If you’ve done any light research into retinol you may be scared to start. Or confused on which one to use. You may have heard it causes dryness and skin to peel. But you can safely use a retinol if you do it right. 

*I absolutely urge you to do some research yourself. There are so many viable options out there and if you are not dealing with chronic skin conditions that require a dermatologist, you may just find an OCT one that works for you. 

Retinol is added to creams that go on your skin. It boosts the amount of collagen your body makes and plumps out skin, cutting down fine lines and wrinkles. It also improves skin tone and color and reduces mottled patches. Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to UV rays and sunlight,  decreases the efficacy of the product, so it’s best to use at night, AND do not forget sunscreen in the am! 
Retinol can be started as early as your 20’s. The goal is to stop the signs of aging for as long as we can. Who doesn’t want to look like they are in their 20’s when they are 40+...🙋‍♀️

I read Caroline Hirons Skincare book and did not agree with her placement of retinol. I place mine everywhere! From the top of my forehead to the top of my breasts. My neck and chest are probably the biggest indicator of my age. The retinol I use never bothers me but if it did I’d either find a different one for those areas or try adding a light layer of moisturizer before my retinol. I am careful with the application around my eyes as they can be too sensitive. 

You don’t have to spend $100’s of dollars on a retinol. The one I use lasts approximately 3 months or more as I am only using it 2-3 nights a week (I alternate nights with AHA/BHA) and it’s the highest level of this particular retinol. The amount needed for my face is only pea sized so I am essentially using two pea sized to cover the areas I wish. 

I’ve tried - 
THE inkey LIST - Retinol Serum ⭐️⭐️⭐️ at just $10 all the way up to  Medik8 - Crystal Retinal ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ at $100 
It takes AT LEAST 2-3 months before you will notice any changes. You may notice softer skin, but the significant changes take time. 

I started just as this chart indicates. We all want fast results but if you move too quickly you WILL damage your skin. Then it will take months to repair that damage and you’ll be essentially starting over. 

It’s important to know, I DO NOT use retinol every night as I alternate between my chemical exfoliator (Honeymoon Glow), and sometimes use my vitamin c at night, and usually give my skin one night a week with only a moisturizer to bed. It’s just the routine I’ve developed and it works for me. It is not recommended that you use retinols and other actives at the same time. 

I hope I’ve offered you a little bit of insight into the world of retinol. And share any experiences you have as well.

Don’t be afraid of retinol

Between brightening dark spots and helping to protect against UV damage, there’s a lot vitamin C can do for your skin. But the type of serum you select, as well as how you store it, can significantly affect the quality of vitamin c you are getting. 

This discussion is mainly going to be dedicated to making sure you store your vitamin C products correctly. Vitamin C is sensitive to light and air. When exposed to these factors it becomes oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid, which makes it less stable and less efficacious. Less effective people! That’s throwing your money away. Brands have an absolute responsibility to package their serums and let the consumer know the best way to store their product! 

Your vitamin C should be a light straw color, if not clear. When it becomes oxidized it’s becomes yellow, brown or orange. Do not let any company (ahem, DE) tell you any different that the product is still good if it has turned burnt color. At worst, you could cause skin irritation but you’re mostly wasting your time and efforts by applying a product that simply is no longer effective. 

When selecting your vitamin C, bottles matter. This means if your fancy new serum comes in a beautiful clear glass bottle you can go ahead and kiss your hard-earned cash goodby. That container is not protecting the serum. Select a serum that comes in an air-tight opaque container. 

HERE’S WHAT TO DO: 
￼•Always make sure the lid is TIGHTLY closed after each use. Limit how long the bottle is open. The less time the better. ❌ Oxygen ❌
￼•If you’ve always wanted a mini-fridge here is your excuse to get one. Storing vitamin C in a cool, dark place is the best option=delays oxidation 
￼•DO NOT STORE IN THE BATHROOM - moisturize, heat, humidity are vitamin C’s worst enemies. Keep a handheld mirror where you are storing your serum so you can apply it right there. If you are applying it in the bathroom do so quickly and put it safely away in a drawer. 
￼•Do not be tempted to buy vitamin C in bulk - larger sizes or stocking up on a sale. Most formulas last 3 months in ROOM temperature and 5 when stored in the refrigerator.
I store any products that are at risk in my bathroom drawer. I never pull open the drawer nor pull out the product I’m going to use until I’m absolutely ready. I quickly add the product and place it back and close the drawer so it’s out anywhere from 5-10 seconds depending on the product. I have a large open master bathroom which we run the vents when we shower. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the mirrors steam up. 

Vitamin C is only one product
 I’m willing to spend good money on so I want to make sure I take care of the products so not only do they last but they will be effective at treating my skin. 

Is there any information I’ve left out? How do you care for your vitamin C? 

Paula’s Choice is one of my favorites I’ve tried. Youth to the people is another great one.

Caring for your Vitamin C

Jar packaging compromises the effectiveness of the natural ingredients. Also contains fragrance that can br disrupting to thr skin

I am a sucker for bananas! So when I heard about Glow Recipes Banana Moisturizer I definitely wanted to try it. It only took me forever to do so!!! 

I personally like this one because it feels lightweight but you get a rich feeling moisturizer. It’s packed with amazing ingredients like banana, chia seed, magnesium, turmeric, and cica all to help keep your skin balanced and hydrated. 

It does have a banana scent, reminiscent of a banana laffy taffy (which happens to be one of my top favorite candies). The added fragrance is listed as last where as banana is listed in the top 15 so the fragrance is very minimal and can be from the banana BUT although this is listed as non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic there are reviews stating the opposite. If you are prone to breakouts you definitely want to patch test and be aware this has caused breakouts. 

I’ve had no issues with this and use it both as an am and pm moisturizer. For me that says a lot. I typically use a lighter moisturizer for the am and a heavier for the pm but this is balanced enough for both. 

$39 is pretty average for a moisturizer and I’d say with daily use it would last around two months. The amount shown is all needed to cover face, neck and chest.

Jar packaging compromises the effectiveness of the natural ingredients.

FARMACY - Daily Greens Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer with Moringa and Papaya was dropped almost a full year ago. My first impressions were high. I thought this was a hit and would be a great choice for any skin type. I’ve finished the jar and can say that is no longer my belief. 

WHAT IS IT?
Daily Greens is an oil-free + silicone free lightweight gel that contains a blend of hyaluronic acid and phytonutrients (chemicals found in plants). 
• Paraben Free
• Phthalate Free
• Mineral Oil Free
• Cruelty Free 

SPECIAL INGREDIENTS:
￼Moringa Seed Extract + Moringa Water - purify and refresh 
￼Papaya Extract - provides gentle exfoliation 
￼Hyaluronic Acid (4 Types) + Polyglutamic Acid - powerful hydration 
￼Kale, Cucumber + Eucalyptus - superfoods to nourish 
￼Willow Herb + Niacinamide - reduce oil production and minimize appearance of pores 

SKIN TYPE: 
Normal, Combination, Oily - (I’D SAY OILY &amp; COMBO) 

HOW TO USE:
Use both am and pm as last step in skincare routine 

PRICE: 
$38 1.7 oz 
Enter code: KATHERINE20 at checkout 
and save 20% each time you shop! 
(Support $ save w&#47;my beauty  @blendedbeautyblurbs ) 

MY EXPERIENCE:
As I said, at first I thought I really was going to like this gel-like moisturizer. I’m a normal skin girl and typically can get along with any moisturizer. Unfortunately this left my face “feeling tacky”,  I could just FEEL it on my skin and I didn’t like it. To the touch it wasn’t but it still felt that way. I tried a smaller amount and would get the same results. It worked fine with makeup I personally just didn’t like the feel of it. I don’t quite understand why but I think my face just didn’t care for this texture. I’ve used this type of moisturizer before - SUNDAY RILEY - Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream is a wonderful one I enjoyed and had no issues with. 

From my research and reading reviews I feel this would be a great moisturizer for those with oily skin as it has been a clear hit for them. I think if you have dry skin this isn’t going to provide you the moisture you like, even though it’s got four types of HA. I personally love a rich, hydrating cream.

This is one of my most favorite cleansers. It provides a deep oil-free cleanse that purifies your face without leaving it dry. 

Who is it for?
Everyone can use this beauty! Safe for all skin types! 
-  Pores
- Dullness &amp; Uneven Skin
- Oiliness 

How does it work? 
It cleanses with amino acids derived from silk gentle enough for even the most delicate skin, leaving skin soft, refreshed and comfortably hydrated. 
With the power of the Japanese Luffa fruit, a natural beauty multi-tasker beloved by Japanese women for centuries. Ground fibers from the fruit exfoliate, helping to turn over dead skin cells, deeply purifying &amp; decongesting pores, while the fruit extract beautifies and conditions skin.
Japanese Wild Rose works to visibly tighten pores and smooth skin texture, while Japanese Leopard Lily helps minimize excess oil.

Suggested use:
Add an almond sized amount to damp hands and face. Rub together to create a foam. Gently massage your face  avoiding the eye area. Can be used daily. 

My take:
I personally like to take this with my damp hands and face and go directly onto my face and then get the lather going. I like to feel the tiny particles going to work on my face. They feel more like a product buildup than a typical exfoliating product can be. Super gentle!  You’re not going to get major results that you’d see from using a strong exfoliating treatment. But if you’re looking to amp up your results, to me this is a good wash to add into your routine. Especially for those who are really trying to get rid of dull skin, uneven texture and oiliness. 

Price:
$38&#47;5oz

Nothing bad. You may think price but the ingredient list js superb!

Bringing a little #texturetuesday and a #droppershot to you with @paulaschoice 10% Niacinamide Booster. 

I have been a long time user of The Ordinary’s Niacinamide + Zinc and have been not seeing the results I had hoped. I’ve heard great things about this product by PC and decided to give it a go. 

So far I’ve been impressed. I like that this one has vitamin C in it as well as I’m doing all I can to even out my skin tone. Paula’s Choice also added so many beneficial skin loving ingredients to this formula. 

If you’re looking for a Niacinamide product that can give you results, results you can see within a short time, this Booster is for you. It plays well with all other skincare products, too. 

Purchased by me.

Directions state can use twice a day everyday but in no way would I agree. I’d suggest once a day a few times a week.

Paula&#39;s Choice is one brand I’ve been stalking, and quite honestly sleeping on for too long. 
Imagine my surprise when into my email pops a message from a Paula’s Choice social media team member asking for my address to send me some products to try! I couldn’t respond fast enough! I follow so many diehard fans that swear and have visual proof of the changes their products have made. I have a feeling I’ll be adding more PC products into my life in the very near future! 💙

I’d say what really draws me to this particular brand is their commitment to highly effective, well tested products. I feel they really listen to their customers and value their feedback. 

I’ve been using the 2% BHA Exfoliator for approximately two weeks and can easily say it’s one of the best liquid exfoliants I’ve tried. My face gets this immediate glow with use. It states you can use twice a day but I only use it 3-4 times a week, alternating nights I use my retinol. I also had my monthly cycle during use and realized I didn’t have any hormonal breakouts! 👏
—————
Paula’s Choice Philosophy - 
• Science &amp; Truth 
• Highly Effective 
• Formulary Excellence 
• Non-irritating &amp; Fragrance Free 
• Multi-faceted Formulas 
• Cruelty Free
• Packaged for Potency 
• Environmentally Conscious 
—————
I don’t know about you, but this is just about everything I look for in my skincare! 

I find so much valuable information on their website. One tool I use often is their Ingredient Dictionary. They have every ingredient known in the beauty industry—a go-to resource for everyone! 

With Paula’s Choice you can choose individual skincare products or you can have an entire skincare routine developed specifically for you from start to finish!

beautiewithjen