I'm 36 and have always had very oily skin. It looks greasy about 2 hours after washing or applying makeup. I had perfect skin as a teen, but as I get older I am now experiencing breakouts. Trying to treat them has turned my skin into a dry, peeling, oily, & irritated mess which has been a nightmare. Especially when applying makeup & especially as an adult. I've tried proactive (ehhh), used Murad products (nice, but very mild) & have used prescription products that seemed to make my oily skin even greasier which made me crazier. I've also used drugstore products like neutrogena (ehhh) & oil of olay (ehhh). And I tried the M2 products (serum-ok, but fly-paper sticky, moisturizer-hated it & hated how it was bottled, the cleanser-ehhh). I've been using the Replenix 10x & this cream for about a month & these products have really made a difference in my skin. I LOVE the cream! It's a great moisturizer for my oily skin & great under makeup. When I take my makeup off 12 hours later, my face looks very calm & clear. I haven't used retinol products before & I jumped in & got the Replenix 10x, which may be a little too strong to start. After a few days of straight use, my skin starts to flake & peel, so I plan to try the 3x or 5x & work my way back up to the 10x, so that I can use it every day.