In post titled, ‘Hard work and retinol rlly makes a difference,’ Reddit user Egotr4p shared a side-by-side snap of her skin before-and-after using the product. And the results are pretty darn impressive, to say the least.
In the left pic, she’s battling a severe breakout across her forehead and cheeks. On the right, her face is significantly smoother (read: completely acne-free.)
“I never thought I’d be where I am now,” she wrote. “I did not go to a derm although I had access to RX retinol.”
In the comments, she explained that she uses tretinoin .025 per cent – a prescription-strength formula that isn’t actually available over-the-counter. That said, you can totally get the same results with other run-of-the-mill products (such as Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment, $79)
Here’s the thing about retinol: it’s not so much the ingredients in it that cause it to work so well, it’s more so what they do. Retinoids are compounds derived from vitamin A that help to unclog pores, encourage faster cell-turnover and increase collagen production.
The result? Glowy, dewy, fresh looking skin in a matter of months (with regular use.)
Full disclosure, Egotr4p also changed up her diet. She reckons going vegan contributed to improving "the texture of [her] skin and the frequency of pimples appearing."
There is one thing to be wary of though re retinol: it can cause slight irritation at first, so if you decide to try it out – start small (a pea-sized amount a couple of times a week should do it!)
This article originally appeared on Women's Health Australia
