Garden of Wisdom's Vita ReSurface Serum combats aging on a cellular level with All-Trans Retinol, a stable form of Vitamin A. Retinol is an active ingredient for sophisticated cosmetic skin care products. It is a highly effective active ingredient for caring for aging skin and protects against photo-aging.
Use the Vita Resurface Serum every three nights for the first two weeks.
On the nights when the Vita Resurface Serum is being used, cleanse the skin and continue by only applying the Vita Resurface Serum and no other product.
Allow the serum to sit for two hours before proceeding with your nightly routine. Waiting two hours is the key to achieving the best possible results with the Vita Resurface Serum.
On your third week of use, apply the Vita Resurface Serum every second day.
On your fifth week of use, apply the Vita Resurface Serum every night until the desired results are achieved.
List of Ingredients
Liposome Base (soy based) encapsulates and stabilizes actives, moisturizing Rose Geranium Hydrosol is hydrating, great for mature skin, calming, humectant, vegetable derived, and draws moisture out of the air to the skin when applied topically. Sodium PCA natural moisturizer binds water to the skin Galactobarian (polysaccharide) humectant helps to stop transepidermal water loss, binds moisture to the skin Guar Gum natural thickener Gluconolactone (Glucono Delta Lactone) is a gentle preservative with gentle exfoliation properties All-Trans Retinol see above
Shelf Life and Storage Information for Our Products and Ingredients
Finished Products - generally don't need to be refrigerated as they are preserved, but you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life. The shelf life for most products is 9-12 months. Vitamin C Serum(s) and VitaResurface products should continually be refrigerated to extend their shelf life. Sample Sizes - do have a shorter shelf life (generally 3-6 months), and items in jars can dry up quicker than this if the lid is not tightened well enough (Vitamin C Serums - use within 90 days).
Please Keep Your Products Out of Humidity, Heat, Direct Light and in a Dark Cabinet When Possible
Exfoliating Acid - products have a shelf life of 9-12 months. The only things we don't suggest refrigerating are the Mandelic Acid Serums or Salicylic Acid Serums, as they can crystallize in the refrigerator. If this happens, you can set the product into a hot water bath to see if the crystals will dissolve.
Additional Items That Require Refrigeration and/or Kept in the Dark
Hydrosols and Distillates - remove 1 ounce of hydrosol and add it to a separate, sterilized spray bottle and spritzer. Keep the larger bottle in the refrigerator. Carrier and Exotic Oils - generally refrigerate all carrier oils, although some very rich oils will solidify. This is fine. All you have to do is take the oil out, warm it up at room temperature, and it should liquefy. If not, set the bottle in a hot water bath and occasionally shake the bottle, which will hopefully turn into a liquid. Some oils, like coconut cream and jojoba oil, have a super long shelf life.
Refrigeration of The Following Ingredients is Not Necessary, But it Won't hurt
Essential Oils - essential oils are best stored in a cool, dark place. Co2 Extracts - these should continually be refrigerated. Butters - we suggest refrigerating our "skincare" butters. You can remove what you need and keep the rest in the fridge. Clays - keep in a dry, dark place. Shelf life is at least 2 years. Herbs All herbs <i>(whole or ground)</i> should be kept in a dark, cool, and dry location. Herbal (liquid) Extracts are created using grain alcohol. The alcohol pulls the constituents (properties) from each herb, root, trunk, leaf, and flower. They have a shelf life of 3-5 years. They can be stored in the refrigerator or a dark, dry place. Other Raw Ingredients - such as Sodium PCA, Honeyquat, Oat Beta Glucan, etc., will all have different shelf lives.
Rose Geranium Hydrosol - is hydrating, great for mature skin, calming, humectant,
vegetable derived, and draws moisture out of the air to the skin when applied topically.
Sodium PCA – is a natural moisturizer that binds water to the skin
Galactobarian (polysaccharide) - humectant helps to stop trans-epidermal water loss,
moisture to the skin
Guar Gum - natural thickener
Gluconolactone (Glucono Delta Lactone) - is a gentle preservative with gentle exfoliation properties
All-Trans Retinol – is a stable form of Vitamin A. Retinol is an active ingredient for sophisticated
cosmetic skin care products. It is a highly effective active ingredient for caring for aging skin and
protects against photo-aging.
I got this product last week but finally used it last night. I woke up this morning so delighted that I had to rush to leave a review. This is from someone who barely leaves reviews. I’ve always been texture and hyperpigmentation prone as a person of color. I recently started using tretinoin but even the 0.025% makes my skin flaky and irritates my skin barrier all the time. So I started looking for a gentler retinol option but every product I found had ingredients that will either clog my pores or not work at all till I finally found GOW. I was immediately attracted to the simple ingredients list. I was a bit worried about my skin barrier so last night, I used a moisturizer as a buffer before applying the serum. I woke up to see a radiant skin with my pores looking visibly clearer. This product will forever be a staple in my routine! This and the clear,brighten and prevent serum! Please never discontinue this product.
Elizabeth ᵗʰᵃᶰᵏᵧₒᵤ!
Oh my goodness, what a wonderful review to open up! We are absolutely delighted that the Vita ReSurface left your skin looking so radiant and clear after your very first use. Finding an effective retinol that does not leave your skin feeling punished can be quite a journey, especially when your barrier is already feeling vulnerable. Using your moisturizer as a buffer was a very thoughtful approach.
Knowing that our straightforward ingredient list helped you feel confident enough to try it means so much to us. We are also thrilled that Clear, Brighten & Prevent has earned a place in your routine. And yes, your plea has been officially heard: please never discontinue it! 😂
Thank you for taking the time to write such a thoughtful review, especially when you rarely leave them. We truly appreciate you and are so happy you found Garden of Wisdom. 🌻
T
Terri Froman
Another amazing product
I'm just starting to use this so I'm not sure how my skin will "react", but if it's anything like the rest of the products, It will be amazing!
Terri,
Thank you for the review! Please keep us updated with how your skin is reacting anf your results.
Markey ♡
B
Bellarose Jardin
Love everything!
My sebboric dermatitis is finally at bay! I’ve tried multiples of GOW’s actives and my skin loves the salicylic 2%… (only one FOR ME) that doesn’t cause redness (when used 3x week :) ) all the actives are great btw just see what your skin needs, I’ve been using the oat moisturizer and Micellar dew for a couple months and my skin is becoming less sensitive I’m beginning to feel less stressed with potential acne / sensitivity! *yay and thank you!! The retinol was great but not for my skin and that’s ok find what work for you ♥️!
Bellarose, Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re always so grateful to hear when our formulas give relief. To hear that your seborrheic dermatitis is finally under control and that our products have played a role in your skincare journey is fantastic. Hearing that the Salicylic 2% has been effective for you without causing irritation while discovering the right balance for your skin is so important, and we love that you've been able to tailor your routine to what works best for you.
You are such an inspiration!
We’re also happy to hear that the Oat Enriched Serum and Micellar Cleansing Dew have been helping to strengthen your skin’s barrier and reduce sensitivity. Feeling less stressed about potential breakouts and irritation is a huge win, and we celebrate that with you
It’s completely okay that retinol wasn’t the perfect match for your skin; skincare is all about learning what works for you, and your approach to listening to your skin’s needs is truly inspiring. We appreciate your thoughtful words and are so grateful to be part of your routine. Thank you for your support, and we’re always here for you on your skincare journey!
Soldier on my friend.
M
Meridith
Gentle but effective
I bought this on a whim and am happy I did! I started using it on my neck and chest and it has helped fade my freckles/sun spots and overall made the skin look much smoother and brighter. Ordering my second bottle!
Thank you so much for this review!
D
DH
Perfect for this old(er) woman!
After years of visiting dermatologists and medical estheticians who all swore by their prescribed products, which turned my face into a lumpy, flaky biscuit, I gave this all-trans retinol a try and will never go back. Had cystic acne well into my 30s and continued with breakouts into my early 60s. Tons of research later, I discovered that the prescribed products contain filler ingredients which would clog my skin. The many types of moisturizers used to combat the flakiness added to my clogged skin woes. My 65-year old face is now smooth, clear and flake-free. A 19-year-old coworker asked about my skin-care routine because she hopes her skin looks as good as mine at 65. Huh? Never heard that before! (FYI—I’ve used GOW products exclusively since 2018.)
Since my skin was already acclimated to tretinoin/retinol, I started with the 1% strength eased into using it 5-6 times a week. After a couple of hours, I follow up with a moisturizer (GOW Saffron Rose Majikal Facial Lotion). Works great for me!
We're so glad this serum is a winner for you! thank you :)
In my 70yrs still having breakouts, trying EVERYTHING!!! Prescription and over the counter. This is the 1st product I’ve ever used, that really works!! Will definitely reorder and recommend!
Christine
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with this! Since I just turned 70 myself I know how frustrating our skin can behave. I am (we are) truly excited for your skin and your heart. ;-) Your outcome will hopefully help many others with their frustrating skin issues.
Wishing you all the best on your skin's journey to health.
Markey ✺◟(👁 ͜ʖ👁)◞✺
Such a lovely oil!
It glides on so smoothly, feels like a substantial oil without leaving me greasy, and I love that it has a mild color so I can put it on directly. I live in the Southwest so it’s so fun to use the oil from a plant that I see around me all the time! Thank you Garden of Wisdom for being the oasis in the desert and delivering such wonderful products!
Hi Sarah
Thank you for your kind words and support!
I always have a goofy but huge grin when anyone speaks about prickly pear oil. I can't even explain, for me, how proud I am of my skin when someone stops to tell me I am glowing. When does this happen? After I apply my Prickly Pear Seed Oil! It pretty much amazes me.
Wishing you all the happiness your skin can bring to you.
Markey and the GoW Team ִ໋🌷͙֒
if i could give this serum more than five stars, i would.
i developed rosacea out of nowhere after never really having skin issues before. suddenly my skin was red, bumpy, dry, dehydrated and unbelievably reactive. i tried so many products that were marketed as natural, sensitive-skin friendly or rosacea-safe, and NOTHING worked. every new product seemed to give me a brand-new version of a reaction.
then i had a consultation with jennifer. garden of wisdom offers consultations for new customers, and i cannot recommend doing one enough. jennifer was incredible. she helped me put together a very simple routine using this serum, their soap free cleanser, aloe as a toner and evening primrose oil. she also talked to me about supporting my skin internally, which i really appreciated. it felt like she was looking at the bigger picture instead of just trying to sell me another topical product.
more than that, she was kind, supportive and genuinely gave me hope during a time when i was feeling incredibly discouraged about my skin.
and boy did she deliver.
i used the cleanser and oat enriched facial serum and woke up the NEXT MORNING with skin that felt smooth, calm and unreactive. i genuinely could not believe it.
and it wasn't a fluke. over time, everything improved - the redness, the little bumps and texture, the dryness, the hydration, the flushing, the way my skin responded to heat, and even how quickly it recovered when something did make it reactive. my skin didn't just look better. it started to feel healthier, stronger and more resilient.
the serum itself feels like a pretty normal serum on the skin. i will warn you that it has an interesting smell, but you get over that very quickly once you realize how magical the stuff inside the bottle is. most importantly, it has never - literally NEVER - irritated my skin. no burning, stinging, redness, bumps or mystery reaction of the week.
i've now been using it for almost three months, and the difference in my skin is enormous. instead of constantly reacting to something new, my skin just kept getting healthier.
the craziest part is that at this point, i pretty much forget that i even have rosacea. when i think back to how reactive, uncomfortable and unpredictable my skin felt just a few months ago, i can't believe i'm saying that.
after months of feeling like my own face had suddenly become something i couldn't understand or control, garden of wisdom gave me my skin back.
i never want to be without this serum. ever.
Oh, Karissa, this brought tears to my eyes. Knowing how discouraged and uncomfortable you felt, and then hearing that your skin now feels calm, strong and like your own again, means more to us than I can possibly say.
Jennifer (JenJen as I enjoy calling her) cares about every person she speaks with, and I cannot wait to make sure she sees every beautiful word you wrote about her.
We have always believed that sensitive, reactive skin needs patience, simplicity and thoughtful support, not a dozen new products thrown at it. Hearing how well this little routine has worked for you is absolutely thrilling.
And yes, we must acknowledge the Oat Enriched Serum’s rather “interesting” natural aroma! She may not be the prettiest-smelling girl in the garden, but thankfully, she knows how to do her job. 😂
Thank you for trusting us when your skin had made it difficult to trust anything. Thank you for giving the products time, and especially for sharing your experience so openly. Reviews like this help others who may be feeling just as overwhelmed and hopeless as you once did.
“The product that gave me my skin back” may be the most meaningful thing anyone could ever say about something we created. We are so incredibly happy for you, Karissa, and so grateful that you found us.
With all our gratitude,
Markey, Jen and YoUr Garden of Wisdom family 🌻
I got this product last week but finally used it last night. I woke up this morning so delighted that I had to rush to leave a review. This is from someone who barely leaves reviews. I’ve always been texture and hyperpigmentation prone as a person of color. I recently started using tretinoin but even the 0.025% makes my skin flaky and irritates my skin barrier all the time. So I started looking for a gentler retinol option but every product I found had ingredients that will either clog my pores or not work at all till I finally found GOW. I was immediately attracted to the simple ingredients list. I was a bit worried about my skin barrier so last night, I used a moisturizer as a buffer before applying the serum. I woke up to see a radiant skin with my pores looking visibly clearer. This product will forever be a staple in my routine! This and the clear,brighten and prevent serum! Please never discontinue this product.
Elizabeth ᵗʰᵃᶰᵏᵧₒᵤ!
Oh my goodness, what a wonderful review to open up! We are absolutely delighted that the Vita ReSurface left your skin looking so radiant and clear after your very first use. Finding an effective retinol that does not leave your skin feeling punished can be quite a journey, especially when your barrier is already feeling vulnerable. Using your moisturizer as a buffer was a very thoughtful approach.
Knowing that our straightforward ingredient list helped you feel confident enough to try it means so much to us. We are also thrilled that Clear, Brighten & Prevent has earned a place in your routine. And yes, your plea has been officially heard: please never discontinue it! 😂
Thank you for taking the time to write such a thoughtful review, especially when you rarely leave them. We truly appreciate you and are so happy you found Garden of Wisdom. 🌻
I have suffered from all forms of rosacea and have improved dramatically since using this and
I have suffered from all forms of rosacea and have improved dramatically since using this and other clean and simple GOW products. I feel that the manuka honey serum is an essential base to the layering of serums I do.
Thank you so much, Catherine! 🌸Hearing that your skin has improved so dramatically is fantastic to hear!
We love that the Manuka Honey HA Serum has become the essential first layer in your routine, especially alongside your other GoW favorites!
Wishing you the best on this road to skincare health and happiness.
Markey and Your GoW Crew °❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
In my 70yrs still having breakouts, trying EVERYTHING!!! Prescription and over the counter. This is the 1st product I’ve ever used, that really works!! Will definitely reorder and recommend!
Thanakha Blemish Clearing Tonic
Sarah Dawson
Such a lovely oil!
Such a lovely oil!
It glides on so smoothly, feels like a substantial oil without leaving me greasy, and I love that it has a mild color so I can put it on directly. I live in the Southwest so it’s so fun to use the oil from a plant that I see around me all the time! Thank you Garden of Wisdom for being the oasis in the desert and delivering such wonderful products!
Prickly Pear Seed Oil - The Secret to Timeless Radiance
Karissa Michitsch
the product that gave me my skin back!
if i could give this serum more than five stars, i would.
i developed rosacea out of nowhere after never really having skin issues before. suddenly my skin was red, bumpy, dry, dehydrated and unbelievably reactive. i tried so many products that were marketed as natural, sensitive-skin friendly or rosacea-safe, and NOTHING worked. every new product seemed to give me a brand-new version of a reaction.
then i had a consultation with jennifer. garden of wisdom offers consultations for new customers, and i cannot recommend doing one enough. jennifer was incredible. she helped me put together a very simple routine using this serum, their soap free cleanser, aloe as a toner and evening primrose oil. she also talked to me about supporting my skin internally, which i really appreciated. it felt like she was looking at the bigger picture instead of just trying to sell me another topical product.
more than that, she was kind, supportive and genuinely gave me hope during a time when i was feeling incredibly discouraged about my skin.
and boy did she deliver.
i used the cleanser and oat enriched facial serum and woke up the NEXT MORNING with skin that felt smooth, calm and unreactive. i genuinely could not believe it.
and it wasn't a fluke. over time, everything improved - the redness, the little bumps and texture, the dryness, the hydration, the flushing, the way my skin responded to heat, and even how quickly it recovered when something did make it reactive. my skin didn't just look better. it started to feel healthier, stronger and more resilient.
the serum itself feels like a pretty normal serum on the skin. i will warn you that it has an interesting smell, but you get over that very quickly once you realize how magical the stuff inside the bottle is. most importantly, it has never - literally NEVER - irritated my skin. no burning, stinging, redness, bumps or mystery reaction of the week.
i've now been using it for almost three months, and the difference in my skin is enormous. instead of constantly reacting to something new, my skin just kept getting healthier.
the craziest part is that at this point, i pretty much forget that i even have rosacea. when i think back to how reactive, uncomfortable and unpredictable my skin felt just a few months ago, i can't believe i'm saying that.
after months of feeling like my own face had suddenly become something i couldn't understand or control, garden of wisdom gave me my skin back.
i never want to be without this serum. ever.
Oat Enriched Facial Serum
Elizabeth Kankam
The best!
I got this product last week but finally used it last night. I woke up this morning so delighted that I had to rush to leave a review. This is from someone who barely leaves reviews. I’ve always been texture and hyperpigmentation prone as a person of color. I recently started using tretinoin but even the 0.025% makes my skin flaky and irritates my skin barrier all the time. So I started looking for a gentler retinol option but every product I found had ingredients that will either clog my pores or not work at all till I finally found GOW. I was immediately attracted to the simple ingredients list. I was a bit worried about my skin barrier so last night, I used a moisturizer as a buffer before applying the serum. I woke up to see a radiant skin with my pores looking visibly clearer. This product will forever be a staple in my routine! This and the clear,brighten and prevent serum! Please never discontinue this product.
Vita ReSurface™ Serum All-Trans Retinol
Anonymous
I have suffered from all forms of rosacea and have improved dramatically since using this and
I have suffered from all forms of rosacea and have improved dramatically since using this and other clean and simple GOW products. I feel that the manuka honey serum is an essential base to the layering of serums I do.
Manuka Honey Hyaluronic Acid Serum
KIM KELLY
Thanakha Blemish Clearing Tonic
Garden of Wisdom Thanakha Blemish Clearing Tonic really works!! I don’t know what the magic is in the formula, but it gets overnight results and clears up blemishes faster than anything I’ve ever used. Terrific product!!
Garden Of Wisdom Skincare
Laura
Absolute best thing for my white dry flyaway hair
Absolute best thing for my white dry flyaway hair. 1/2 tsp MCT Oil heated with 1/4 tsp Cetyl Alcohol in a baby food jar in water in a leg wax warmer. When melted I add 1 tsp Distilled Water. I let cool in the warmer & apply to hair.
Cetyl Alcohol NF
Anonymous
This is my all time favorite body oil
This is my all time favorite body oil. Feels very luxurious.
Bakuchiol Body Bliss Oil (Body Only)
Anonymous
Perfect for hot summer days when you have to wash your hair almost every day
Perfect for hot summer days when you have to wash your hair almost every day. Gentle and clean. Makes hair feel so soft.
Locks of Lovely Shampoo (Unscented): Pure, Nourishing, and Gentle Care for Your Hair
Caroline Moyer
Good for emerging blemishes
I like this stuff! My blemishes are usually just tiny irritated white heads or bumps with nothing in them. If I put this on at night, things are much calmer in the morning. It even seems to have a minimizing effect on the few deep painful cystic guys I get, so they end up fading away rather than coming to the surface full of rage. And so far I haven't had any irritation (and I have very sensitive skin). I put this on after my last oil stage, after things have dried down a bit. I feel like that works best since I use it as a spot treatment, and putting it on under other stuff seems like it would just spread it around.
