An intentional skincare routine is a non-negotiable in my day to day life. After suffering with acne for much of my life, dealing with scarring and texture, and now figuring out how aging adds into the mix, I’ve been experimenting with a list of essentials. Enter: retinol.
I’ve been curious for retinol for quite some time. Retinol is a form of vitamin A used in skincare to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne by speeding up skin cell turnover and boosting collagen production.
When I was introduced to Hyaestic 0.5% Pure Retinol, it was an easy choice. After using this product consistently for two weeks, I can confidently say that this product has earned a spot on my bathroom shelf.

First impressions
From the start, Hyaestic made a great first impression. The packaging is minimalist, feauring clean lines and a simple pump that’s easy to use and precise. The product itself is lightweight, smooth, and absorbs quickly without leaving any sticky or greasy residue.
As someone relatively new to using retinol, I appreciated Hyaestic’s thoughtful guidance. I followed their recommendation to start slow—testing a small patch of skin first, then applying a pea-sized amount once or twice a week at night. I paired it with a gentle moisturizer and made sure to use a sunscreen during the day. This cautious approach made the adjustment period much easier.
Over time, the plan is to incorporate the retinol more often as my skin adjusts, up to every night or every other night.
The routine
Each night that I used the Hyaestic 0.5% Pure Retinol, I applied it after cleansing, letting it fully absorb before sealing everything in with a moisturizer. The texture melted effortlessly into my skin, and I noticed right away that it didn’t sting or feel overly strong—something I had worried about, since retinol can sometimes be harsh for first-timers.
The product’s directions emphasize that it can cause mild dryness or flaking as your skin adjusts. I did notice a bit of initial dryness around my chin the first week, but nothing uncomfortable or unexpected. With consistent moisturizing, it subsided quickly.
My experience



After about ten days, I began noticing subtle but meaningful changes. My skin tone looked more even, with a noticeable smoothness to the texture of my skin. I wasn’t expecting dramatic results in just two weeks—retinol is all about long-term consistency. However, the early improvements were enough to keep me going.
One of my favorite aspects of the retinol is how gentle it is, even for my sensitive skin. It gives my skin that fresh, “just-exfoliated” glow without any of the irritation that sometimes comes with more aggressive treatments. I also appreciated that it layers beautifully with my other skincare staples, especially moisturizer and sunscreen, without pilling or feeling heavy.
Final thoughts
Two weeks in, I can already tell that Hyaestic 0.5% Pure Retinol is going to be a long-term player in my routine. It’s helping my skin look smoother, brighter, and more even, without any of the irritation that can make retinol seem intimidating.
Additionally, the product aligns with my current goal of simplifying my skincare shelf: choosing fewer products that pack a punch, without the pressure of hopping on every new skincare brand.
As always, remember to ease in slowly, pair it with plenty of hydration, and wear sunscreen daily. Retinol might be a skincare commitment; but when the results are this promising, it’s one I’m more than happy to keep.

Quick details:
- Product: Hyaestic 0.5% Pure Retinol
- Price: $55.00
- Where to buy: hyaestic.com
- Use: Apply a pea-sized amount 1–2 times per week at night; avoid eye area and corners of the nose
- Pair with: Moisturizer + SPF 30 or higher during the day
(This post shares my honest review after using Hyaestic 0.5% Pure Retinol for two weeks.)
Established in 2018, Sunshine with Savannah is a catch-all blog with an emphasis on weekend travel, millennial-style marriage and fun, reflection-based musings, outdoor adventure, home design, and all things lifestyle.
Though the content is diverse and varied, the heart of this space stays true to a single, guiding principle: a simple pursuit to find sunshine, wherever I go.

Looking good!