Retin A/Tretinoin - I know it's been done to death...

[SausageSandwichPlease]

I'm late 30s and I've had a really tough few years. I suddenly look very old around the eyes.
I'm considering some retin A or tretinoin, but I'm a bit worried I'll end up wrecking my skin even more. Would start low on the 0.025 and infrequently to begin with, waiting 30 mins after cleansing etc.
Are most experiences ok? Or is it risky?
I can't risk looking any worse! 😂

I've gone up recently from Granactive Retonoid in Squalane in 2% to the 5% from The Ordinary

I think my skin does look better for it definitely.

Tretonoin isn’t comparable to high street retinols like the Ordinary. Tret is amazing! I started on 0.025 in September and just increased to 0.50. My skin looks better than it ever has. I didn’t get any reaction from the 0.025 but have dryness around my nose now I’ve increased the strength - I’m just powering through! Factor 50 is a must.

Can you buy Tret? I thought it was prescription!?

Did you need a prescription for it @emma6776

I was looking to buy mine from pharmacy geoff, but their payment system isn't working. I think United pharmacies is ok to buy from too.

Yes, I get mine online from Dermatica. It’s the only UK based online pharmacy that prescribes tret (as far as I know). I needed to complete a questionnaire and upload photos before they’d prescribe it. You also have to give them updates so they can adjust the prescription if needed. My next will have niacimide added. It’s £22 per month including prescription charges but mine lasts 2 months so I’ve adjusted the frequency.

I get mine from Dermatica too. One month of 0.025%, starting every other night, worked up to two nights on, one night off. Now using 0.05%. I have niacinamide added to mine too. Great stuff.

I’m on 0.05% from Dermatica.
Mid 30s, my skin has never felt better.

I had used adapelene and high street retinol beforehand so I wasn’t a complete newbie. You definitely have to build it up.

Good luck! Don’t forget the spf and face oil

Hey all! @SausageSandwichPlease - Did you manage to get hold of your Retin A? I'm looking for a reliable place online and obviously nervous about fraud etc. Any progress for you? :)

How do you apply? I got some in Spain but haven't got around to trying yet.

I've said this before but I really do think we will look back on this and think 'shit do you remember in the 2020s when people were slapping prescription grade tretinoin from dodgy online pharmacies on their faces'? Eeeeeek!

I buy mine on holiday. Usually, Thailand. No prescription is needed.

The reason tret is prescription only is because it's strong and can have nasty side effects. I certainly wouldn't buy it from abroad.

Why not? I buy mine from Boots in Thailand.