MCK Labs M2 Exfoliating Cleanser.

In winter, I pamper my skin. Lots of creams, lotions, masks … it’s a veritable moisturizing love fest at my house.

Come summer, it’s all about the exfoliation boot camp. Kicking the butt out of grime, oil and sweat is my daily mantra.

And MCK Labs M2 exfoliating cleanser is good weapon of choice. Ideal for all skin types, this skin refining gel cleanser combines mandelic and malic acids to gently exfoliate and remove impurities from the skin.

Now, if you don’t know what mandelic and malic acids are, pay attention. They’re essentially alpha hydroxy acids, which means they exfoliate dulling dead skin cells and eliminate the look of damage and discoloration.

But unlike typical AHAs, mandelic and malic acids have a slightly larger molecular structure, which results in slower, more even penetration and less irritation, according to MCK. This allows people who are normally unable to tolerate high concentrations of AHAs (like me) to enjoy the collagen-promoting benefits of M2.

It’s not just a cleanser; it’s a treatment. It’s got plenty of humectants to restore balance, and its natural antioxidant properties also help fight free radicals in the skin, which can contribute to skin damage.

So though I talk big about exfoliating and kicking the crap out of oil and sweat, I’m actually still pampering my skin. I’m just a big softie.

I don’t know about you, but after a winter of leggings, tights, woolen socks and boots, my legs and feet end up a bit neglected. Inevitably, when the weather starts to warm up, I’ll do my routine inspection of the pale, dry, rough skin on my legs and sigh. Thence begins the work of exfoliating, moisturizing and self-tanning before any warm weather debut becomes even remotely possible.

MCK Labs M2 Body Refinish 15%.

I wouldn’t have to have worked half as hard if I had known about this however. MCK Labs has a M2 Body Refinish 15% that does the exfoliating and moisturizing in one easy step.

It’s not just a lotion; it’s a treatment. Indeed, it feels more like a serum than a lotion. And they say it transforms dry, sun damaged skin with its high potency blend of mandelic and malic acids.

Now, if you don’t know what mandelic and malic acids are, they’re essentially alpha hydroxy acids. That means they exfoliate dulling dead skin cells and eliminate the look of damage and discoloration.

But unlike typical AHAs, mandelic and malic acids have a slightly larger molecular structure, which results in slower, more even penetration and less irritation. This allows people who are normally unable to tolerate high concentrations of AHAs (like me) to enjoy the collagen-promoting benefits of M2.

And because the M2 Body Refinish has plenty of humectants, this treatment can serve as your daily moisturizer as well as an exfoliant. Its natural antioxidant properties also help fight free radicals in the skin, which can contribute to skin damage.

So getting bikini ready — or even shorts ready — this summer got a whole lot easier.