Is Retinol really the cure all?  Well, actually almost.  Did you know you stop producing collagen at age 28? Lovely, I’m 29, but I got a head start, and you should too.  Preventative maintenance is what I believe in.  Remember this post “MAKE HATS & SPF YOUR BFF” .  Start now!

I’ve listened to a ton of podcasts, done research, & asked a few estheticians about the cure all potion, and they all say the same thing.  It’s SO anti aging, and everyone should use it.  

okay, so here is the science behind it…

A retinol serum benefits the skin in many ways.  It is one of the most effective anti aging products available and is also useful to help control oily skin.  Retinol can fade age spots, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and make skin smoother.  It can help control acne and skin oil production, and even help make your pores appear smaller.  It increases cellular turnover and is a good age preventative.

Retinol is a popular anti aging active ingredient because it is very effective.  Users report a reduction in wrinkles and discoloration, such as age spots.  Some people have been able to completely eliminate fine lines and mild discoloration.  A retinol serum benefits the skin by increasing cellular turnover, which is a major contributor to aging.  As we age skin cells replace themselves at a slower rate, leaving it less able to repair itself from day to day damage.  Retinol also has an exfoliating effect, which can lead to mild peeling and skin flakiness.  Regular exfoliation makes skin smoother and also enhances the effects of skin care actives by removing a dead layer of cells that inhibits absorption.

A retinol serum benefits oily skin by reducing skin oil production.  Its exfoliating effect also helps keeps pores clear, leading to fewer breakouts.  Many users report a smaller pore size with regular use.  Dry skin is a side effect of retinol use, but this makes it possibly the best facial treatment for oily skin.

So, I can honestly say that this is the miracle potion every woman should use.  I recently started using this every other night, and have noticed my pores shrinking, and skin feels very soft with less and less break outs.  Which I’ve had the hardest time with on my chin.  I quit dairy (which I’ll get into soon) and that didn’t really help with the breakouts, but this has.  What more can you ask for?  This has to be the best beauty product on the market.

SO, how much is it?  $40 on amazon.  Not bad, and lasts months.  

Use it once a week, and see how your skin reacts to it.  Then once its used to it, try 3x a week, then every other night, then every night.  Makes my skin on the dryer side since it exfoliates and turns over the cells, so you can have the freshest layer of skin.  So gradually ease into it.  Use one single pump on the face after you’ve cleansed is all you need.

BUT you should also know that you MUST use a sunscreen every single day.  You should always protect that skin, but it’s super important for you to use sunscreen when using retinol.  You don’t want to damage the skin.  I use ELTA MD SPF 46 with tint.  I love this sunscreen so much! Another great anti aging product.  Prevents sun damage (brown spots & red spots) 

Something else to consider is that retinol, like all vitamin A derivatives, is NOT recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. That includes all skin care products, even serums and night creams.  I never used retinol while I was pregnant or breastfeeding.  It’s best to avoid it.  Just wait until you’re in the clear to start using it.  Always check with your doctor first.

If you use this product already, how are you liking it?

Let me know!  Have a great day!

xoxo

SARA LYNN