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I’m probably not alone when I say that I’ve had a tumultuous relationship with retinol. I used tretinoin for years and my ultra-sensitive skin hated it. After that, my skin was so unhappy that it was hard to find any sort of retinoid that didn’t make my breakouts 10 times worse.
Since then, I’ve tried pretty much every retinoid option for sensitive skin. But, no matter what, they all seem to leave me with some sort of irritation. My easily congested skin, however, needed something to help smooth out texture. Just when I was about to give up entirely, I decided to try a retinol-alternative that completely changed the game for me. Enter: Avène’s Retrinal Advanced Correcting Serum ($78). This bakuchiol-powered serum basically changed my life. It offers the same benefits as a retinol with 0 irritation. If you struggle with ultra-sensitive skin like I do, keep reading. I’m sharing all about why this serum is my new holy grail below.
(Image credit: @shawnasimonee)
Avène
Retrinal Advanced Correcting Serum
I’d always known bakuchiol was a superstar ingredient, but I was never able to find a formula with it that worked for my super sensitive, acne-prone skin. Many serums with bakuchiol contain heavier oils that just don’t gel with my skin. This serum, however, is super hydrating, noncomedogenic, and soothing for any redness.
Bakuchiol is known for mimicking the properties of retinol. Retinol speeds up skin cell turnover, resulting in smoother, clearer, more even-toned skin. But, it can also be really irritating on the skin, especially in stronger concentrations. Bakuchiol works fabulously at shedding old, dead skin cells without causing redness or more inflammation for me.
After about a month of using it, I noticed that my skin was a lot less red and inflamed if I had any breakouts. Previously, if I used retinol on any bumps, they would swell to the size of a volcano. You can imagine that finding a product like this was no small miracle. This meant that I could smooth out my skin texture without irritating the heck out of my skin. While it did cause some purging, I didn’t mind it because, to me, that said it was working.
Many aestheticians in the past have also advised me to find a retinoid I could use nightly and honestly, with how easily irritated and sensitive my skin is, I knew that would be a tall order. In the past, I could barely find one that I could tolerate three to four nights a week. But then this serum came along. I can use this nightly and, if I’m feeling extra, during the day too with no issues. It just leaves my skin clearer and calmer.
Although I would love to eventually be able to use a retinoid at some point, I had to share this PSA for anyone dealing with similar issues. While many experts recommend a retinol for congested skin, some of us just can’t tolerate it, ugh. Avène came up with the perfect non-irritating solution that does all the same things without destroying your skin barrier or making things worse.
More Sensitive Skin-Friendly Products I Love
VENN
Moisture-Balance All-In-One Face Cleanser
Another thing I had to ditch while repairing my skin barrier was a traditional surfactant-based cleanser. This innovative Korean cleanser is from one of my favorite up and coming brands Venn. It provides an advanced deep clean without soaps, irritants, or harsh surfactants. It never leaves me feeling tight or dry and it really helps to calm the skin.
Avène
Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
If you want to keep your routine super streamlines and simple, this moisturizer is perfect to add to the lineup. This moisturizer is soothing and hydrating for stressed skin but doesn’t clog pores. It’s great for retinoid-users but also for skin that’s been through it and ultra-sensitive.
VENN
Advanced Multi-Perfecting Red Oil Serum
This is another formula I’ve been obsessed with since an aesthetician at Formula Fig introduced me to it. It’s so hydrating and calming for my sensitive skin and leaves you with such an incredible glow. Well worth the extra dollars if you can spare them.
Biodance
Hydro Cera-Nol Real Deep Mask – 4 Pack
Whenever my skin is feeling extra dehydrated, I bust out one of these masks and leave it on for two hours. I know that sounds extra AF, but trust me. It leaves your skin looking so bouncy, dewy, and glowy. I’m talking hydration for days. Save it for when you’ll be fully in for the night.
ANUA
Heartleaf 77 Clear Pad
These pads are another great option I love if you have super sensitive skin that can’t tolerate a lot of exfoliants. They contain PHA, a less irritating exfoliant designed to clear surface congestion in a flash. Heartleaf also soothes redness and helps protect the skin barrier.
Haruharu wonder
Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil
This Korean cleansing oil is so perfectly lightweight but still great at decongesting pores and removing makeup. I use it every night in a double cleanse and I can’t imagine my routine without it now.
If you can tolerate some sort of retinoid, this Skinbetter Science product is one of the best out there IMO. It uses an innovative form of retinol that designed to be less irritating on the skin, but it also contains glycolic acid to help further resurface it at the same time.
