Can anyone tell me about retinoids ?never used them before

[LardLizard]

Only really used number 7 protect n perfect so a bit of a virgin with these things

Oh anyone ?

I have been using The Ordinary 2% Retinoid for a week or two now, and not sure exactly what it is supposed to be doing!

One thing I have noticed is my skin has broken out in several places, but I'm sure I read somewhere that your skin can go through a 'purge' stage, so hopefully that's the case and it will pay off rather than me looking like an acne ridden teen again.

Thanks for the reply
Am I right in thinking it’s supposed reduce prevent aging

I think it's meant to help reduce fine lines, pigmentation and old acne scars etc.

I'm hoping it will help reduce some area's of pigmentation I developed during pregnancy and which seem to darken in the summer.

Hoping that the spots I am seeing at the moment too will clear and my skin will look a lot clearer and more even.

Also OP, it’s suggested they’re only used at night. Not sure why this is. Any “users” know why?

I think it's because it makes skin more sensitive to UV light.

You're meant to wear a good sunscreen during the day if you are using Retanoid/Retinols, and not just rely on the UVA protection in regular moisturisers.

You absolutely must wear a good sunscreen when using retinoids for the reasons outlined above. I find they did make my skin a little red at first but a few weeks later it goes away. And I have never looked back - it absolutely does what it says on the tin.

I have the 2% granactive and had no breakouts,