I received this samples to test and keep from BrandBacker and Valentia, but the opinions in this post are honest and entirely my own. Besides the product, I was not compensated in any other way. Read my disclosure policy here.

Now that I’m 26(!), I’m taking my skincare routine way more seriously. I’m also trying to taking my budgeting seriously, so I rely on great, affordable brands like Valentia. I’m still using my detoxifying clay mask about once a week and now I’m adding their Night Revive Retinol Serum to my routine.

Retinol (vitamin A) is kind of a big deal when it comes to anti-aging — it helps prevents wrinkles, evens out skin tone and  handles breakouts. Now, I definitely has issues with redness and breakouts, and I am starting to see some fine lines on my forehead (boo!). So I was curious if I would see any improvements by trying this product about twice a week. (By the way, Valentia’s retinol serum also includes vitamin C and E and — bonus — is cruelty-free.)

It’s been a couple weeks since I started using this serum, and here’s what I can tell you so far…

• There was some more redness and breakouts when I first started using it. From what I’ve read from other bloggers, though, this is to be to expected. There was also some peeling, which I was not a fan of. Retinol is intense, and not really recommended for daily use.
• Since the first week, my skin has calmed down some. I have oily/combination skin, and it’s feeling balanced I would say. I’m not the best about applying SPF on a daily basis, but I make sure to do so the mornings after using this serum.
• Using this makes me want to really nail down a nighttime skincare routine. Next up: finding a light night cream that won’t leave my face too slick.

Interested in trying retinol for yourself? Get it on Amazon for $35 or check out their website, Instagram, and Facebook. I’m definitely going to keep using this — this cute, little bottle is a few months’ supply, so we’ll see how my skin is at the end of it!

~ Sarah