Retinol, SPF

[WeeM]

I’m thinking about jumping on the retinol bandwagon. I have oily skin so use a moisturiser for that (seaweed from body shop). I had acne in my teens and skin still isn’t great but starting to notice lines round my mouth now too. I don’t want to spend a ton of money either though. I’m thinking a 0.3% to start with, what would people recommend? I was going to put it in at night, do I still need an SPF? What type of SPF do people wear? I find anything with a high factor is just horrible on my oily skin and more so with make up over it. I usually wear double wear which is SPF10 but haven’t been during lockdown!

Any pearls of mumsnet wisdom much appreciated!

Yes you absolutely have to use an SPF if you use retinol. I use the Ordinary stuff. This was recommended to me and I really like it - you don't feel it on your skin at all

www.amazon.co.uk/Sunscreen-Milk-SPF-50-sunscreen/dp/B00WE3XGAC

So do you use the spf in the morning if you use the retinol at night? And is that in place of moisturiser or do you moisturise too? Sorry if they are daft questions!

I use tretinoin at night and Biore Watery Gel factor 50 in the morning. Moisturiser first, then SPF, then makeup. I have oily acne prone skin and the Biore SPF doesn't clog my skin or affect the finish of my foundation. It isn't actually a Gel at all but it is not greasy.
You can find lots of info about retinol options on the Caroline Hirons blog or one of her YouTube videos. She has one about retinol for beginners I think. Nadine Baggott also does good informative videos about the different products and retinol options and strengths.

You need to wear SPF every day! No matter if it's sunny or not

Oh and moisturizer then SPF

I have oily acne prone skin and I really like Boots SPF 50 facial suncream. I use that alone and don't need a moisturiser as well.

And another vote for The Ordinary retinol!

Oops sorry, should have said Boots No7

I ordered from cult beauty and loved the way the packing is all recyclable.

Great thanks for the advice. I had seen this Ordinary one and thought it looked a good place to start and a fab price.
www.beautybay.com/p/the-ordinary/retinol-02-in-squalane/

Sorry meant to say I ordered The Ordinary one and use it at night but built it up slowly and used a vit c on the other nights zzz

No idea what the zzz are about!! I think I need more sleep 😂

It must be good it’s sold out nearly everywhere!

I use Ultrasun facial fluid which has spf50. I’ve been using Retin a for at least 20 years and it really has paid off for me.

You won't regret it. I have oily acne prone skin and have been seeing the most amazing dermatologist. Here is the generic stuff that I use. It has made the world of difference including on ageing front (and have worn spf on my face daily since I was 15, which has also helped)

Am
Cerave hydrating wash
Obagi 20% vit C serum
Skinoren (azelaic acid)
Avene moisturiser
LRP SPF 50+

PM
Tretinoin
Avene moisturiser

Thanks, lots to look at here! Def going to give it a go.

@Ardnassa which Avene moisturiser do you use please?

Can i ask,people who know about Retinol, which is the strongest one
I have been using it for a while but seen no difference
I am using Retirides,from Spain 0.5% just now,is that a weak or strongish one
I need to get rid of fine lines around chin and mouth area
TIA

@buginarug Skin Recovery Cream.

I think it would normally be too rich for me, but it is necessary as the rest of the stuff I use makes me a skin a bit more sensitive (which I only really notice if I ever use another moisturising cream or cleanser if have run out of Avene or Cerave!)

Almost all sunscreens give me spots. Moisturiser gives me spots - everything gives me spots. Since I've been using retinol (I massively overhauled my skin care a while ago) I still don't actually moisturise much but I did find 2 sunscreens that don't give me spots:

1. PURITO Centella Green Level Safe Sun
2. BIORE Watery Essence

Everything else - heliocare etc - gives me spots.

I get prescription tret now from Dermatica but started with TO retinoid. Always at night! (Only made my face a bit dry once so it's hard to remember it's important to only use at night and sunscreen in the am.) Now with the prescription tret I do cover my face with Nivea blue cream and wipe that off with a wet flannel, then put the tret on. In the morning I wash my face with plain water and a silicone face brush and put the sunscreen on before I go out.

I don't typically wear makeup so that's all I do. Sometimes I add a bit of ascorbic acid in to the sunscreen. Sometimes I use glycolic acid toner before I put the sunscreen on. You know, if it occurs to me. My skin is now so much more healthy. It's clear and bright all the time. No more spots!

So the products I use are:

TO 100% L-Ascorbic Acid powder
TO Glycolic Acid Toner 7%
TO Granactive Retinoid -> Dermatica Tretinoin
Nivea Creme (blue tin)
Foreo Luna Mini face brush (you can get cheap knockoffs which are basically the same on amazon)
Purito Centella Safe Sun

@Ardnassa thank you. I have oily/acne-prone skin and have just started using Duac prescribed by my GP. It's pretty drying so I need a good moisturiser that won't break me out. Your routine sounds great!

@buginarug - the la Roche possay effacluer H range is specifically for people using drying acne treatments.

@MsJaneAusten ooh I like LRP stuff but didn't know about that one, thanks!

@princessTiasmum I find the Retirides pretty strong. It is definitely stronger than anything I’ve bought over the counter in the UK. I think it takes a while (months) to work on lines. I didn’t manage to keep using it that long because I just couldn’t get past the flaky stage.

FeedMewell it doesn't go flaky on me,just a bit dry looking ,which puts me off it,
i'm not sure which is the stronger 0.25 or o.5 i have used both
I started with the granactive retinoid from the Oedinary
Can you recommend anything which is good,but not too drying?
TIA

Check out medik8, it does a good retinal and spf.