Pushing 40, I already realized that I needed a more intensive skin-care regime. Many years ago I began dabbling in different concealers and eye creams to avoid crows feet around my eye area. I have very sensitive skin and have been cautious with sun exposure, however--at this age, environmental stressors, stress, and water consumption have started to show the age of my skin. A year ago, I was accused of "catfishing" someone on a website. Although he was referring to the color of my hair (it changes frequently), I still took this majorly to heart and realized I needed to get serious about my skincare regime (some of my posted pictures were only 8 months prior to being called this dreaded term). After reaching out and receiving validation from friends and exes that I was not, in fact, a catfish--in dejection, I purchased many of the most potent over-the-counter retinol products that can be purchased without a prescription. While these products definitely shaved off 5-10 years on wrinkles and aging/dark spots, I broke out in adolescent-type acne, all over my face. I tried to muscle my way through this phase, but the persistent acne spots interspersed with red, blotchy, dry spots were too much. I backed off on the retinol (and only used it every 3-4 day), but was in search of a product to help moisturize and balance the damage. Before I quit using the super-strength retinol products, I had stumbled onto the the "Dreamy Youth Day and Night Face Cream" from Pacifica, and it worked wonders to counteract the damage from the breakouts, dry spots, and general "purging" of my skin. I would wake up with dewy skin, and it actually seemed to counteract the persistent breakouts. That was what led me to this product (since I was so impressed with the Dreamy Youth line). This product has retinol in it, but a gentler form than the one I was using (on the label it is advertised as "Granactive (copywritten) retinoid). The reviews were positive, so I gave it a chance. It also has melatonin (topical application), chaga mushroom, quinoa, flower extracts, and sunflower oil. After using the night cream, I stopped using my other retinol products altogether. I woke up daily to dewy, refreshed skin. My skin seemed to glow; the breakouts were gone. I used up the rest of my night cream and didn't think of repurchasing until a few months down the line, when I noticed my skin begin to look my age (again). I purchased the Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Serum to layer with the other night cream I was using at the time, and... no joke, I was carded at the store the next day for a 18+ purchase!! I immediately repurchased this cream to layer under the serum, because.... why not?! Of all the retinol products I've tried, this does not cause breakouts and actually seems to improve the condition of my skin (and without going through the dreaded "purge" phase of other retinol products). I will never be without this cream again--it will be a permanent staple in my collection.
