A Starter set for retinol and glycolic acid?

[Twinmama32]

I’m turning 40 next month and my skin is suddenly really looking my age. What should I start with for an absolute beginner?
I use body shop camomile face butter to cleanse every night and astral or m&s sleep cream to moisturise. In the morning I just rinse with water in my shower and then apply simple moisturiser. I sporadically apply frezyderm spf 30 - used to be all the time but my face went a bit oily looking.
What can anyone suggest to give me a refresh with it costing £££
I’ve read about glycolic acid and retinol but I’m not sure what I need? I look a bit faded, old, tired and skin doesn’t look youthful anymore.

The ordinary or inkey can be a good starting point for retinol. You can get advise via chat/email from the deciem website to get some advise on the strength. A good sunscreen is a must when you start retinol and also start slowly maybe every other day and gradually increase the amount.
I have also tried Elizabeth Arden capsules nice but pricey. I still haven't made the leap to tret so no idea how to go about it.

I like Medik8 Retinol. It comes in different strengths so you can build up. Make sure you use Spf

In terms of acid, pixi tonic is popular.

I have Beauty Pie Glycolic pads I use a couple times a week, I don't notice I huge difference to be honest.

Good genes by Sunday Riley is really pricey so I'd avoid that.

In terms of brightening - I think a nice vit c serum in the morning is good for this! Lots on boots for reasonable price.

I started with a lot of The Ordinary products and started using their Retinol. I joined a few Facebook groups about Deciem who make the Ordinary and got really good advice.
I only used them for about 6 months before finding Tretinoin. I'm now onto 6 nights a week using Tret and can honestly say I've taken about 10 years off my face.
But the best thing I can recommend is SPF 50 every day even in winter!

This is my regime.

AM
Wash face with water
Sunday morning only - The Face Shop Smart Peel Papaya
Rosewater toner - Heritage
Marine Hyaluronic Acid - The Ordinary
Argireline - The Ordinary
Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% - The Ordinary
SPF 50 - Biore Watery Essence / Altuist / Z-Block

PM
Double Cleanse with Moo Goo Oil cleanser then Glomed C Skin Lightening Face Wash
Rosewater toner - Heritage
Tretinoin 0.025% (use every night but Saturday night. Take a break and exfoliate with The Face Shop Smart Peel Papaya on Sunday morning)
Cerave moisturiser cream mixed with The Ordinary Rosehip oil

Use this regime over face, neck, décolletage and back of hands

@Ohjustboreoff what Tretinoin are you using?

@MrsPerfect12 I'm using 0.025% Retino-A cream. It comes in a blue and white tube. I get mine delivered from India in bulk so the postage makes sense.

Vit C really helps with tired dull skin

Topically or injected or both?!

Oh wow! I think I take about a minute each evening probably why I’m looking my age!
Thanks for the breakdown I’m going to look into all the products.
Super helpful thanks!

@Twinmama32 it took me about 15mins when I first started but now I've got it down to about 7 mins evening and about 5mins in the AM. I've two young children so it needs to be quick and easy!

As a starter it's hard to beat Indeed Labs Retinol Reface (always on offer in Boots or LookFantastic) and for glycolic look at Alpha h liquid gold.

Ponks thanks I’ll add them to my list!

I use Sunday Riley Good Genes and it’s fantastic

Check out the Caroline Hirons skincare book, it's fabulous and will tell you everything you need to know.