Do I need retinol?

[HipsDoLie]

I’m trying to work out if I really need to get in to this sophisticated skincare regime malarkey that people seem to be talking about on MN lately.

I’m early 40s, pretty normal skin, probably look my age. Only fine lines so far, no deep wrinkles. Starting to sag a bit around the jaw line. Never been spotty or had any skin problems.

I follow a fairly simple skincare routine - cleanser, moisturiser & sunscreen in the morning / double cleanse, facial oil and sometimes a serum or moisturiser at night.

Do I need to start adding retinol or other acidy things? What are the benefits? I’ve read all kinds of articles about suggested routines but they seem confusing, involve lots of different products which makes me think it’s all just a money making con, and I don’t actually know what the benefit would be if I don’t have problematic skin.

School me?

I would start now, try The Ordinary. Build up with low strength low irritation first. You must use a high SPF in the day, all through the year.

I've just started using it twice a week. I'm mid 40s and definitely notice a difference with plumping and smoothness.

I've bought a cheapo Superdrug one below which hasn't caused me any irritation and smells lovely! However, I'm unsure of whether cost is a big factor in the effectiveness of Retinol? www.superdrug.com/Skin/Face-Skin-Care/Face-Serums/Optimum-Retinol-Serum-30ml/p/782724

Thanks so much for the replies so far. Hopeful bump for any more...

Try Aldi q10 lacura with retinol 1.45 awesomeness

Can anyone describe what it will actually do for my skin, though? Is it a preventative thing or will I see a change in plumpness, clearness, lines etc?

It's good for wrinkles, skin firmness and clarity. Only use at night.

I second the vote for The Ordinary, its fantastic for the price. As @morriseysquif says start gradually with the lowest strength one, and make sure you use SPF every day.

Do you need it? No, and I say this as someone who has been on the active skincare train for quite some time and enjoy it as a hobby. Your simple routine is already an effective anti-ageing routine thanks to the daily sunscreen (provided it's SPF30 or above), retinol would be an extra not an essential.

What it does that your current routine doesn't is encourage collagen production (plumper skin, which means less fine lines and the way light bounces off it appears more youthful). It also exfoliates the top layer of your skin, your skin does this naturally but as you age this slows down which often means duller looking skin but Retinoids speed this process up which tends to result in smoother glowier skin. It can reverse some existing ageing but tbh with the OTC stuff this is barely worth mentioning, you really want to get the prescription stuff for that.

There are some additional acne and pigmentation benefits, but they don't seem to apply for you?

What it can't do is defy gravity, so sagging skin is going to sag, it might go a bit slower with the added collagen filling out some of the slackness but I don't think OTC retinol will make a dent in that.

As for is it all a con? 99% of skincare marketing is very craftily presented but retinol is one of the few with a proven long-standing record. Formulation matters a lot though, how it's made, packaged, etc. It's also not something that transforms overnight it takes a lot of time, months and years. My personal opinion, OTC retinoids are of interest preventatively but if you want to see the full effect you need to go with the prescription stuff.

Medik8 is a good brand for retinoids, they specialise in it. I personally do not rate The Ordinary at all, retinols are something that require a bit of investment, not loads but a bit, indeed labs retinol reface is a good medium starter option. For prescription stuff there's Dermatica and Skin + Me which make it quite affordable in comparison to seeing a private dermatologist.

Thank you so much @botemp!

That’s really clear. I think I get it now . I’ll have a look at the brands you mentioned. Many thanks 🙏

@user1471464702 - which Aldi one is it? I've just been and there were a few but wasn't sure which one you were recommending. Thanks

The basic range lacura q10 at 1.45. 1.65 is fine and looks like the moves pots in white for day and blue for nighttime - if wanting a more intense treatment use the caviar based one at 4.95 5.95 I think - it’s won loads of awards and been tested against the expensive brands I usually use or the ordinary my wrinkles have defo reduced and was pleasantly 😮

Nivea not moves !!