I Tried Dr. Dennis Gross's New Retinol Pad and It Was the Boost My Skin Needed

For as long as I can remember, I've been dealing with acne and, as a result, post-acne hyperpigmentation. The one ingredient I was told to use by pretty much every expert is retinol. It's an ingredient that can do it all, whether it's diminishing dark spots, treating and preventing acne, or addressing fine lines. It does so by increasing cell turnover, reducing congestion, balancing oil production, all while promoting the skin's natural production of collagen.

I am a fan of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare from the bestselling Alpha Beta Peel Pads to the brightening Vitamin C Lactic Acid Serum. I see a huge difference in my skin when I consistently use the brand, so when I heard it was launching the new Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Perfectly Dosed Retinol Treatment, I had to get my hands on it.

This treatment is a new version of the brand's Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Texture Renewal Peel, and will be replacing it. The main difference between the two is that the Perfectly Dosed Retinol Treatment comes in two strengths (Universal and Extra Strength), so you can find the fit for your skin type and needs. Ahead, read my review of the new Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Perfectly Dosed Retinol Treatment and see it in action.

After using the Perfectly Dosed Retinol Treatments for about four weeks, you can see that the results speak for themselves. The most evident change is a reduction in dark spots and an overall more even-toned appearance. My darker hyperpigmentation areas faded into a lighter shade, and clusters of discoloration were slowly breaking up and forming smaller patches.

Although it takes time to see significant results like the above, I noticed immediate changes as well, including smoother skin texture, and an increase in radiance and brightness of my skin. Within a week (after one to two uses of the treatment pads), I saw a significant decrease in the number of breakouts and irritation bumps I had previously. In fact, you can see a reduction in redness as well.

I started using the Universal 0.2 percent formula for a week to get my skin acclimated to the product. Once I felt more confident in my skin's resilience, I bumped it up to using the Extra Strength 0.5 percent formula. In total, I've used about four treatments of each strength, and the biggest difference I noticed is the potency. My skin felt a bit more sensitized while using the Extra Strength formula, so I made sure to accommodate accordingly with hydrating and barrier-repairing products. With consistent and steady use, the Perfectly Dosed Retinol Treatment does wonders for my stubborn problem areas. I highly recommend this to anyone who needs to give their skin a subtle yet effective boost.

To get the best treatment experience without overdoing it, you'll want to assess how your skin reacts to retinol by doing a patch test first. If you are a retinol beginner or have sensitive, reactive skin, I recommend the Universal 0.2 percent Treatment and using it one to two times a week, building up to three. The Extra Strength 0.5 percent Treatment is best for those who already use retinol in their routine and need an extra boost; it's kind of like using a power-up in a video game.

Whether you choose to use the Universal or the Extra Strength, the actual application process is pretty much the same. After you cleanse your skin, gently swipe the pre-soaked pad all over your face, neck, and chest. The pad itself has a rougher texture for physical exfoliation, so you don't need to scrub your skin; in fact, you shouldn't. If you notice there's any leftover juice after treating those areas, I like to gently press it along my problem spots for an extra layer of retinol goodness. I also use it on my body, especially on areas with dark spots or acne until the pad dries up. Then, I follow up with a hydrating serum and a hydrating moisturizer. The retinol treatment pad is the only active in my routine, and I only use it at night.

If you use the brand's DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro, you can use the retinol treatment after your LED session. You can also use these retinol treatment pads while using the brand's Alpha Beta Peel Pads as long as it's not in the same exact routine. For example, use the retinol treatment at night and the Alpha Beta Peel Pads in the morning. Be sure to follow up with sunscreen, which you should be wearing every day regardless.

It is very tempting to immediately go for the Extra Strength, especially when you want quick results. But slow and steady is always better than wrecking your skin barrier and causing irritation. If you are unsure where to start, get the Universal strength first, and get your skin accustomed to the retinol treatment before going for the higher dose. Both the Universal and Extra Strength treatments contain pure liquid retinol, which is potent in and of itself.

If your skin has a reaction to the product, scale back on the frequency of these pads and stick to gentle, hydrating products. I've noticed minor peeling when using the Extra Strength 0.5 percent formula, especially when my skin is too dehydrated or dry. Given that I'm using these treatments during the colder, drier months, I wasn't too surprised. To combat this, I added deeply hydrating serums and richer moisturizers to really lock in that moisture.

The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Perfectly Dosed Retinol Treatment is available on Sephora and the brand's site.

Rating:
★★★★