This Now-$17 Serum Is Saving Shoppers From Big Pores and Dry Skin

If youre looking to revamp your skincare routine in the New Year, taking it from minimalist cleanser and moisturizer to targeted, youll likely stumble upon retinol. Beloved by dermatologists, celebrities, and beauty editors alike, the ingredient is known for its long list of proven benefits. Vitamin A comes in the form of over-the-counter

If you’re looking to revamp your skincare routine in the New Year, taking it from minimalist — cleanser and moisturizer — to targeted, you’ll likely stumble upon retinol. Beloved by dermatologists, celebrities, and beauty editors alike, the ingredient is known for its long list of proven benefits. Vitamin A comes in the form of over-the-counter treatments, face creams, anti-aging body lotions, and serums designed to target wrinkles, dark spots, skin texture, and acne. 

However, there is one catch to the popular ingredient: It can come with some not-so-great side effects. Namely, dry, flaky skin. This period of dryness and sloughing off dead skin cells can be known as the “retinoid uglies,” a period of time (sometimes up to six weeks) with peeling, redness, or irritation as your skin adapts to retinol’s accelerated cell turnover. The good news: Including additional hydrating steps (a plus for winter dryness, too) to your routine can ease the uglies. Retinol can be pricey, but luckily the best after-Christmas sales can be found at Amazon.  Shoppers discovered this Neutrogena Niacinamide Serum worked wonders for their dry, flaky skin and it’s currently 46 percent off. 

Amazon

Featuring a cocktail of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, this serum combats the drying effects of retinol. Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, can reduce discoloration as well as counteract redness and irritation thanks to its soothing effects. Hyaluronic acid and retinol are a dream team, because hyaluronic acid is a super effective skin hydrator. 

Reviewers said the Neutrogena Niacinamide Serum is “absolutely an essential part” of their skincare routines. And those on tretinoin, a stronger, prescription form of retinol, are especially big fans. “I use it under [tretinoin] and it has made my skin soft, supple, and well hydrated,” one explained. Another said, “I use tretinoin and this provides the hydration that is needed. I stopped using this and my skin returned to being so dry and cracked-like.”

Niacinamide plays well with others, including retinol, making it a great addition to an anti-aging routine. “Niacinamide is the only thing that has ever cleared up my skin. I cannot live without this stuff. I use it nightly followed by a retinol moisturizer and my skin looks amazing,” one happy customer said

Even if you’re not looking for an antidote to your retinoid woes, the serum is a fantastic add to your routine. One reviewer poetically said, “My dull, lined, sagged, bagged, big-pored face started looking so much brighter, softer, less lined, and with smaller pores after about five weeks of use.” Another shopper called it “just as good as the expensive stuff” and a “good value for the money.”

The gel serum is also fragrance-, paraben-, and dye-free, making it a great pick for sensitive skin. At under $20, now is the time to buy the soothing, hydrating serum for your retinol-induced, dry skin needs. 

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