I think many of my readers are probably in my age range and look for anti-aging solutions. I rotate through a variety of things like glycolics and peptides, but there is one we probably know best and it’s retinol. One of my favorite skincare brands to share with you guys is Farmacy Beauty, and they recently came out with a new retinol serum I’m trying!
I was on Differin for a handful of months but really like most things Farmacy puts out so I stopped using that and switched to their 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum. I am only 2 weeks into using it, but it’s new, and I want to share it in case anyone else is considering incorporating retinol into their skincare routine.
Retinol can do wonders for aging skin, but it is something that you need to consistently use to see results. It can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks to notice any changes so please do not expect before and after photos for this post.
What retinol can do
Retinol works by increasing and stabilizing cell turnover. This, in turn, means skin feels smoother and with fewer wrinkles. It can also help control acne because it cleans out the pores, and can help with the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Not only that, it can stimulate collagen production so the skin can build elasticity and bounce back to it.
Retinol is something you need to ease into to access tolerance. I am starting out with Farmacy’s retinol by using it three times a week. I was using Differin about 5 times a week and I’m not sure how they compare strength-wise, but because it’s a new product, I go slow. If I happen to discover my skin was getting irritated too fast, then I would sandwich the serum between two light layers of moisturizer.
About this serum
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum contains two types of retinoids in it. One is encapsulated so it works slowly over time, and then one with more rapid results. They were also thoughtful enough to include a ceramide to help combat dryness which can be associated with using retinol. They even thought to include a heavy dose of antioxidant power by using upcycled Kalahari Melon Seed Oil and raspberry seed oil.
The details
The serum comes in an airless pump. Unfortunately, you can’t see inside the bottle because visible light can degrade the product, so you won’t really know when you finish until you pump and nothing comes out — but that’s just how it is with retinol.
The serum is slightly yellowish in color and has a creamy texture to it. Absorption is like a dream with this product and I haven’t found it to interfere or interact with any other serums, toners, or moisturizers I use. It has a very nice texture and I enjoy applying it.
My experience
It’s only been two weeks so I can’t speak of results just yet, but I will say this feels like a gentle option for retinol. I haven’t experienced any change in dryness or irritation. What’s surprising is that adapalene (Differin) is supposed to be gentler, but perhaps it prepped my skin for a true retinol. Lately, I’ve been pairing this with Glow Recipe’s Niacinamide Dew Drops, Farmacy’s vitamin C serum, and then whatever moisturizer I feel like using that night.
As usual, I like to offer you guys a 20% discount on the farmacy site. I’m not sure how much longer my code will be valid as the program I’m in is due for some changes — so if you are interested — I highly suggest taking advantage of the discount sooner than later!
Discount Code for Farmacybeauty.com: CLAUDIA20
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum is available at Farmacybeauty.com & Sephora
I love using retinol-based products, and this one sounds well worth trying!
I’m working with a new retinol serum but one of these days I need to use Farmacy since everything sounds excellent.