I am confused over acids - where do I start?

[MakeMineALarge1]

I am 47 - my skin is in good condition - I don't have many fine lines and am often mistaken for a good 10 years younger - I double cleanse every night and most mornings - but I think I need to add something else into my routine - but what - I use a oil at night under my moisturiser.

I keep hearing about acids and retinol etc, but I don't know where to start - I have tried listening to Caroline Hirons on insta but she is on for hours and I get sick of the constant hello's.

If you want to dip your toes in, I recommend The Ordinary.

They've got granactive retinoids and retinols. Granactive retinoids are more gentle and might be better to start out with if you've got sensitive skin. The Ordinary does a 2% and 5% strength in squalene (oil-like texture), or a 2% emulsion (lotion-like texture).

Or, if your skin isn't too sensitive, you could start with their lowest strength retinol which is the 0.2% in squalene. They also do a 0.5% and a 1%.

If you want to jump into straight-up tretinoin (basically prescription-strength retinol), I highly recommend Dermatica who tailor the strength to your skin type. It's pricy though, but good stuff and prescribed by dermatologists. You can also do a free trial month.

I hope that helps. :)

Forgot to add, if you use retinol you definitely can't use any other acids (e.g. glycolic, lactic, salicylic) with it, as it'll be far too irritating to the skin.

Thank you for that, very helpful, I have ordered the granactive retinoid and a moisturiser

You're welcome! Hope you like it. :)

I know you have already ordered but I would recommend Paula's Choice. Even if you don't buy their products they have a very good website with guides on which products to use and also a routine finder where you put in your skin type and what you want to achieve and it gives you the product types you should use.

just add if you are going abroad anytime to Spain you can buy over the counter at some chemists retirides its the same retinol that can £100. from a dermatologist, and its its only around 15/20 euros. Its really strong so start with the lowest strength,