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Original poster

Anyone tried retinol and been disappointed? Positive stories still welcome!

38 replies

passportpanic · 17/10/2018 13:10

Hi,

I'm 34 with decent skin. I do look after it with serums, moisturisers, SPF, facemasks etc, but I do feel I could do with revving it up a bit.

I have fine lines around my eyes, which only really appear when I smile, but boy, do they?! Also, my pores are quite noticeable, I have faint nose to mouth lines, which seem to be worse on my right side Hmm and are my main problem area. Also, have very fine horizontal lines on my forehead, with the beginnings of the 11's.....

To sum up, I'm just ageing and have heard wonderful things about retinol, but only in the media and the odd thread on here. Every time I mention it to friends they think I'm mad and say it's unnecessary and for acne or more mature skin, but surely it's about slowing things down.

Anyway, am considering it again and just wanted to hear your verdicts.

Has anyone tried it, not seen much of a difference or had a bad reaction to it?

As I said in the title, am happy to hear more positive outcomes too!

Thanks Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
passportpanic · 17/10/2018 13:40

Anyone?? 😐

OP posts:
macnab · 17/10/2018 15:17

I tried it and had a bad reaction. Maybe I should have stuck with it, but it put me off.

I've since fallen in love with Alpha-H Liquid Gold. I've noticed a real improvement in my skin tone and texture since using it.

ShivD · 17/10/2018 16:16

I’ve been using it for a couple of months and I’m happy with the results. I alternate it with Liquid Gold and a day off between.

I has definitely helped with my chin/ mouth acne and smoothed out my skin.

I’m using the LRP retinol, I’m not fussed with the smell but I’ve had no reactions and I have pretty sensitive skin.

ShivD · 17/10/2018 16:18

Forgot to add. I read a good few articles that suggested retinol is a good thing to use in your 30s e.g www.vogue.com/article/skin-care-products-to-use-20s-30s

Delatron · 17/10/2018 17:53

I wish I’d started in my 30s and not 40s Perfect age to start.

You need to build up slowly once or twice a week and wear spf every day. I lay off it in the summer but that’s personal preference.

It really is one of the best anti-ageing weapons out there.

68Anon · 17/10/2018 18:40

I use this one....

www.amazon.co.uk/Hyaluronic-Wrinkles-Sensitive-Brighten-Satisfaction/dp/B01H7KCDYG/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&keywords=retinol&tag=mumsnetforum-21&ie=UTF8&qid=1539797628&sr=1-4

I started using it about a year ago and I have noticed a big improvement in my skin. My skin is oily and not at all sensitive so didn't experience any reaction to it when I first started using it.

Original poster
passportpanic · 17/10/2018 19:31

Thanks all!

68, what percentage retinol is that? I couldn't see.

OP posts:
Fstar · 17/10/2018 19:40

I tested the new elizabeth arden night capsules for 7 days, my skin felt and looked amazing. Cant afford to use all the time but i did love them.

friendlyflicka · 17/10/2018 22:54

I used the stuff that you buy over the counter in Spain and Greece, but prescription only here. I am 51. Bad month of dry skin and now lovely. Much more radiant. I use every other night and use moisturiser/serum other night. Also been quite clean living so that have helped...

HellenaHandbasket · 18/10/2018 09:33

I started using some of the ordinary one, but found that my skin started getting dry which freaked me out as I used to be excema prone.

Maybe I should have persevered?

ChampooPapi · 18/10/2018 10:58

@68Anon what percent is the serum you posted as I cant see either

TimesNewRoman · 18/10/2018 13:12

In the ingredients it says 2.5% retinol on that Amazon one. Is that too high for a first use do we think?

ChampooPapi · 18/10/2018 13:34

I heard it has to be at least that to do anything

ChampooPapi · 18/10/2018 13:36

I think prescription strength starts at 3 percent

68Anon · 18/10/2018 14:53

The retinol from amazon I linked to is 2.5%.

It's the only retinol I have tried and it didn't irritate my skin when I first used it but I don't have sensitive skin.

legolimb · 18/10/2018 19:18

Are those percentages quite high?

I use Differin/Epiduo on prescription for my adult acne. (it's pretty much cleared up, I just use once or twice a week as maintenance). That is only 0.1% and can dry my face out crazily if I use it too often.

friendlyflicka · 18/10/2018 21:59

I think one is retin A and one is retinol, legolimb. The one I use from Spain is I think 0.25 and really dried my skin at first. I use every other day now. I think it is more direct and effective than retinol - or the other way round, but anyway the percentages are not comparable

legolimb · 19/10/2018 00:13

Ah I see friendly . Thanks.

BagelGoesWalking · 19/10/2018 01:43

Please, Please take care when starting. There a massive differences between Retinoid and Retinol. 2% Retinoid is a gentle "starter", whereas 2% Retinol is very high and only to be used if you've worked your way up the ladder, so to speak. Horror stories usually happen because of misunderstanding the differences, starting with too high a %, using too often, not using a daily, high spf. Your face doesn't need to fall off for it to be having a beneficial effect.

Join the Ordinary Fb group, or read Caroline Hirons blog or cheat sheets. Paula's Choice probably has good info too.

Love51 · 19/10/2018 08:12

I'm 38 and have 11s and starting to get crow's feet. I'm starting to think about looking after my skin a bit. I swim a lot which may impact things. Are there any Facebook sites with before and after pictures of people using these products? It is a lot of money if it doesn't make a difference, so I want to see what I can expect. Thanks.

akitas2 · 19/10/2018 08:16

I have just started using it. My friend at work recommended I try 2%. It’s quite greasy and I only use it at night. I’ve had no reaction to it so far. Only been using it this week. I’m 53 and haven’t got bad skin I guess, but I’ll try anything to help! It’s from The Ordinary.

CarolSpatula · 19/10/2018 12:49

What is it? A serum or tablets or something else? Your post described me to a tee OP so I’m keen to know more too

akitas2 · 19/10/2018 14:10

Mine is an oil in a dropper. You don’t need much.

ChippyPickledEggs · 19/10/2018 15:15

I've been a hardcore Retin-A user for a few years now. People compliment my skin all the time and I am often asked what I use.

It's a really strong product and you have to tolerate a couple of months at least of redness and peeling before your skin can tolerate regular use. As previous posters have said, start slowly and build up. I still have to have days off it, even now, as if I over do it the redness and peeling can return. I tend to do a few days in a row, and then a couple of days off, just using a plain moisturiser like Cetaphil instead.
Also SPF every day, rain or shine, is essential.

I love my skin though. It is smooth, blemish free, and glowing. I don't need to use foundation - just a tiny amount of tinted moisturiser and concealer. I love my retinoids, and will use them for the rest of my life probably, but they do take some getting used to.

Delatron · 19/10/2018 16:10

Great post Chippy. Do you use then prescription retin A? I’ve been using a quite gentle 0.5% retinol for a year with no problems so I’m keen to start upping it. I may alternate.