Retinol

[cheeseisthebest]

Hi, I'm 42, no wrinkles yet but horrible downward lines on the sides of my mouth make it look like I'm permanently frowning. Will retinol help? Or something else?

Thanks

Bump!

Some kind of device you might use at home? Not sure really but it’s not about creams, lotions and potions, I suspect. Some facial exercises?

Sadly, everything starts to move south with age, weight loss, stress etc.

Sorry I can’t be more helpful.

Retinol will help fine lines and increase your collagen production, which will tighten the skin.

You should get a good brand, preferable medical grade.

Also it sounds like you might also need some filler to help with your volume loss and to upturn your smile.

Microneedling and Peels will also improve your skin quality.

It might be that you have fat loss in your middle face...thus the downward mouth lines
A little botox plus some filler in the oral commissure can help

Oh I cant afford botox or fillers!

Is retinol no help then? I have some but its years old and half used so not sure if it's any good.

I use retinol and it works on my forehead lines! I highly recommend it.

Thanks, which one is best? What percentage? And should I chuck my one thats been open for years and buy a new one?

Go to diciem.com and read about the ordinary retinols. I started on 0.2% but stopped for pregnancy and now BFing (must avoid vitamin A).

You start on a low percentage and build tolerance or else you'll burn your face.

And you must you SPF everyday as it causes extra sun sensitivity.

Check the label they normally have a 6M or 12M expiry

The Spanish retinol is great as real retin A needs a prescription here
A lot can be done with a good lactic acid and sun protection

Whhaattt!? You can't use retinol when pregnant or breastfeeding? Oops! Ds2 is 3 months old now and I've used it throughout.

Ok, just googled. Apparently it's fine. You just shouldn't ingest retinol, putting it on your skin is ok.

Thank you. So what percentage should I get?

@shouldistop

Ok, just googled. Apparently it's fine. You just shouldn't ingest retinol, putting it on your skin is ok.

I probably is fine dont worry. But it said on the packaging of mine not to use when P or BF.

@shouldistop

Whhaattt!? You can't use retinol when pregnant or breastfeeding? Oops! Ds2 is 3 months old now and I've used it throughout.

Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A, which should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding (Very low levels are ok)

This is why retinol should be avoided. However in practice- the concentration of Vitamin A in most Retinol serums would be fine. But you should check with your midwife/GP before using it.

@cheeseisthebest

Thank you. So what percentage should I get?

If you have never used retinol before, start low, or you will not be able to tolerate it.

It's very normal to experience redness and flaking of skin. When this happens, you should reduce the frequency of application.

However, with high street Retinols, they aren't actually that strong, so you should be fine.

Medical grade- start with 0.2% and work up.

High street- It depends on the brand as one brands "1%" is equivalent to another brands "0.2%"

What about this one? 0.5% ?

The ordinary retinol is very oily, so if you are breakout prone, definitely avoid.

If you are on a budget, this one is better than nothing! It does go inactive very quickly and it doesn't go too deep in the skin.
However it is definitely better than not using a retinol at all.

Keep it in a dark place (as UV will deactivate it) and replace it every 4 weeks.

I can pay more than that. Want something that lasts longer than 4 weeks, what would you recommend?

Facetheory has a moisturiser with 3% Retinol Liposomes. Not sure how that translates in strength.

I just need a recommendation for one I can buy please!!

If you have sensitive skin:
PCA have a great 0.2%
www.dermacaredirect.co.uk/pca-retinol-sensitive.html

If you don't have sensitive skin and want a very strong one:
www.skindora.co.uk/product-page/retinol

It's very important to wear SPF during the day.

@AnnieGetYourPun

Facetheory has a moisturiser with 3% Retinol Liposomes. Not sure how that translates in strength.

Liposomes help the retinol to stay stable for longer in the bottle and allow the active Retinol to travel to the deeper depths of the skin. Liposomes are a sign of a good product. However 3% retinol is impossible 🙄 Your face would fall off (and it would need a prescription)

@SomethingbeginningL

If you have sensitive skin: PCA have a great 0.2% www.dermacaredirect.co.uk/pca-retinol-sensitive.html

If you don't have sensitive skin and want a very strong one:
www.skindora.co.uk/product-page/retinol

It's very important to wear SPF during the day.

Thank you, anything bit cheaper? That one is 97 pounds. Looking at about 25 pounds budget?

😂 My face is falling off!!!

It say 3% on the front of the jar though. 🧐