The Daily Valet. - 11/22/25, Saturday
Cory Ohlendorf
November 22, 2025
Weekend of November 22nd |
 | By Cory Ohlendorf, Valet. EditorBetter skin in under a minute? You can’t be mad at that. |
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Weekend Reading
The One-Step Upgrade Your Skin Needs
Glycolic pads are the easiest way to get smoother, clearer, better-looking skin fast
Most men want to look as handsome as they can. A lot of them would like better skin. But few want a complicated routine. And that’s exactly why glycolic pads—essentially pre-soaked exfoliating wipes—have become a quiet cheat code for anyone who wants smoother, clearer, brighter skin without adding five new steps to their bathroom counter. They’re fast and effective, but they’re simple. And they deliver visible results in a week or less.
Sure, “acid” sounds a little intense, but dermatologists will tell you it’s one of the most proven, straightforward skincare ingredients out there. It removes the dead skin cells that sit on the surface and make your face look dull or uneven. It helps prevent clogged pores and ingrown hairs. It smooths over rough patches. It fades dark marks from old breakouts or razor burn. That’s a lot of benefits for a single swipe.
And since glycolic molecules are small, they’re able to work deeper than other exfoliants, meaning you get more noticeable improvement with less product. Why pads? Sure, you can get glycolic in serums or toners, but these little pads are just … easier. They’re pre-measured, so you’re never overdoing it. They travel well. And they work fast enough that you don’t need a laundry list of other products to see improvement.
Most men see smoother texture within a few days. After a week or two, those stubborn ingrown areas calm down. Dark spots lighten and fine lines are a little smoother and firmer. Your skin looks brighter and healthier—like you suddenly started sleeping better and drinking more water. For guys who want to upgrade their skin with minimal effort, this is the move for you.
Alpha Beta This two-step system has become the benchmark that delivers noticeable results fast. If you want a professional-strength peel with less irritation and down time, you need these pads from dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross. Each daily treatment comes with two pads: The first sweeps away dead skin with a blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids (glycolic, salicylic, lactic and malic). The second delivers retinol along with antioxidant vitamins C and E. Both are boosted with soothing ingredients—camellia, glycerin and witch hazel—to keep irritation in check while visibly brightening skin. Alpha Beta universal daily peel, $20 Dr. Dennis Gross |  |
Glycolic Exfoliating and Resurfacing Wipes Travel-ready and straightforward, these oversized wipes are great for tossing in a gym bag. Powered by glycolic acid, they’re formulated with menthol and fruit extracts—one side is soft, the other is textured. It makes for an invigorating and refreshing way to tighten pores and tone skin. Glycolic exfoliating and resurfacing wipes, |  |
Exfoliating Developed to exfoliate skin to prevent ingrown hairs and blemishes caused by shaving, these pads also help smooth rough texture and reduce the appearance of dark spots from past breakouts. The non-drying formula soothes skin while reducing oil buildup. Exfoliating toner pads, $11.95 by Bevel |  |
Power Peel Ideal for guys over 30, these high-potency pads are clinically-proven to reduce fine lines while improving skin texture and firmness. It’s formulated with glycolic and salicylic acids combined with natural fruit acids, along with peptide P3 and niacinamide to help even skin tone and reduce the visible signs of aging. Power Peel resurfacing pads, $38 by Jack Black |  |
Facial Radiance Pads Great for beginners and perfect for sensitive skin, these pads are gentle yet effective. With regular use, they help refine the look of pores and skin texture, resulting in smoother skin that’s brighter and more healthy looking. They not only exfoliate with glycolic and lactic acid, but help remove residual dirt and impurities that regular cleansing can miss. Facial radiance pads, |  |
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