Aibu to spend that much on skincare? Obagi? Tretinoin?

[Justneedadvice636465]

So I don't have much money going spare but my skin is really getting me down. I have acne scarring or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation rather. I've suffered since my teens never had clear skin but I am at an age where I want to start doing something about it. I have looked into obagi and tretinoin but it's really really expensive. I wouldn't be putting myself out but I can imagine there are better things I could spend the money on.

Aibu to consider spending a small fortune to make me feel better about myself? I don't ever spend money on myself unless absolutely necessary usually putting the kids and house first. Am I selfish considering this?

Also has anyone used either and noticed good results?

YANBU

What are you considering buying? Have you looked into laser stuff for scars and pigmentation?

Good skincare doesn't have to be expensive. If it's tret that you want, look at Dermatica or Skin and Me, both offer prescription services for £20 a month.

I've voted YABU to think you need to spend that much, but YANBU to want good skin.

Definitely not unreasonable but I second the dermatica suggestion!

@CrotchBurn

YANBU

What are you considering buying? Have you looked into laser stuff for scars and pigmentation?

I have looked into laser but the prices I have seen for just one treatment would be too high as I would need 4-6 treatments (well based on what one clinic said) I am not even sure what I'm looking at buying if I'm honest a friend said she had great results using obagi and tretinoin so I am doing some research. I spoke to a friend who runs a clinic botox facials etc and she recommended a obagi program that would be £190 for a wash serum and cream I believe. I'm not sure how long that lasts but I was hoping a good few weeks.

@Orf1abc

Good skincare doesn't have to be expensive. If it's tret that you want, look at Dermatica or Skin and Me, both offer prescription services for £20 a month.

Thank you! I didn't realise you could get it that cheap my friend said she sells it at £75! Thank you so much I'll look them up now!

I get RetinA when I tavel works out so much cheaper. Obviously that's not currently an option. YANBU.

No worries, first month for Skin and Me you only pay postage too, so a good starting point (not sure if Dermatica do the same).

For face wash I use Cerave, others like Cetaphil. Moisturiser something simple like Hydroboost or LRP.

Also if you have any friends in Spain, they can get tret over the counter. I think it is about £15.

Does anyone know if the gp can help with acne treatment? When I was younger 19-21 my doctor used to prescribe me a face wash and cream can't remember what but do doctors still help with acne or is just dermatologists?

@Orf1abc

No worries, first month for Skin and Me you only pay postage too, so a good starting point (not sure if Dermatica do the same).

For face wash I use Cerave, others like Cetaphil. Moisturiser something simple like Hydroboost or LRP.

Also if you have any friends in Spain, they can get tret over the counter. I think it is about £15.

Thank you so much! I have just looked at dermatica they do a free trial where you only pay postage. Is there a difference between the two companies or what they prescribe do you know?

Also recommend dermatica ! It’s prescription strength tret and they can formulate it with other things depending on your skin concerns . This first month is postage cost only am sure I saw an advert ? Iv been with them since early last year . 22 quid a month ish and can alter how often you receive it so can stretch that to about 6 weeks .

Research retinol a bit first if u haven’t as you will need to switch up your moisturiser And spf game. it is quite drying . Doesn’t need to be a fancy formula tho . I use cerave. Look for non comedogenic products for moisturisers etc so you don’t clog pores . I can practically drown myself in cerave and it doesn’t break me out

Avoid drying face washes that feel like they have worked at the time but actually strip your oil which makes you over produce oil . I like cetaphil or simple hydrating wash . Again not expensive

Why not see a Dermatologist? At least that way you've spent some money on the consultation, and actually understand the issues and what you can do about them.

@chatw00

Why not see a Dermatologist? At least that way you've spent some money on the consultation, and actually understand the issues and what you can do about them.

I definitely intend to see one but everything is closed at the moment and my skin is really getting me down. I am still working and hate having to be seen like this. But I will definitely be seeing one after the lockdown

Should have said dermatica use dermatologists they will ask you for photos and to describe your concerns then decide what treatment is best .

@Namechangeme87

Also recommend dermatica ! It’s prescription strength tret and they can formulate it with other things depending on your skin concerns . This first month is postage cost only am sure I saw an advert ? Iv been with them since early last year . 22 quid a month ish and can alter how often you receive it so can stretch that to about 6 weeks .

Research retinol a bit first if u haven’t as you will need to switch up your moisturiser And spf game. it is quite drying . Doesn’t need to be a fancy formula tho . I use cerave. Look for non comedogenic products for moisturisers etc so you don’t clog pores . I can practically drown myself in cerave and it doesn’t break me out

Avoid drying face washes that feel like they have worked at the time but actually strip your oil which makes you over produce oil . I like cetaphil or simple hydrating wash . Again not expensive

Yes I will definitely do some research first! I also use cerave atm so that's great to hear people recommend it. And also definitely looking to get some spf spray! The cream is too claggy for me 😅

Yes as people said definitely use Skinandme or Dermatica. I had terrible pigmentation and use hydroquinone and tret from dermatica for a while now I use skin and me and use tret and azelaic acid. Worked so well for me and I now have pretty clear skin.

What is tret exactly?

I used Obagi tretinoin before my 6 month old came along and I’ll jump back on the wagon once I stop bf as I’m a big fan of the results. I had it prescribed by a dermatologist along with the Clear for melasma and mixed it with a bland moisturiser so it lasts for ages as you only use a smidge of the tret and only at night as it’s pretty powerful stuff. As a pp has said, I’d suggest a trip to a dermatologist first to get some tailored advice.

Your GP can prescribe Benzoyl Peroxide for acne.
If you want a "package" of treatment then the above dermo suppliers might be an idea. If you want to do it even more cheaply, the three main products you'll be given (Retinol/Tret, azelaic, maybe a niacinamide etc) can all be bought in the same % online from a multitude of reputable suppliers.

@chatw00

Why not see a Dermatologist? At least that way you've spent some money on the consultation, and actually understand the issues and what you can do about them.

Forgot to say (and apologies for quoting myself!) that I saw a Dermatologist just under a year ago (not in UK though) and their recommendations/treatments really were effective. I had suffered with my skin for a long time, assuming it was just 'one of those things' and I had to put up with it, but turns out it wasn't! The whole thing wasn't cheap, but I figure I didn't got on holiday or anything else much in 2020, so it balanced out

I second dermatica. I used obagi, cost a bloody fortune and I was less than impressed with the results, I noticed no difference at all.

Thanks guys literally just done dermatica! I am so glad I made this post already feeling hopefully after all these recommendations!

I completed a full course of Obagi and it did nothing. I got IPL instead and it worked a treat. Definitely worth getting a second opinion.

@violetbunny

I completed a full course of Obagi and it did nothing. I got IPL instead and it worked a treat. Definitely worth getting a second opinion.

Can I ask how much you paid for the ipl? Was it in the UK?

Retin-A is quite cheap and comes in varying strengths.

Also, buy a dermaroller on Amazon. It encourages skin regeneration and allows better penetration of serums and active ingredients.