Reusing these wouldn't be a very good idea. Although the alcohol in it disinfects, most of the solution is on your face instead of on the pad after use, so bacteria and sebum can remain on the pad.
answered 6 months ago
Gaylen
(Chicago, IL)
answer 5
I agree with the previous answer! Do not reuse! The pads contain a lot of solution so that you can clean your entire face and neck with the exfoliating side and then flip the pad and cleanse your face and neck with the regular side. The solution contains all those "great for your skin" goodies so I just move on to body moisturizing while I wait for my face to dry and then apply the PTR AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel. Hope this helps :)
answered 9 months ago
otter0407
(Augusta, GA)
answer 6
My humble non-scientific opinion is that you should not re-use them, so that the product is not contaminated. I would suggest cutting them in half and using half a pad on each instance. You can clean a pair of scissors with alcohol for that. I have done this for eye pads that were too big.
answered 1 year ago
Anonymous
(San Juan, PR)
Question
Morning/night routine
I am just stopping using ProActive and bought these pads. What other products should be used at morning and night with these? I have combo acne prone skin. Anything used that seems to help!?
asked 2 years, 4 months ago
Anonymous
(Rapid City, SD)
on Max Complexion Correction Pads
5 answers
Answers
answer 1
I use a toner (just a generic Target brand) before or after I wash my face with a cleaner and apply it on a cotton ball in a buffing motion to remove the peeling skin.
answered 2 years, 2 months ago
sab2008
(Houston, TX)
answer 2
I use a Neutrogena cleanser with 2% salicylic acid. That might be too harsh with the pads though. Sometimes I use Dove instead. I always use a night cream after using the pads as well so they don't dry my skin out. I use First Aid Beauty's cream for severely dry skin and love it.
answered 2 years, 3 months ago
alissa0728
(West Hartford, CT)
answer 3
I use philosophy microdelivery exfoliating wash twice a day with my clarisonic skincare brush. It is the only thing that didn't make my skin more oily while using these pads. I also use philosophy on a clear day oil free moisturizer at bedtime. After years of being unable to control my oily skin and acne, my face is clearing up and the red marks are disappearing. My skin is starting to feel smooth and soft. be patient, it is not an overnight remedy but it does work
answered 2 years, 3 months ago
lolalovesme
(La Habra, Ca)
answer 4
I use DDF Salicyic acid foaming face wash. I apply it with my Clarisonic twice daily. I also use kinerase night cream for moisturizer at night. If you don't moisturize your skin you will actually break out MORE as the oil glands go into over drive trying to rescue your dehydrated areas. Start off with one product at a time, and use it once a day or every other day and build up unless you are accustomed to chemical peel products. Good luck.
answered 2 years, 4 months ago
catjacarol
(Louisville KY)
answer 5
Definitely use a good moisturizer with these pads because they are very potent. I like Clinique's gel moisturizer for oily/combo skin because it softens my skin without making it too greasy.
answered 2 years, 4 months ago
bickey
(Narrows, VA)
Question
anyone else peel like crazy?
i dont know if its these pads or what, but my normally slightly oily skin has been soooo dry and flaky recently. anyone else experience this?
asked 2 years, 11 months ago
bingooo
(chicago, IL)
on Max Complexion Correction Pads
5 answers
Answers
answer 1
Yes...but only for a week or two. Once you get through that stage it will go away.
answered 2 years, 5 months ago
courtneycourtney
(Seattle, WA)
answer 2
I have oily, sensitive skin and I have not experienced any irritation whatsoever. No peeling or dryness at all. I wonder if the irritation you're experiencing could be caused by something else you're using in conjunction with these pads. You may need to invest in a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to use after the pads. And make sure your cleanser is very gentle and doesn't contain the same ingredients as the pads or you might be giving your skin a double whammy.
answered 2 years, 7 months ago
Linsey
(Gainesville, FL)
answer 3
I've been using these pads for over a month now and twice a day and my acne has reduced by a great amount. by after the swelling from my acne has gone down my skin started to peel severely. I had large flakes of skin peeling all day long. i was using creams and moistrizing serums but it wasn't improving. When i found the combination of moistrizing cleanser and also using a different oil free gel hydrator my skin has never been better.
answered 2 years, 10 months ago
CharLee89
(vancouver,BC)
answer 4
If you’re experiencing excessive dryness from these pads, try using less frequently at first. We also recommend a good moisturizer & hydrating serum like the Peter Thomas Roth VIX-1000 75% Hyaluronic Acid Complex.
Sephora Staff
Expert Answer
answered 2 years, 11 months ago
1877SEPHORA
(San Francisco, CA)
answer 5
I've been using these pads for about two weeks now (I use one every other night) & so far I haven't experienced any peeling. I have oily skin, maybe oily than yours?? so maybe that is why I haven't experienced that effect. I have no idea..but definitely no peeling/flaking/or redness.
answered 2 years, 11 months ago
7IslandGirl7
(Kailua, HI)
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