Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative and often used in anti-aging products like serums and face creams, because of its ability to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Retinoids are popular for helping with skin’s elasticity and slowing the breakdown of collagen. 
However, the long term effects of overuse of retinol products are questionable. The more retinol you use, the poorer the barrier function of your skin. The use of retinol also makes skin more susceptible to UV light. Along with these risks, women can sometimes be creating experimental “concoctions” of sorts when they mix, match and combine various retinol-infused products. People can randomly combine ingredients, without understanding if what they are using is balanced or safe for their health. 

Why on earth would I want to put OIL on my face?!? 
That was my initial thought when I heard about Facial Oils. I figured, for sure that is just going to cause acne, and maybe are just for bougie older women who like to be extra with the skincare.
I got a little schooled on facial oils and want to share with you 5 reasons why you want to add an oil to your skincare routine now. 

This is an updated blogpost to the original Janurary 2019 article. Since then, I’ve learned even more about product safety, and am so excited that more innovations in clean beauty are available to my readers. 
This is an objective informative blogpost to give perspective on some of the regimens offered by Rodan+Fields; with then, an alternative option comparable in performance/results using significantly safer products. I will be speaking to regimens as a whole, not individual products for the most part. But please don’t take my word for it. You can always search for safety of products through excellent resources like ewg.org/skindeep or apps like Think Dirty or Healthy Living.

R+F is famous for their "Before + After" comparison photos. I thought I'd share my personal results pic. You'll notice on the left side, at three years younger, my skin is dull, my acne scarring is evident, and my pores are quite noticeable. On the right, I've aged three years, yet my skin is more radiant, my pores are less visible, and my acne scarring is virtually invisible. Yes, I am wearing makeup in both photos, but I think the evidence of skin improvement is clear. In fact, in the photo on left, I'm wearing a fuller coverage foundation. ​ I think it also speaks volumes about Beautycounter's high performing cosmetics as well as exceptional skincare.