Those that know anything about retinol will know that it’s often a slow process. It’s best to build up your tolerance to it by using it sporadically at first, and gradually incorporating it more into your routine. Keen to avoid any reactive side effects, I spent two weeks using it just two evenings a week, before upping my dose to every other night, and eventually every night. The results crept up on me just like my newfound loyal usage.
Gradually, I noticed that my spots were clearing – shrinking, I guess – and my skin was generally looking less red and angry. But one thing I wasn’t expecting? The glow. I had pretty much got used to the dull texture of my skin, and forgotten that it’s possible to look, er, alive (I joke) – but in all seriousness, I never thought I’d be someone who looks in the mirror and sees fresh, glowing skin.
After around four weeks of use, my complexion looked, dare I say it… completely refreshed. Granted, my scarring is still there – and with prolonged use I hope I’ll see even better results – but I can’t deny that I’m seriously impressed. Best of all, I think, is the fact that I’ve had no reactions or sensitivity at all. Nada.
So what’s the secret, I hear you ask? Have I stumbled across a magic serum?
I’d heard some hype about Skinbetter Science’s range of ‘medical-grade’ retinoids via TikTok, where I was flooded with before-and-afters showing amazing skin-clearing results. But one of the brand’s unique claims is that its retinol products are extra tolerable for sensitive skins – by combining cell renewing vitamin A with gentle AHA lactic acid in a patented formula.
I’m no scientist, so I enlist the help of aesthetic specialist Dr Sophie Shotter, who loves the product herself, to explain my miracle results. She tells me: “AlphaRet is a retinoid double – conjugated with an AHA. This ensures slow release of the active ingredients so that you are far less likely to get irritation. I find it a great option for almost all skins, even those that haven’t tolerated a retinoid in the past.”
Skinbetter Science is a clinic-only brand, so my bottle was recommended via GetHarley, a professional skincare consultation platform. So reader, I must temper this review by saying that you should only try this product after consulting with a professional, and building up your usage as previously described. While it claims to be gentle, you should always be careful when incorporating a new retinoid into your routine. And it goes without saying that I always wear factor 50 SPF when using retinol (and even if I’m not, actually) – my ride-or-die for acne-prone skin is Heliocare’s Oil-Free Gel, which has never done me dirty.
Another caveat: this stuff is pretty pricey. My first bottle was a press sample, but I’ve already repurchased another in fear of running out – or rather, my husband has, since it went straight on my Christmas list – and for me, the results are well worth the price. Thankfully, I reckon you can make the 30ml pump last a good few months, and a little goes a long way.