Tinaciouslee

The last time I was on retinol, I didn’t even need it. I was in my mid-20s and I used it because I was skincare obsessed. I loved the results BTW but the stuff’s for mature skin.

Now that I’m 41 (!) I started easing retinol back into my skincare routine. It all started the day I noticed a huge patch of melasma on the area between my right under eye and the highest point of my cheek.

UGH aging sux guysth

Granted, I stopped wearing sunscreen when I had kids because I never leave the house. That is, until we built a fitness gym – I drop by on mid-mornings for the hub’s lunch. When I visit, I would sit by the waiting area. This space is shaded so I couldn’t understand how it affected my skin but it did – it resulted in wonderfully blotchy skin. I didn’t have sunscreen on so yeah, that’s on me.

Anyhoo, it was important I get rid of this dark mark on my skin because my mom had a melasma spot on her nose bridge and she didn’t do anything about it. And now it’s a huge mark. I don’t want that on my face.

That’s when I decided to buy a retinol serum. I’m a huge fan of K and J-beauty products, I’m sure you already know. I opted for something Korean because Japanese brands don’t seem to use retinol as often. I don’t see this in their products. I picked something from the Cos de Baha brand.

I saw some brands with milder formulas but I opted for this one because I’m no stranger to actives. I will say, it’s pretty potent. I am shedding like a freakin snake guysth.

The formula is really nice. I’m used to a creamier texture, the retinol on this one was suspended in oil. So it’s a light oil formula with a slippery texture. It does absorb easily because my skin is Sahara dry.

Some might not like oil-based serums or essences, I don’t have problems with it at all because I had my Argan oil phase back in the day!

I use the retinol serum every other day. On days when my skin’s taking a break from it, I apply my fave moisturizer, the Pyungkang Yul nutrition cream. I can’t remember if I’ve reviewed this product but if have extremely dry skin and you’re looking for something that’s light yet super nourishing, y’all better grab a pot of this stuff. It’s so good!

Did the serum work? Yes it did.

The mark on my cheek has faded completely a month into it. It also faded the dark mark near the side of my nose bridge where a part of my eyeglasses rests – this area has some noticeable discoloration too.

Loves it!

I will say: it didn’t fade my stupid freckles. I think I should have those lasered off. Having pristine skin seems to be too much to ask. I also developed some dry spots on my lower cheeks because of shedding skin but nothing a weekly exfoliation can’t fix.

In hindsight, I should’ve chosen Cos de Baha’s tranexamic acid serum. I think that ingredient is better at targeting dark spots sans the dryness. I will get that at some point – perhaps after I finish the retinol. Or maybe, use them in conjunction?

PS: I wear sunscreen whenenver I go out because retinol makes the skin extra sensitive to sunlight exposure and also, yeah, skin cancer. I saw and felt the difference on my skin, guysth. Don’t go out without it!

I should do an updated skincare routine post soon, right?