In the ABCs of skincare, it goes something like this. Vitamin C. Retinol. Sunscreen. Most dermatologists will tell you, that if you have those 3 items, you have the foundation of a good routine. But I don’t share retinol THAT much. It’s the one beauty product I get a little squeamish to test. I am not nervous about a self-tanner. It will wash off. I am not nervous about a new foundation. If I break out, I’ll live. But as someone that had an autoimmune disorder with peeling skin is a top symptom, I *do* get nervous about the peeling. My skin is just more sensitive and prone to it. When I have a flare-up with my Lupus, my nose and skin around it peel- so signing up for that sounds no fun in my book. Fortunately, a company such as Skin Clinic Bristol is there to save the day.

*This was a retinol I tested this winter that was marketed as an entry-level retinol. I used a pea-size amount ONCE and this is what happened. While many would appreciate this form of peeling with a prescription retinol,  this shocked me as an entry-level formula. I’m no stranger to retinol, but this peel was painful. my friends that work in the beauty industry thought I had gotten a chemical peel- which you would prep for!*

But aiding in cellular turnover is still a key to a great routine, so I do use retinol when not nursing or pregnant. I just get scared to try a new brand, ya know?! That’s why you don’t see me sharing 8 different brands of retinol a year- whereas you *do* see me share 800 mauve-pink lip glosses a season. I give you all that backstory to say when I share retinol, it’s because it has gently given a visible change in my skin. I’m not sacrificing a week of peel, but I am getting great results.

One of my favorite dermatologists to learn from, Dr. Hadley King, says, “Beyond sun protection, retinoids are the most proven topical option for anti-aging.”So today I’m thrilled to share a retinol option that is great for new and advanced retinol users alike. Meet, INNBEAUTY’s Retinol Remix.

Whoever named this product deserves a raise, because Retinol Remix is the perfect way to describe this product. It’s great for new-to-retinol users AND those that have used retinol for ages. Finding a gentle retinol isn’t impossible, nor is it impossible to find an effective one. But this product combines all the benefits of BOTH options with a few extra ingredients in the mix.

Here are 5 things to know about Retinol Remix.

1. It works for the new and the experienced. With 3-types of vegan retinol AND  time-release formulation, both new and experienced retinol users can gain results from this product. If you are a new user, use it 2-3x a week. If you use retinol religiously, use 5-7x a week. Because of my skin’s sensitivity I use it 2-3x a week. I used this the entire time I was in Italy and had no issues. I normally wouldn’t use a retinol product while on vacation, when I want my skin to be irritant free, but this one doesn’t irritate my skin! I still get a “gentle” peel {think something soothed once moisturizer is applied} but nothing painful or noticeable. The time-released effect minizimes the less-than-enjoyed effects of retinol, while still actively giving you the results you want.
2. It has nature’s hydrocortisone. You’re not “just” getting retinol with this product. You’re getting Hyaluronic Acid and 2% Peptide to plump the skin, ingredients to soothe the skin, like German Chamomile “nature’s hydrocortisone,” and 1% Tranexamic Acid to help fade discoloration and scarring.
3. It fits the “packaging” rules. There are a lot of rumors on if yellow HAS to be yellow or not. Many say that since retinol is bright yellow if you’re retinol product is white, then it means the retinol is too broken down or too little of an ingredient to be effective. There are some products that are not the case, but regardless, I like to find a retinol product that is yellow to know it is effective. This one is. 😉 But the most important thing, is you want your retinol product to have opaque packaging so that it isn’t oxidized as fast. This is packed in a tube that has a pump and is opaque, so your product is safe!
4. Easy application. Apply one pump of this product and spread it out to the 4 quadrants of the face, blend in, then finish with a heavier moisturizer, such as 10+10. If you LOVE INNBEAUTY’s Slushy as much as I do, stick to that as your morning moisturizer. You want a thicker one after retinol application. Make sure you use SPF while using a retinol!
5. Before and after. This is what you really care about. 😉 Here is my before and after using it 2-3x a week at night. You need to give retinol 4-6 weeks to show its full effects, but I’m blown away!

I usually say that INNBEAUTY’s pimple paste is my favorite IB product, but this one might take the cake! Let me know if you try it!