Retinol for beginners

[JorisBonson]

I'm 36, have suffered on and off with acne my entire life but seem to have got it under control over the past year using The Ordinary products.

Lately I've been getting some marionette lines around my mouth (both above and below) as well as some very dark circles under my eyes. All part of getting older but I would like to soften them and retinol seems a good way to go.

Never used it before so any pointers or recommendations helpful!

My routine at the moment is -

Morning - charcoal exfoliant, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, The Ordinary natural moisturising factors + HA, The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 10%
Evening - Nivea oily skin micellar water, The Ordinary hyaluronic acid 2%

Sorry posted too soon - the niacinamide and moisturiser has completely transformed my skin so I'm not keen to give them up, but could be flexible on the rest.

I also suffer with slight milia and enlarged pores due to such awful previous acne.

You should probably also add some Vitamin C in there in the morning as well. I use Indeed Vit C + HA but The Ordinary one is also good.
The Ordinary retinol is also a good start. Start with the weakest solution you can (0.5%) and use every other night. You can increase the frequent or concentration as your skin gets used to it.
Don’t forget factor 50+. The SPF in moisturisers is not sufficient.

I think that the hyaluronic at night with no moisturiser on top could cause some dehydration in the long run, also I would add a sunscreen I recommend this as it wont add oil to your complexion.

For retinol if you can afford it I would go with one of the online dermatologists (Dermatica or Skin + me) for a prescription retinoid they really would be the most effective.

Sorry my link didn't work it should take you to nivea shine control spf 50.

I built up from 0.2% to 0.5% to 1% retinol in squalene with The Ordinary, and used lots of moisturiser with it in the beginning and alternated days of using it to get skin used to it. Some redness to start off with but that disappeared in time.

Thanks everyone - have bought the 0.2% retinol and the vitamin c suspension. I don't like needles so hope this negates the need for botox 😂

Following for advice. I'm nervous about trying it.

Like you OP I suffered dreadful acne in my teens and early 20s. Clinique skin care and anti blemish make up range has fixed me up. But now a few sly wrinkles are creeping up on me... i'm 30. Considering botox rather than using retinol but undecided.

I've bought the Aldi retinol. Though it's still in the box.

I'm scared too @Housing101! I trust The Ordinary products so have gone for the lowest one possible - will feed back.

If anyone can recommend anything for enlarged pores too would be appreciated - I've just got a new phone and the camera is too good 😂

Retinol will help with pores. I started on the 0.2% and workers up to 0.5% with very few side affects. Getting lots of compliments on my skin now about 6 months after starting. Think it’s reduced my pore size too.

What's the best to use for small spots under the skin? I use liz Earle hot cloth cleanser, then an oil cleanser, then I think niacinamide serum and an overnight retinol cream (very low %). Should I also be using an oil to lock everything in?

@Cyclingforcake

Retinol will help with pores. I started on the 0.2% and workers up to 0.5% with very few side affects. Getting lots of compliments on my skin now about 6 months after starting. Think it’s reduced my pore size too.

Brilliant, cheers!