| Beauty
✨ Let’s get into it ✨
💡 TLDR
Can we talk about how my skin turned into a winter wonderland of peeling and breakouts? For weeks, I was stuck in a retinoid loop, using a prescription formula that left me looking like a raccoon who …
Can we talk about how my skin turned into a winter wonderland of peeling and breakouts? For weeks, I was stuck in a retinoid loop, using a prescription formula that left me looking like a raccoon who accidentally got into a glue jar. I thought I knew retinol, but clearly, I didn’t. My skin was screaming, my breakouts were getting wilder, and I was basically a walking skincare horror story. Enter The Inkey List’s Advanced 0.2% Retinal — the serum that’s basically my skin’s new therapist, and honestly, I’m obsessed.
So what’s the deal with retinal vs. retinol? Let me break it down. Retinol is the OG retinoid, but it’s like a slow-burn candle — it takes forever to melt into retinoic acid, the magic ingredient that smooths texture, fades dark spots, and slays breakouts. Retinal, on the other hand? It’s the VIP lounge of skincare. According to The Inkey List, it’s 11 times faster at converting into retinoic acid, which means results in a fraction of the time. Plus, it’s wrapped in tiny moisturizing molecules (think of it as a slow-release pill for your skin) to keep irritation at bay. No more flaky, sore faces — just a glow-up that feels like a spa day.
The serum itself? It’s a pale yellow, which honestly looks like a turmeric mask, but it absorbs instantly and won’t stain your face. I’ve been using it three nights a week, mixing it with a lightweight moisturizer and sunscreen (because retinoids make skin extra sensitive, even in winter). My skin? It’s smoother, brighter, and way less prone to breakouts. The red marks from pimples? Gone. My neck, which is basically my skin’s most sensitive spot, is surviving without flaking. Bonus: It’s affordable ($15!) and comes with a Starter Retinol Serum for beginners, which is basically a skincare hug for sensitive skin.
Key points: Retinal works 11x faster than retinol with less irritation. Encapsulation means gradual release, so no harsh side effects. Pair with sunscreen and a simple moisturizer for best results.
💫 So, are you ready to trade your peeling face for a glow-up.
So, are you ready to trade your peeling face for a glow-up?
❓ People Also Ask
Does The Inkey List’s Retinal Serum work for dry skin?
Yes, it hydrates and brightens dry skin with hyaluronic acid and retinal. Users report improved texture and glow despite winter dryness.
How much does The Inkey List Retinal Serum cost?
It costs $15 for 1 oz. It’s priced lower than most retinal serums, offering good value for brightening and hydrating winter skin.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇