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!

Anyone?

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

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

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

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 )

We're sending this over to style and beauty!

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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?

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!

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.

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?

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?

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.

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!

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 !!

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