Winona Review: I Tried It For 90 Days – My Honest Results
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Bottom Line Up Front: After 90 days of using Winona’s custom anti-aging cream, my skin is noticeably smoother, more even-toned, and has a visible reduction in fine lines. However, the journey included a challenging “purge” period, and the product is a significant financial investment. The results are real and impressive, but they require patience, consistency, and a willingness to navigate initial irritation. Pro Tip: Using a Winona promo code is non-negotiable to save on the initial cost—I found one that waived the consultation fee and gave me a discount on my first month, which made the commitment much easier.
As someone in my late 30s starting to see fine lines and sun damage, I was intrigued by Winona’s promise of prescription-strength skincare without the dermatologist appointment. I committed to a full 90-day trial to see if the results justified the cost and the hype. Here’s my completely honest experience.
My Winona Journey: A 90-Day Timeline
The process is not linear. It involves a distinct phase of adjustment that you must power through to see results. This table charts my skin’s evolution from day one to month three.
| Time Period | Phase | What to Expect | My Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1-2 | The “Retinization” | Initial redness, dryness, peeling, and sensitivity as your skin acclimates to the active ingredient. | My skin felt tight, flaky, and looked windburned. I focused on gentle cleansing and heavy moisturizing. |
| Weeks 3-4 | The Purge | Increased breakouts as congestion is rapidly pushed to the surface. This is a sign the product is working. | This was the hardest part. I experienced several whiteheads in areas where I usually get clogged pores. |
| Weeks 5-8 | The Adjustment | Purging subsides. Redness and irritation significantly decrease. Skin begins to feel smoother. | The breakouts stopped almost abruptly. The constant flakiness was gone, and I noticed my skin texture was improving. |
| Weeks 9-12 | The Results | Consistent glow emerges. Visible reduction in fine lines and dark spots. Makeup applies more smoothly. | This is where I saw the value. My skin was clearer, brighter, and more even-toned than it had been in years. |
The Winona Process: Sign-Up and Cost Breakdown
Getting started was straightforward. The online consultation was detailed, covering my skin goals, concerns, and medical history. Within 24 hours, a nurse practitioner approved my prescription for a custom cream containing Tretinoin, Niacinamide, and Azelaic Acid.
The Cost Breakdown: Winona’s pricing is premium but transparent.
| Item | Cost | Frequency | My Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Consultation | $25 | One-time fee | Waived with a promo code. |
| Custom Anti-Aging Cream | $79 | Monthly | My prescribed formula. A 20g bottle. |
| Shipping | $0 | Always | Free shipping on all orders. |
| **Total First Month | $79 | With promo code, I paid $54. | |
| **Subsequent Months | $79 | Pricey, but replaces serums. |
How It Compares: My previous skincare routine involved a drugstore retinoid ($30), a vitamin C serum ($45), and a moisturizer ($25)—totaling around $100/month. Winona replaced two of those steps with a more potent prescription, making the cost more justifiable. However, generic tretinoin through a traditional pharmacy with insurance would be cheaper.
My Honest Results After 90 Days
- Texture & Tone: This is the most dramatic improvement. My skin is incredibly smooth to the touch. The uneven texture and tiny bumps on my forehead are completely gone.
- Fine Lines: The lines on my forehead and around my eyes are visibly softened. They haven’t disappeared, but they are less deep and noticeable, especially when I’m not wearing makeup.
- Brightness & Hyperpigmentation: My overall complexion is brighter and more radiant. Some sun spots have faded significantly, while others are lighter. I expect this to continue improving with longer use.
- Acne & Breakouts: After the initial purge, my skin has become incredibly clear. I get far fewer hormonal breakouts, and when I do, they heal much faster.
What I Didn’t Love: The Cons
- The Purge is Real: Weeks 2-4 were brutal. My skin was peeling, red, and I broke out in places I normally don’t. You must mentally prepare for this and trust the process.
- The Price: At $79/month, it’s a commitment. While effective, it is undeniably more expensive than many alternatives.
- The Bottle Size: The 20g bottle is small. You must use a literal pea-sized amount to make it last the full month, which can be tricky to master.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the initial “purge” worth it?
A: Absolutely, but it’s challenging. Knowing what I know now, I would endure it again. The results on the other side are significant. Moisturizing heavily and being gentle with your skin is key to surviving this phase.
Q: Can you use Winona with other products?
A: Yes, but simply. Winona advises using a gentle cleanser, a good moisturizer, and a high-SPF sunscreen. You should avoid other active ingredients (like AHA/BHA acids or vitamin C) during the initial adjustment period to prevent irritation.
Q: How do you get the best Winona promo code?
A: I found the current best code by searching “[Winona promo code] on a reputable coupon website. The best offers typically waive the $25 consultation fee and give you a discount on your first month’s product. Never pay full price for your first order.
Q: Would you continue your subscription?
A: Yes, but strategically. The results have been impressive enough for me to continue. However, I plan to use the “skip a month” feature in my account every few months. A bottle can often last longer than 30 days if used correctly, and this will help manage the annual cost.
Final Verdict: Who Should Try Winona?
Winona is perfect for you if:
- You have tried over-the-counter retinols and seen no results.
- You struggle with texture, fine lines, and hormonal acne.
- You value convenience and want prescription care without an in-person appointment.
- You are patient and can commit to a 90-day journey, including an initial purge.
You should skip Winona if:
- You are on an extremely tight budget.
- Your skin is very sensitive or you have conditions like rosacea (without a doctor’s okay).
- You expect miraculous, overnight results.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
My Final Thoughts: Winona delivered on its promises. My skin hasn’t looked this good in years. The investment is high, but the efficacy of a customized prescription formula is unmatched by any non-prescription product I’ve tried. If you’re ready to level up your skincare game, just make sure you use a Winona coupon code to start your journey on a discounted note.
“After my positive experience, I partnered with Winona to help my readers get started. Click here to get my exclusive Winona discount code.”
