The Ordinary 2% Retinoid - has anyone else found it drying?

[Aridane]

Sorry to start yet another thread about The Ordinary (don't want to derail others).

After Mumsnet recommendations and that tv programme, I have been using The Ordinary's 2% Retinoid in Emulsion. Use it in place of Boots Protect & Perfect (?) serum thing. Otherwise skin care routine is the same.

No skin irritation or anything - but I am finding my skin is quite a bit drier.

Has anyone else found this? Is it a feature of retinoids and will this reduce over time?

Thanks!

[Aridane]

Anyone?

[Anymajordude]

I don't know. Try posting in Style and Beauty.

[Aridane]

OK - thanks, dude. I'll ask MNHQ to move this thread to S&B. Thought there might be better traffic here.

[chasegirl]

Yes but I gave only been using it for 3 weeks. Maybe it takes longer to get used to it?

[Aridane]

I got the emulsion one - I wonder if the squalane one would be less drying?

Good to see it's not just me (well, that there is one other poster who is having a similar experience )

[LornaMumsnet]

We're sending this over to style and beauty!

[LostInShoebiz]

If the emulsion one is drying, switch to the retinoid in squalene formulation.

[Aridane]

Thanks, Lost - I take it that squalene is a type of oil?

When I went to order, they were out of the squalane one so went for the emulsion one instead.

[pinkbraces]

Ive used both and the squalene one is definitely less drying, and better in my opinion.

[cannaethink]

My skin is pretty normal and I don’t find the emulsion one drying. I tried the squalene one (cos the emulsion was out of stock!) but hated it. It’s far too oily so I could only use a tiny bit. So I felt it wasn’t as effective.

[CointreauVersial]

I use the squalane one, and don't find it drying.

[Lettucepray]

I've just ordered the 0.2% in squalane....is that a good one to start off with?

[Beautifullymixed]

I use the retinoid emulsion - and love it!
I use it after hyaluronic/niacinamide/buffet serums, and also use a facial oil/moisturiser BEFORE the retinoid. This acts as a buffer, preventing any irritation as my skin is prone to rosacea flare ups.
I find my skin is ultra smooth in the morning, lines are reduced, pores seem smaller and hyper pigmentation fades.
Also, it helps with the dreaded hormonal jawline acne.
I find I have less redness, and generally a more improved texture to my skin.

I am never without a bottle on the go!

[lovemylover]

I use the 2% in emulsion, and it is very slightly drying, but i only use it about 3 times a week, my skin looks loads better

[BlueEyedWonder]

I’ve just bought the 2% emulsion one. Please can I ask, do you just use it each night after cleansing? Do you follow with a moisturiser? And can I ask what SPF day cream you’re all using? Thank you

[Aridane]

I use it each evening after cleansing and follow with a moisturiser

[TacoFlavouredKisses]

I hope this doesn't derail but Beautifullymixed your routine sounds very like mine apart from I use the rosehip oil on top of everything at the end - do you have any issues with product pilling/rolling once you have everything on?

[Beautifullymixed]

Taco I also use the rosehip or the squalene oil.
There is a bit of pilling, mostly when the oil is applied, but as I'm going to bed afterwards, it doesn't bother me.
I usually dot azaleic acid on any spots and hyperpigmentation areas too, to finish off.

I then try to keep my face off the pillow!

[Beautifullymixed]

If I use the retinoid emulsion on top of serums, then there is no pilling.
I often skip a moisturiser, as layering my serums with the retinoid is moisturizing enough.

[BagelGoesWalking]

You may just be overdoing it by using every night. Perhaps drop down to alternate nights and use an oil and moisturiser combo.

You are using a good SPF daily, right?

[Aridane]

Yes, maybe I should drop to alternate nights.

As for sun screen, there is sun screen in both my moisturiser and foundation. Is that enough?

[ArchchancellorsHat]

No, use a proper sunscreen. You need more than you'd think.

Retinoids are usually drying to begin with but your skin should get used to them. I think the one you bought is supposed to be a gentle formula (I haven't used it) but it will take a little time to get used to any retinoid that's doing anything. I'd second the advice to drop to every other day and see how you get on.

[TacoFlavouredKisses]

Thanks Beautifullymixed - it's the oil that pills everything for me too but, like you, I just use it at night, and do turnabout nights between retinoid and BHA... it might just be the BHA nights I get pills too actually!

I've had the azelaic acid on order from Victoria Health for ages too but it seems to be perma out of stock

Aridane I bought the Biore Aqua Rich SPF 50 after seeing it recommended on here and it works really well with my daytime TO routine - have a check of Amazon!

[stopfuckingshoutingatme]

Everything I read about retinol scared me . The threads make it sound like such an ordeal ! I elected to get some decent factor 50 which I am going to use daily instead and some other creams and potions (including Buffet) and cut down in the booze

I can’t see that the benefits are worth the stress , dry skins and break outs !!

[LostInShoebiz]

Just like any product, it's not a good fit with everyone and takes time to work. It's hardly an ordeal.