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Original poster

Starting retinol (retinal 1) Anything I need to know?

19 replies

LargeRedx2 · 11/10/2021 11:31

Hi,

I'm 37 and have decent skin I suppose, but I've definitely noticed the aging process has eccelerated these past couple of years.

I don't have loads of wrinkles yet, but I have a couple of horizontal lines across my forehead which are getting quite deep now and the beginnings of the 11's. More a 1 1/2 Grin Also the first signs of crows feet.

Also have increasing nose to mouth lines, which I know is more about sagging, so not sure if retinol can help much there, although it would be amazing if it did!

Anyway, I purchased some Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 and will be using it for the first time tonight. Do I need to prep my skin in a special way and/or use a certain kind of cream straight afterwards or in the morning?

TIA

OP posts:
Gonnagetgoing · 11/10/2021 11:51

I use the Ordinary Retinol and apparently you only need to use it 2-3 times a week, use sunscreen and also keep it in the fridge. I only knew about the sunscreen advice.

Also - if you have threading/waxing on eyebrows etc - tell the beautician doing this - I had them waxed this summer, beautician didn't ask me (she should have) and eyebrow are cut and scabbed badly and almost scarred - luckily I looked online for what to do.

botemp · 11/10/2021 12:00

Retinal 1 is quite high strength to start with as a first time user .3 or .6 would be a better starting point. If you insist on going ahead, start slowly, once or twice a week, and keep that rhythm for a few weeks then proceed to 2-3x a week. Potentially buffer it by applying it over your moisturiser or leaving a large gap of time between cleansing your face and applying the retinal later in the evening. Always apply to a dry face and wear SPF 50, and reapply every two hours of prolonged exposure.

allofthecheese · 11/10/2021 13:05

The Retinal 1 is the entry grade retinol from Medik8 so it's actually 0.01% @botemp.

I started with this as I have extremely sensitive skin. I used it twice weekly for two weeks, then every other day for a further two weeks. Then increased. I don't use any actives when using it and use a very moisturising cream after. Always SPF the next day (should be daily anyway).

botemp · 11/10/2021 13:11

I thought it came in a 3,6, and 10 version? I assumed by 1 OP meant 10. If there's a strength 1 now, then I stand corrected and then less caution would be needed, but still some.

Original poster
LargeRedx2 · 11/10/2021 13:14

@Gonnagetgoing, is that just for the Ordinary retinol? I don't think this one is supposed to go in the fridge.

@botemp, as @allofthecheese says, I think this is entry level strength. I don't think they do a milder version.

@allofthecheese, have you seen results? How long do you wait before applying moisturiser?

OP posts:
JengaCupboard · 11/10/2021 13:14

Also using The Ordinary and it's the best (and cheapest!) one I've found so far. Quite oily but does feel quite nice also as a nighttime application.

No redness or breaking out/flaking like previously - had tried Superdrug own (Optimum or something?) and also Garden of Wisdom - although their foaming cleanser is great.

I've also had botox on my '11's' and crows feet area - only started this year/ lasts around 4 months and the results are really very good. I had a permanent '11' crease in my resting face which I hated and its 90% improved.

JengaCupboard · 11/10/2021 13:15

Mt Ordinary retinol is 1% and should go in the fridge - says so in very, very small print on the bottle... if it's the same...

RacheyCat · 11/10/2021 13:18

I managed to blag a Tret prescription the other day. The Dr went right ahead and prescribed me 0.1%, so I'm going with twice a week for the first two weeks and building up. I put niacinamide on first, waited for it to dry, and then put the tretinoin on.

I actually also put azelaic acid on 30 mins later. Blush

botemp · 11/10/2021 13:20

Ok, my mistake, it definitely used to be that 3 was the lowest available strength. I wouldn't put the Medik8 in the fridge, unlike the ordinary it has a good airtight packaging and the crystal retinal formulation is a lot more stable. Retinoids do degrade and lose strength over time, but tbh the best way to combat that is to use it up within two or three months. With a more open bottle dropper system like The Ordinary the fridge can help extend it a bit but it'll still degrade quick due to exposing it to a lot of air and light every time you open it.

QueenBee52 · 11/10/2021 13:52

let us know how you get on 🌸

Original poster
LargeRedx2 · 12/10/2021 10:02

Thanks everyone.

After doing a bit more research ( after purchasing 🤦‍♀️ I know. Genius) I'm a bit concerned I've been reeled in like a fish with this, because it looks as though the higher the strength, the higher the price, but much higher. I don't want to be spending 70/80 quid on retinol evety 2 or 3 months! Maybe I'll find the Retinal 1 is enough for me for the foreseeable, but if it goes up to 10 Shock then I suspect I'll start feeling restless to start the next one...and the next one.

Ooops.

OP posts:
botemp · 12/10/2021 11:06

If you're not particularly sensitive skinned, once you've gone through this tube without issues I'd skip over going through all the strengths and just sign up to one of the prescription services, Dermatica or Skin+Me. You'll need to take a bit more precaution but they gradually build you up to an effective dose but even the lowest is stronger and more effective than the Retinal 10 strength. It's around £20 a month but most people don't use up enough product in the month and schedule deliveries accordingly, every other month or similar.

Gonnagetgoing · 12/10/2021 11:12

Just a FYI, got .5% retinol (Ordinary) and might be upping this soon.

To be honest - I've got rosehip oil too and I don't use that much and got an AHA from Ordinary too which I haven't used yet.

Gonnagetgoing · 12/10/2021 11:13

@JengaCupboard

Mt Ordinary retinol is 1% and should go in the fridge - says so in very, very small print on the bottle... if it's the same...
All retinols should go in the fridge apparently but such small print that I was using it out of the fridge for ages!
westr · 12/10/2021 11:34

I've got the Sunday Riley retinol and it's giving me spots. I've only been using it 2 days in a row then a break but even that seems too much for my skin.

NotMyCat · 12/10/2021 11:37

@westr

I've got the Sunday Riley retinol and it's giving me spots. I've only been using it 2 days in a row then a break but even that seems too much for my skin.
It can cause breakouts at first sometimes but retinol is a LONG haul, it's months to see a difference and then years so you have to be really consistent with it (and use SPF!!)
westr · 12/10/2021 11:56

Thanks - so I should stick with it?

NotMyCat · 12/10/2021 11:58

I would, maybe go to every 3 days and then build it up

westr · 12/10/2021 12:19

Thanks again! I will use it one day on, 3 days off and see what happens. Hopefully less spots!

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