Retinol virgin 50 yo: what should I buy /where from any ideas greatfully received

[SoThatwasSummer]

Hello I'm.50* and would like to start retinol I believe I have to buy it from a pharmacy ?
Any ideas what to get thank you

Are you in the UK? if so, Space NK - medik8 retinal is a good one to start with
cheaper option is geek and gorgeous which is online
Start low strength and three times per week building up your tolerance

I get mine on subscription from Uncouth, £24pm.

Thanks yes I am in the UK can I ask why @HoldMyWine you get it on prescrition and not a normal shop ?

@rubyslippers I've just looked and there is differnt numbers to buy also a cream and a syrum

I use Boots 1%. Started at 0.3 and worked up. Plenty of moisturising before or after.

You may be thinking about a retinoid rather than a retinol. Tretinoin is the one to get, prescription only but there are ways of getting it.

Yes I think it's the hard to get one but...maybe I should start with this one if I Havant tried any ?

I’d start with a retinol which you can buy anywhere and build up to tret.

I used the ordinary for retinol but there are lots available. I’d start at a low dose and once a week and then build up to two then three times a week

Sorry I thought you meant tretinoin

@HoldMyWine I did !

yes you can’t buy tret in the uk unless on prescription the subscription services are run by pharmacists who prescribe it

If you really haven’t used it before I would suggest the Retinal by The Ordinary. I came off tret for a while and before I restarted I used this if for a couple of months. Then try Skin and Me, they have intro offers

Thanks hold my wine.
If was tret I meant but I don't want to commit to on going stuff until I've tried it first .

I really like Medik8 crystal retinol. Start with the lowest strength and if it causes any dryness or irritation then use it every 2 or 3 nights (not every day) until you get used to it.

Always use retinol at night, and wear sunscreen during the day as it increases your sensitivity to UV.

@NorthFacingGardener thank you !
It all looks v exoensive so will try that mk8 one and also perhaps the ordinary one.

Then try tret.