When you first step into the world of retinol, everything sounds a little scary — purging, dryness, irritation. I wanted a gentle introduction, something that could make a difference without making my skin hate me. That’s why I picked up the MEDIHEAL Retinol Collagen Lifting Pad.

The packaging feels sturdy and practical. It seals tightly, keeping the pads inside well-soaked but not dripping. 

The pads themselves are really unique — they come pre-cut with little lifting slits. At first, I thought it was just a gimmick, but it actually helps the pads stretch and cling better to the curves of your face. You can really feel them hugging your jawline and cheekbones, which is pretty satisfying.

The essence on the pads is lightweight and non-sticky, almost like a thin gel serum. There’s a faint clinical scent — very subtle, nothing heavily perfumed — that reassures you it’s a functional product rather than a cosmetic one. It absorbs quickly into the skin with no residue, perfect for layering under other skincare.

I used the pads about 3–4 times a week, always at night, and I didn’t experience any irritation, even with my relatively sensitive skin. It feels cooling and calming immediately upon application.

Results After 1 Month:

The changes weren’t dramatic, but definitely noticeable.

• My smile lines and the area around my jaw started to feel firmer.

• My skin texture overall looked smoother and more even.

• I didn’t see a huge difference in pigmentation or deep wrinkles (which I wasn’t expecting anyway with such a mild product).

The collagen infusion gives an immediate plumping effect, while the retinol works slowly in the background. This product seems more about skin health maintenance and early prevention rather than “instant anti-aging miracles.”

Final Verdict:

If you’re just entering your late 20s or 30s and thinking about preventive skincare, this is an ideal starting point. It won’t give you a totally different face overnight, but it builds a foundation for stronger skin resilience later on.

And yes, I genuinely look forward to using these. There’s something about sticking those stretchy pads across my face that feels weirdly therapeutic.