Paula’s Choice Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Face Serum Advanced Treatment, High Potency Anti-Aging Serum for Face, Breakout-Prone Skin, Radiance & Rough, Bumpy Texture, Fragrance-Free

I’ve been a consistent, loyal retinol user for 20 years this year and I’m very happy to report that it shows. For two full decades, I stuck with one high-end 1% retinol product and never strayed. Paula’s Choice isn’t a “lower-end” product by any stretch, but it is about $30 less than what I’ve been using all these years and that got my attention.I’ve been revisiting the fundamentals in my skincare routine and the staple ingredients that have proven themselves decade after decade and figuring out where I can play with price points without sacrificing results. I was also curious about switching things up by trying retinaldehyde instead of my usual 1% retinol. This product works!After 20 years with SkinCeuticals, changing things up felt risky, but this formula has that same familiar smell and feel I love, just with a richer yellow tone because of the retinaldehyde. Since my skin is already used to retinoids, I had no issue using this daily, but if you’re new to retinol or retinal, start slow and listen to your skin. And even I still noticed a visible boost after just one week of using this. I’ll be rotating between a bottle of Paula’s Choice Retinaldehyde and Paula's 1% retinol going forward. Looks like I’ve found a new beloved retinal/retinol. Same results and about $30 saved. Love that!Side note from your skincare obsessed desert witch:Do a little reading on retinoids. Retinol and retinal are powerful, but they’re fragile. They require proper stabilization and packaging to stay effective. Many products don’t preserve them well and poor packaging means that by the time it hits your gorgeous face, the retinoid is basically dead. Paula’s Choice does it right with the airless pump, which actually protects the formula. So, retinoids work if you are consistent. Stick with it, be patient, protect the potion and your future skin will thank you. Glow on my beauties!!!