SkinCeuticals – Retinol 1.0

I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to finally do this review.  I suspect that my laziness – or neglect – is due to the fact that this has become an everyday part of my beauty routine and something rather unconscious for me.

According to its marketing: ‘Designed for maximum efficacy and stability, SkinCeuticals Retinol is formulated with highest concentrations of pure retinol available and enhanced with the latest stabilization and delivery technologies. Our retinol products help stimulate cell regeneration and build collagen to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots from both photo- and intrinsic- aging. Additionally, they help minimize the appearance of pore size, while correcting blemishes and blotchiness often associated with problematic skin.’

Lots of words, but here’s the basic version: this product works to encourage new skin to behave better. And how.

Packaging

Packaging is critical with retinol. It doesn’t matter how potent the retinol is. If it’s in a jar or a basic tube, it will become ineffective very quickly.

This comes in a sealed can with a pump lid.  Perfect to keep the retinol stable and potent.  Terrible to use as a consumer.  The nozzle becomes clogged super easy.  To clean out, I remove the top of the nozzle and clean with a q-tip.  But it is painful to have to do this and does lead to some wasted product.

Product

Whatever the issues with the packaging, there is no doubt that this product works superbly.  There are two formulas – a 0.5% and a 1% – but both work the same way (with varying degrees of intensity, naturally).  It’s recommended that you start off with the 0.5% and then move up to the 1.0%.

To apply, I smooth on a pea sized ball over my face after my toner, but before my moisturiser.  If you have oily skin, you might be able to get away with no moisturiser, but I find it is necessary to moisturise afterwards.  I just make sure to wait at least 20 minutes, to give the Retinol a chance to sink in my skin and start working.

A word of warning with this – tread carefully.  Use this daily to begin with and your face will want to tear itself off.  It will blister, it will peel and you’ll look like you’ve sat out in the sun way too long.

I started off using this onc a week and then slowly upped the frequency to once every two days.  Even now, I will reduce my usage if my face is not appreciating the treatment.

BUT, despite all of that, I cannot live without this product.  Alongside Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Gel, this has rejuvenated my skin like no other.  Within a week of using this, my forehead was clear of acne.  And it hasn’t returned.  My skin just seems happier and smoother, and acne never lasts as long when I use this.

And, dare I say it, I look younger. Not many people pick that I am 36 years old (either it’s the product or they’re lying) these days, which I attribute to this product’s ability to encourage new skin to behave itself.

Price

This doesn’t come cheap.  I pay $115.50 for the teeniest tube.  This lasts me around 3 months which, for me, is good value given what it does.

Would I repurchase?

I’m going to be buried with this stuff.  I think that means yes.