Review: Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment

At 35, I decided it was time to try out this fancy retinol stuff that everyone keeps raving about.

I really didn’t know much about it, but when skin care guru Caroline Hirons mentioned that she really liked the Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment, I thought “why not – let’s try it.”

Best.Decision.Ever.

Find out why I love the Paula’s Choice Retinol in this review, what it does and how to use it in your skin care routine.

*this post contains affiliate links*

What Is Retinol?

Retinol is a tried and tested skin care ingredient that has been clinically proven to do all of the above. Don’t lump it in with those fancy-sounding skin care extracts from some exotic plant that no one’s ever heard of.

Retinol works – period.  It is a form of vitamin A that has been found to increase cell turnover (e.g. the process of creating and pushing new skin to the surface) and after the age of 25, cell turnover starts to slow and continues to slow down as we age.

Retinol is also amazing for reducing pore size, fighting acne, brightening skin and reducing fine lines. Retinol can cause some side effects after application such as redness, burning/tingling, dryness/tightness or skin scaling/flaking.

It is important to start slowly with retinol and build up a tolerance (start with a once per week application and slowly increase as tolerated).

Once your skin is used to it, you should experience less of these side effects, if any, or consider using a weaker retinol. Don’t get excited by the instant results and start bathing in this stuff – you will be sorry when your face peels off.

I speak more about how to safely use this Paula’s Choice Retinol further down the review. 

Retinol is not safe for use during pregnancy or while nursing (use rosehip oil, bakuchiol, niacinamide and Vitamin C instead!)

How To Use Retinol: A Beginner's Guide

Want to try a retinol but don't know where to start? Find out all you need to know as a retinol beginner in this article.

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What Does Paula’s Choice Retinol Do?

As per the Paula’s Choice website, the 1% Retinol serum treats:

-anti-aging, wrinkles

-free-radical damage that causes skin to age

-deep wrinkles and fine lines

-enlarged pores and uneven skin tone (a big issue for me)

-all skin types, including acne prone skin.

How I Use This Retinol In My Skin Care Routine

I purchased the small 0.16 fl. oz. sample size of the Paula’s Choice Retinol for $10 on the brand’s website. Considering that the full sized amount is $55 USD (plus duties and taxes for us Canadians) I decided I really needed to see if this product delivered as promised before making the investment.

Retinol is potent and potentially irritating – 1% retinol is considered a high dosage for an over the counter product, so I also didn’t want to invest in a product that may not be compatible with my skin. I began with a once a week application for the first week and increased it to 3 days per week when I got used to the product and experienced no irritation.

Paula’s Choice retinol has the light consistency of a lotion and applies easily. It absorbed within seconds into my skin and left no residue behind.

 

You only need a pea-sized amount for your entire face, so pump slowly and don’t waste it.

Most retinols, in general, are to be applied after cleansing, although I normally apply a gentle exfoliating toner first and hydrating toner first. I followed this retinol treatment with my hyaluronic acid serum and soothing Aloe Vera gel moisturizer. 

If you apply retinol during the day, be sure to apply a good sunscreen to maintain the stability of the product. I would, however, recommend using it as a night time treatment.

After having no adverse side effects, I then increased it to two and then three times per week. I now use it every other day and have no issues with it.

I should tell you, my skin is combination, non-sensitive and has been able to bathe in acid exfoliants for years without the slightest complaint.

Retinol Tip: If you are more sensitive or new to retinol, you can mix your retinol with your hydrating serum or moisturizer to help build tolerance to it and buffer some of the side effects. 

BUY IT: PAULAS CHOICE | SEPHORA

Did Paula’s Choice Retinol Serum Work? My Review

When I awoke the morning after my first application, I was stunned (hello new face!). My pores were noticeably smaller and my bumpy cheeks were smoother, so I couldn’t wait to draft this Paula’s Choice retinol review and share the good news.

Overall, my skin just looked tighter. I remember stopping to look in the mirror throughout that day at work, because I couldn’t believe how much of an impact this product had on my skin. After continued use, I saw more results (you should use a retinol consistently for at least three months to see the full benefits of the products).

Over time, even the fine lines running across my forehead looked better. I never thought it possible, but retinol turned back the clock for me in terms of my skin and I’m never going back! Never! I purchased the full-sized bottle of Paula’s Choice retinol shortly after.

If they had sold it in a keg size I would have bought that. After subscribing to the Paula’s Choice email list I received a promotion after my sample purchase that provided me with free shipping, a free mascara (haven’t tried it yet, soon) and 15% off my next purchase.

The Paula’s Choice website always has promotions running, so don’t pay full price for anything – wait for a promotion and go nuts. Paula’s Choice is also a participating vendor through Rakuten, so if you have a free account, you will get cash back on your online purchases.

If you are a first time customer, you can get $10 off your first order by clicking this link*.

All PC website prices are listed in US dollars and I had to pay a duty, which I think was applied at checkout?

BUY IT: PAULAS CHOICE | SEPHORA

 

Drugstore Retinol Options

If you are new to retinols and have sensitive skin, or are just afraid of diving into a 1% retinol, there are lower dose and more affordable options available in the drugstore. Neutrogena has a rapid wrinkle repair line with retinol, as well as the Roc brand and many others.

The new skin care line from Deciem, called The Ordinary, also has a 2% advanced retinoid serum that I plan to try next, and it only costs $10CDN with free worldwide shipping!

If you are looking for a higher retinol dosage than the 1%, you will have to get a prescription from a dermatologist.

A Comprehensive Guide To Drugstore Retinol

Find the right drugstore retinol for you in this detailed post!

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 Shop retinols high and low below!

 

Have you tried anything from Paula’s Choice skin care range?

What’s your favourite retinol serum?