When it comes to miracle skin treatments, we’ve pretty much heard it all at this stage (shout out to Cate Blanchett and her penchant for penis facials.) But unlike the majority of the ‘solutions’ out there, this one has some actual cred.
In post titled, ‘Hard work and retinol rlly makes a difference,’ Reddit user Egotr4p shared a side-by-side snap of her skin before-and-after using the product. And the results are pretty darn impressive, to say the least.
In the left pic, she’s battling a severe breakout across her forehead and cheeks. On the right, her face is significantly smoother (read: completely acne-free.)
“I never thought I’d be where I am now,” she wrote. “I did not go to a derm although I had access to RX retinol.”
In the comments, she explained that she uses tretinoin .025 per cent – a prescription-strength formula that isn’t actually available over-the-counter. That said, you can totally get the same results with other run-of-the-mill products (such as Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment, $79)
Here’s the thing about retinol: it’s not so much the ingredients in it that cause it to work so well, it’s more so what they do. Retinoids are compounds derived from vitamin A that help to unclog pores, encourage faster cell-turnover and increase collagen production.
The result? Glowy, dewy, fresh looking skin in a matter of months (with regular use.)
Full disclosure, Egotr4p also changed up her diet. She reckons going vegan contributed to improving “the texture of [her] skin and the frequency of pimples appearing.”
There is one thing to be wary of though re retinol: it can cause slight irritation at first, so if you decide to try it out – start small (a pea-sized amount a couple of times a week should do it!)
This article originally appeared on Women’s Health Australia
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