“I wanted to give this product a try because I was using a different retinol that was causing my skin to be too dry. I was hoping it would help hydrate and make it less irritated. Well it did give glassy skin but it made me break out the worst I’ve seen in a long time. I gave it WEEKS thinking that maybe my skin needed to purge and then it would get better. It did not, it only got worse. It wasn’t any of my other products because the second I stopped using this product my skin started to calm down and clear a bit. I understand skin care can be very expensive, especially retinoids, but this product was pretty expensive even for that. I really wanted this to work.”
Hi Hadassah, thank you for sharing your feedback about the Flawless Nightly 2% Retinoid Serum.
So sorry to hear of your experience, however we do wish to assure you that we would expect to see purging of the skin when introducing new actives. This is actually a really good sign that your skin is responding to the products and doing what it needs to do.
Although not always visible, there are blockages bubbling away under the surface of the skin and unfortunately what goes in, must come out. Remember, you're pushing out clogged up pores in a speed-up fashion under the influence of actives, so instead of getting those spots over the next several months, you get them over a shorter period of time. This is particularly common in those with lots of comedones at the beginning - so this pattern of acne will often look a lot worse before it’s better. The most important thing is not to panic, stay consistent and be truly patient! We totally understand how frustrating the process is, but to have healthy happy skin, you need to allow blockages to reach the surface and purge to clear, and have got in touch directly to provide further tips and support.
“I've been using it for less than a week, following Dr Sam's detailed instruction as how best to apply and don't see any major change (it's been less than 7 days after all). However after applying daily makeup, there is now a subtle flattering glow, which looks attractive. I don't have any pre existing skin problems beyond the natural ageing process and would be pleased if I see an improvement on facial lines buy at 75 I can't expect miracles”
“I was scared to try this. I had read so many scaremongering articles & adverts for 'natural' & 'organic' skincare that I'd solely been using oils and natural products for ages. My skin was awful. Dry, spotty on cheeks - I had never had acne as a teen yet in my 40s I did. I feared with my sensitive skin this would exacerbate it all. I liked the moisturisers though. My skin did purge - be aware that this can happen - but weirdly I felt ok about it as I could see that under the spots, my skin texture was so much better. Put this on top of your moisturiser to start with. I ignored that to start with - stupid! My skin, whilst not totally spot free (I still get period zits - but not acne) is clearer, not dry at all, smoother, pretty much line-free (I'm 48!). I love Dr Sam's.”
“First time using retinoids, I started 3 weeks ago, every other night and I love it. So far the purging was minimal (just a few more blemishes than usual) but the effects on the skin are clearly visible: the skin is more radiant, looks younger and firmer, I am super impressed! It is everything I hoped for!”
