Updated review: People of EVERY age need this product! I've officially been using it for three months, and not only did it literally erase the freckles off of my face, but I no longer have the deep 11 lines between my eyes anymore. Not to mention that when I started using this product, I had terrible breakouts of acne in my T-zone due to hormonal changes related to peri-menopause and for at least the last month, I have not had a single pimple or blackhead anywhere on my face despite having made no changes to my diet, activity level, medications, etc. Acne was the reason I started using it, but getting rid of wrinkles is an absolutely acceptable side effect! All that said, I did have a long purge period (about 6 weeks), where I had to use blotting papers every couple of hours due to shine, and my breakouts were worse in the first couple of weeks of use. When I first reviewed it, the breakouts hadn't started yet. I didn't know what I was in for. I would wager it's not suitable to those who are sensitive to retinol. But, if you're willing to tough it out, you WILL be rewarded with smooth, acne-free, less wrinkled, even-toned skin. While it is heavy duty stuff, the formulation is not painful and does not burn or aggravate on contact. It's actually kinda silky. It isn't sticky or oily at all, and soaks in fairly quickly. I would highly suggest an oil-free moisturizer though, because as I said, the purging of oils is fairly extreme, but you need to moisturize or you'll have dry spots/textured areas and redness. I would also suggest washing your face twice a day - when you wake up and before bed. Also, try to avoid getting it in the under eye area, because it's probably too harsh for that area (though I have accidently got it there and nothing happened, but the skin in that area is likely too sensitive for something this strong being frequently applied). No exaggeration, the skin on my face is so smooth that after my routine, I have to use setting powder on my forehead because it is SO shiny! It's not oil, though; it's just that smooth. I also no longer have freckles on my face. If you can handle acne issues getting worse before they get better and you stick with it, you won't be sorry. My skin looks better than it has since before puberty, and I'm almost 42. This serum is definitely under-rated considering its price and effectiveness. Everyone needs to know about this stuff!! Don't forget the foaming acne face wash, and I would also recommend a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment for those early weeks, but definitely not absolutely necessary, because I no longer need one. It will eventually improve just by using this product. Unless you already have perfect skin, you definitely need this serum! Original review: I paired this with the Cerave foaming acne cleanser. I have very oily skin - especially since peri-menopause has kicked in, and just washing my face twice daily isn't enough to keep it smooth and clean...until now. These two products used together are my new twice daily ritual. I could probably even get away with just using them once a day, and may do that if they become drying or irritating, but so far, after three days, this has been the perfect combination for my face. Now, if I can only find an under eye serum, my entire facial routine will be all set. lol
