Retinol. What is it and how do I use it?

[TameDucksAtChatsworth]

I've read about it on various threads, especially the Princessing one and people seem to think it is something that is beneficial.

So, I want to try it too!

It seems to be listed as an ingredient is some creams but I saw a small bottle of it in TK Maxx the other day. I didn't buy it as I have no idea at all how to use it.

Is it good? What are the best ones and do you just slap it on before moisturiser and then sit in a dark room for a week?

Retinol is a type of retinoid. Retinoids are one of the most bamboozling topics in skincare today. Trinny tries to unpack it here

I have one from the Ordinary which is effective. I use it a few times a week and it definitely makes a difference to my skin looking brighter

Thanks @LiveFromNewYork

I'll try that one, @HermioneWeasley. How long passed before you noticed your that your skin was looking brighter? Not that I'm impatient or anything!

I know you need to start with the lowest % of retinol and maybe apply it at night then 10 mins later put your usual moisturiser on top.

The ordinary does get good reviews and I’m always hovering over the checkout button on the boots app with it in my basket. I think I will go for it!

From my research, it's a type of vitamin A which is proven effective against early signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.

The most effective is tretinoin which is prescription only, you can get this through Dermatica who can assess your skin needs and prescribe it as a subscription service, first prescription you only pay the dispensing fee. You can buy products with rentinol in which are less potent but still will show improvement. From the articles I have read the top performers from off the shelf were The Inkey List and Medik8 Crystal Rentinol 10. Results from daily use is around 6+ weeks, every few days use 8+ weeks, weekly use 3+ months.

I haven't introduced any yet, but I will be going down the Dermatica route, in for a penny, in for a pound.

Dr Derm (a dermatologist)

@TameDucksAtChatsworth you’ll be pleased to hear it was immediate! And if I ever wake up and think “oh, my skin looks good this morning” I’ve always used it the night before

I use Dermatica

You upload some photos of your skin and answer some questions based on your skin type. They then send you a prescription of Tretinoin plus other stuff ( mine has niacinamide )

I use it three times a week or so - pea sized amount - avoid eyes, nose ( l avoid around nostrils rather than whole nose as the flakiness is real and it's easy to look like you have a severe coke habit😬) and neck - for some reason it's not advised for necks.

I don't moisturise after using it, but put I do put some on in the morning.

It had definitely re textured my skin over the last year. So where before I had peri menopausal thinning dry skin I now have thicker much more robust, glowy healthy looking skin.

It's good stuff.

I've ordered it, @HermioneWeasley. Excited!

Thanks everyone for taking the time to advise.

If you ever go to Mexico you can buy tretinoin over the counter.

Before using tretinoin I used Roc tetinol corexxion deep wrinkle night cream. I definitely saw an improvement in my wrinkles. Unfortunately, I need much more help than that now!