Can I get some advice on Retinol?

[letsgowiththat]

I have been using face theory regenacalm 2% retinol serum with no results since late November. Upon doing further research it turned out the form of retinol they are using (retinol esters) amount to something silly like 0.1% or 0.01% of actual retinol, can't remember which as I couldn't save the chat.

I really want to get started on some actual retinol that will start making a difference to my skin - I am late 20s/early 30s .

Could I get some recommendations of actual retinol products that I could start with that are more than 0.01% of retinol?
The amount of information out there is overwhelming and I'd hate to be spending £££s on products that don't contain what they say it does.

I think, tho I may be wrong, that the only retinol products actually worth getting are prescription grade.
But I'm going to hang around on this thread for someone more knowledgeable to come along

I would say prescription so dermatica or skin and me

Medik8 has a reputation for being a good form of retinol if you didn't want to go down the prescription route. Perhaps start with the 3TR first though and build it up.

I haven't started using it yet due to pregnancy/bfeeding but have been looking online and will probably dip my toe in with the Ordinary ones to build up gradually.

They have retinoids which are the mildest and then retinol in squalane at 0.2 / 0.5 / 1% and 2%

I've seen recommendations for the Inkey, Paula's Choice and Medik8 retinol too so have added those to my wishlist too. More expensive than the Ordinary though and I want to know my face won't fall off before spending too much!

The Ordinary seems clear in terms of percentages and also at your age I imagine it's more of a prevention than a cure thing? So not sure if a prescription would be worth it? I guess the experts who aren't just speculating will be able to help more on that front. Will keep my eye on this thread for tips!

Get a prescription from dermatica.
I started out using the ordinary and the inkey's retinol - I preferred the inkey's version as it didn't migrate into the delicate eye area. I now use tretinoin. Fine lines have practically disappeared and my skin tone is much more even. I can't see myself stopping using it.
You do need a decent separate SPF 50 though.

@FreshFaceTime

I haven't started using it yet due to pregnancy/bfeeding but have been looking online and will probably dip my toe in with the Ordinary ones to build up gradually.

They have retinoids which are the mildest and then retinol in squalane at 0.2 / 0.5 / 1% and 2%

I've seen recommendations for the Inkey, Paula's Choice and Medik8 retinol too so have added those to my wishlist too. More expensive than the Ordinary though and I want to know my face won't fall off before spending too much!

The Ordinary seems clear in terms of percentages and also at your age I imagine it's more of a prevention than a cure thing? So not sure if a prescription would be worth it? I guess the experts who aren't just speculating will be able to help more on that front. Will keep my eye on this thread for tips!

The Ordinary was named and shamed for its naughty "blurring" of percentages. One of their products labelling leads you to believe you were getting something like a while 1% which is pretty hardcore, but because of the type (granactiv I think but may be remembering wrong) you need to divide by 10 to get the reality.

Nadine Baggott has a really clear and informative video on % and retinol/retinal/registrar/retinoid/retin-A and what the difference is.

I'm using Inkey List at the moment. You need to remember any retinol is a long game thing. Months not weeks. Lots of months.

@SOLINVICTUS oh ffs I knew I'd have missed something obvious! Thanks for the heads up

Medik8 isn't that expensive when you consider how long a bottle lasts, and it's often on offer. But it's an oil not a serum or cream, so it's hard to keep it away from eyes and mouth - easier if you moisturise these areas first. They also have crystal retinal which is supposed to be just as effective but less harsh, and retinoate which is what I'll probably buy next when I get around to it. Indeed Labs do a pretty reliable retinol cream, about 0.3% I think - retinol resurface. Also usually on offer somewhere. Avène do a retinal, might be similar to Medik8. La Roche Posay do Redermic, and Boots No 7 brand have one. I don't know what the Inkey List one might be like.

I think more expensive ones tend to have things added to the formula to make them more stable and easier on your skin.

It might work out cheaper to get one of the prescription services.

SPF50 daily - this is the most expensive outlay considering how much of it you have to use.

Thank you I will look at some of the suggestions.
It's so tricky to navigate. @SOLINVICTUS I'm happy for it to be a long game, I'm hoping for a bit of prevention as I don't have any major wrinkles or issues at the moment, I did give the Face Theory one nearly 4.5 months before realising it's not what it seems

@Apileofballyhoo I use the la roche posay anthelios fluid spf 50 religiously anyway so I hope this will be sufficient when I start with some reliable form of retinol.

Seems like such a minefield.