Retinols have been this kind of scary thing in the treatment room for holistic estheticians like myself. This active is such a darling of the beauty industry in general. And while I appreciate the results for skin that can tolerate using them, I found that so many of my guests over the years couldn’t tolerate prescription retinol well.

I’d observe my guests on the treatment table and without even discussing their skincare routine, I could see a compromised barrier alongside other retinol side effects like constant peeling, perioral dermatitis, and inflammation, resulting in hyperpigmentation of their skin.

At the end of the treatment, I found that I was telling them time and time again not to use this really valuable ingredient simply because it was too strong for their skin.

With this pattern in mind, I went into the lab to create an alternative, and the key ingredient came quickly to me. With most products, it doesn’t really happen this way. But with this one, I knew what I wanted to create: a gentle retinol alternative. One that built up the strength of the skin and didn’t have the same side effects of traditional retinol.

So I looked into algae and a specific chemical constituent it contained called astaxanthin. It’s an antioxidant powerhouse that actually creates a reaction with retinol receptors inside the skin to create more retinol, more vitamin A.

Synthetic retinol that you apply to the skin has a top down effect, but the beauty of Well Serum is that it encourages the body to create more of its own retinol. Working in synergy with our body naturally so we end up with no harsh side effects. Only dewier, more regulated, plump, conditioned skin.

In the end, it’s ultimately healthier for the skin.

I used Well Serum for a year on my own skin before I launched it and now, two years later, I can’t live without it. Since its launch, it’s been incredible to see how many people have found it to be their ride or die product like I’ve found it to be. People reach out to let us know how shockingly quick this product works on their skin, but also how gentle it is compared to prescription strength retinol they’ve tried in the past. Those who couldn’t tolerate retinol are now praising Well Serum’s results; clear, plump, calm skin that looks AND feels good.

This is the reason I started Botnia. To create true solutions that work in synergy with the human body. I’m so damn proud of this product because it’s a powerhouse and effective for the skin, but also gentle for the longevity of its health. So happy first birthday, Well Serum. I’m so proud to have you in our lineup. A solution for people who are looking for true results using nature’s best. 

Use it well,
Justine