A Dermatologist Told Me That This Serum “Smooths and Firms” Skin Better Than Retinol

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The brand is never on sale, but we have an exclusive code.

One of my very millennial traits is that despite its unprecedented popularity, I have not taken to TikTok the way the rest of the world has. However, one of the few accounts I do keep up with is from Dr. Whitney Bowe. Her videos are always to the point and informative without feeling pedantic, so when she launched her namesake, frequently-sold-out skincare line, I was seated. If you haven’t had the opportunity to try Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty, I recommend you remedy that now during the brand’s annual 25 percent off sale.

Although the sitewide sale opens to the public on May 18, InStyle readers can shop it two days early with the code SKINVEST24—and it includes the firming treatment Bowe says is more potent than retinol. I recommend you take advantage of this early access, because not only do DWB products tend to sell out even when full-priced, but it’s truly the only time you’ll be able to snag the luxe skincare at a discount until 2025.

Best Dr. Whitney Bowe Skincare on Sale:

• Retinal Night Advanced 0.1% Firming Treatment, $74 (Originally $99)

• Asta C Vitamin C Age Defense Serum, $66 (Originally $88)

• Bowe Glowe Microbiome Nourishing Cream, $71 (Originally $95)

• Exfoliation Night Resurfacing and Brightening Serum, $59 (Originally $79)

Retinal Night Advanced 0.1% Firming Treatment

$74 at drwhitneybowebeauty.com

Retinal, like retinol, is a vitamin A derivative, the difference being that it’s 10 times (!) stronger and more bioavailable, aka "more able to be readily used by the body, or in this case, by the cells of the skin," per Dr. Whitney Bowe. She also tells InStyle that "it works to firm and smooth the look of skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles."

It’s the chief ingredient in this serum complemented by lipids and peptides. The brand says the Retinal Night Treatment is a well-tolerated (even by those with sensitive skin), firming, wrinkle-reducing, elasticity-improving, and glow-enhancing formula. The science behind the ingredients and shopper reviews concur.

A 55-year-old shopper called Retinal Night Treatment “life-changing,” and said that it “performs as promised.” Another person in their late 40s said they saw a “positive difference in fine lines, dark spots, overall skin tone, and elasticity.”

Asta C Vitamin C Age Defense Serum

$66 at drwhitneybowebeauty.com

Dr. Bowe says that vitamin C is an important step; even though "sunscreen is a must-have, it isn’t a magic shield," and you'll still feel the damage of free radicals. A serum like Asta C will "[prevent] premature aging, brighten, even out skin tone, and smooth out lines and wrinkles."

Dozens of users concur. When my 26-year-old sister (who has perennially dull, porous, oily, sensitive, and hyperpigmented skin) was visiting me, she picked up a bottle of Asta C Serum on my shelf, looked it up, and said “I’m taking this.” (Sisters!) I’m not going to hold it against her (for long) because a month later she texted me, “I love it… I feel like it tightened my skin, never left any weird residue, and made me glow.”

She’s not alone in her adoration. Thanks to a formula that includes two types of vitamin C, plenty of antioxidants, and turmeric, dozens of shoppers—of all ages—are “obsessed.” A shopper in their late 60s said Asta C Serum makes their skin look “refreshed” and “firm.” Another said “my hyperpigmentation fades so much faster… [plus] it feels moist and smooth. I don’t even wear foundation anymore.”

Below, shop more of Dr. Whitney Bowe’s beloved skincare on sale—just don’t forget to use the code SKINVEST24 at checkout.

Bowe Glowe Microbiome Nourishing Cream

$71 at drwhitneybowebeauty.com

Exfoliation Night Resurfacing and Brightening Serum

$59 at drwhitneybowebeauty.com

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