by Stacey B. Gleason

Created on: April 27, 2007

Up until my mid-20's, my main skin care goal was having clear skin. It was then that the years of sun worshiping caught up with me...I started to notice not only fine lines and wrinkles, but brown spots, pigmentation and lots of freckles. Freaking out, I started my quest to find anti-aging products that also kept skin clear. It was then that I discovered the world of retinols, a type of Vitamin A which is known for it's antioxidant properties. While retinol is most often used for acne, it is also stimulates collagen production, thereby revealing softer, brighter (read: younger) skin.

After scouring message boards, I kept reading the benefits of Green Cream, a high potency retinol designed to speed up cell turnover. I figured I'd give it a try. I read the warnings: start with a low level (there is 3, 6, and 9%), apply once or twice a week for the first few weeks, and slowly build up to every night. There were also other precautions, such as waiting 30 minutes after washing the face to apply. As soon as I got my bottle in the mail, I instantly forgot about the instructions. Big mistake. I started with Level 6. Looking back, since I was new to retinoids, I should have eased my way in with Level 3. I applied the Green Cream (they say to use a pea sized amount) every other night for a week, and then started with the nightly applications. I figured my skin was tough, it could take it. It isn't, and I couldn't.

My skin was bright red, irritated, and hurt to touch. Desperate, I posted a message to Kevin on the Green Cream community boards. He advised me to lay off of the Green Cream, apply moisturizer, and start again slowly once my skin had recovered. Wisely, I listened. It took about a month and a half until I was able to use it every night. One of the other side effects of retinols is that many people experience a purging process, where all the gunk that has been trapped in your pores comes out, and often manifests in pimples. I went through a small purging process, but by that point, my skin was already much brighter than before, so I really didn't care. What really helps with the purging process (and is just a great product too!) is to use a Salicylic Acid in conjunction with the Green Cream. I used Paula's Choice 2% SA in the morning, and Green Cream at night. Recently I have switched to a stronger SA, but I would start with a lower percentage. Another side effect is flaking of the skin. Literally, this is your skin shedding to reveal the newer skin underneath. Something along the lines of a snake shedding it's skin. I had a hard time differentiating between irritation and flaking at first. Now I know that while the peeling/flaking is annoying (people constantly ask why your face is so dry), it is the means to an end (beautiful skin!), whereas the irritation is your skin telling you to cool it. Oh yes, another side effect (there do seem to be many!) is that your skin becomes more sensitized by the sun. I went on a trip to the Caribbean, and was again advised by Kevin to lay off Green Cream for 2 weeks prior to and during the trip. Apparently it takes a while for your skin to get used to the sun. I had only been using Green Cream for 4 months at that point. You must wear sunscreen. But you already do, right?

It has been 10 months since I have been using Green Cream. While it took quite a while for my skin to acclimate to the retinol, overall, I have to say I am very pleased. Not only is my skin very clear, but it is smooth and has a nice even texture. Not that I ever wore foundation before, but now I have absolutely no need to. Eventually I will try to move up to Level 9. From my understanding, I will go through the flaking process again, but it is worth it in the end!

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