Perfect Change Serum

My clients have called it ‘‘magic in a bottle” and a “woman’s best friend”. I don’t like to over promise, but if you’re looking for ONE thing to change your skin, I feel confident in saying this is it.

The best way to effectively and successfully use Perfect Change Serum (lovingly referred to as PCS) is to ease into it, allowing your skin to adjust and build tolerance to the retinol. This is typical of all retinol products. Please read my notes here in their entirety to ensure you will be using this product properly. I also have a blog all about retinol!

If you think your skin is too sensitive for PCS, check out our Retinol Serums.

Why isn’t Perfect Change Serum just your average retinol?

Because it is a blend of 1% retinol and trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Here is exactly what these active ingredients do for your skin:

1% retinol encourages skin cells to turnover at a faster rate, making way for new skin. Retinol also prevents collagen breakdown, and thickens the deeper layer of the skin where wrinkles form keeping them at bay longer and softening fine lines that have already formed.

TCA (trichloroacetic acid), a chemical peel ingredient, causes skin rejuvenation by an exfoliative process of removing the outer layer of dead skin cells to reveal more smooth, firm, radiant and evenly toned skin. 

What to expect: Any retinol can make the skin feel a little dry, flaky, pink and sensitive when it is first introduced to the skin. This is an adjustment phase and part of the intended process of building tolerance to a product that causes increased cell turnover. On average this can last 4 weeks. This phase does not mean that you are not tolerating the product or that your skin is too sensitive. Many people will stop using retinol or use it only 1-2x per week thinking they are doing the right thing by giving their skin a break. However, in most instances, this is not the right thing to do. Here’s why: if your skin is not ‘seeing’ the retinol consistently enough, you will be stuck in the adjustment phase forever. So instead, we recommend that you continue regular use of the product (minimum 3x per week) as long as the sensitivity feels mild. You should feel confident in knowing that the magic starts to happen as soon as you get through the adjustment phase. Purging is another part of the adjustment phase and it can manifest as new blemishes that may last a week or so. With increased cell turnover, oil and dead skin cells trapped within pores will be cleared out much quicker than it would have otherwise. The best treatment for purging is actually continued use of the ingredients, so stick with it.

How to use:  In the evening after thoroughly cleansing and drying your skin, dilute PCS by mixing 1-2 pumps with an equal amount of an oil-free fragrance free moisturizer (such as Dew). Apply the mixture evenly over your entire face every night (do not apply to the eyelids or skin directly under the eyes). It is ok to use every other night if necessary, but be sure you are not using it less than 3-4x per week. The diluted mixture can help the skin adjust more easily for the first 4 weeks. Once the skin is adjusted, then you can use PCS undiluted and layered separately from your moisturizer application by about 10 minutes.

To further support the skin with deep hydrating nourishment, layer The One Serum underneath PCS in the evening, and before your morning moisturizer too. This product can do wonders for comforting the skin.

A note about moisturizers. I highly recommend investing in one of the PFAM moisturizers to mix with Perfect Change Serum if you are purchasing it for the first time. Dew is the ideal pairing because it is a clean formula without fragrances, dyes, parabens and dimethicone so it should not cause any additional irritation. Please see the moisturizers collection to decide which one is best for your skin type.

PCS is available in a mini size as well.

Other things:

Remember, the active ingredients in PCS are revealing fresh new skin that is more vulnerable to harmful UV rays. So, be sure to use a daily SPF each morning. A couple of our faves are Shade and Perfect Powder. Always wear a wide brim hat during prolonged sun exposure.

PCS is ok to use on your neck. However, the neck can be a very sensitive area, and often takes much longer to build tolerance. Consider mixing 1 pump Perfect Change Serum with 2-3x the amount of Firming Neck Cream and slowly increasing the strength over a longer period of time.

This product is NOT ok to use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Take a look at the safe mama collection for ways to keep your skin looking great while keeping your baby safe. 

This product uses an airless pump technology that may require priming when using the product for the first time (or anytime air is allowed into the bottle). Airless packaging helps to keep air and contaminates out of the product and allows for use with little to no waste. However, sometimes they do malfunction. To prime the dispenser, place the lid on the pump, turn it upside down, and tap it several times strongly in the palm of your hand. Then attempt pressing the dispenser multiple times until product is revealed. This should do the trick. If you are still not able to dispense any product after 15-20 pumps, use a large paperclip in the hole on the bottom of the product. Push the paperclip into the hole until you feel a ‘give’. Again, attempt pressing the dispenser multiple times until product is revealed.

If you have any questions, email me for further advice on how to best use this product for your needs.

Other Uses

• Use on back of the hands to strengthen, brighten and soften the skin here.
• Use as part of the Rewind Lineup or the Get Clear Lineup.