Where do you buy retinol? Not over the counter ....

[Alwayssupportingdifference]

Can I ask where you get these prescriptions and the process involved?

I've been using The Ordinary to date but hear the strength is not really there in OTC formulations.

Skin and Me or Dermatica are the main two online dermatologists people use on here.

I use Dermatica - you upload a picture of your face and they post you a prescription cream. It's £20.

You can buy higher percentages online and OTC, Paula's Choice has a 1% which is about as high as you ever want.

Obagi tretinoin 0.05% from Skinstation. Not retinol but pretty potent. It’s prescription only, someone from their team contacts you after submission of a medical questionnaire as part of the purchase process.

I use Dermatica too.

I use Skin & Me, same price as Dermatica, send a prescribed tube of cream every month

Wow thanks guys. Has anybody used both these companies and have a preference?

I just started using Skin & Me and in a week my skin is miles better.

Seems they have a lot of sign up codes - there’s one via Caroline Hirons, they do good referral codes, plus if you have an Amex, you can get 80% off the first 3 months so it only costs £4 (have to sign up in Jan tho)

There are a few brands like AlumierMD, Obagi and Zo. You need to 'find a practitioner' through their website. Then you book a consultation and buy the retinol through them.
Some do online skin consultations, where you fill in a form and the correct retinol for you is recommended

I use dermitica- it's made a huge difference to my skin. Was originally acne but my skin is healthier, glowing and improved my minor wrinkles!

This gets us both a discount- www.dermatica.co.uk/referrer/MWYER8

I’m three days into using dermatica. I’m shedding like an actual snake and waiting to see the benefits 🤣 it’s a normal part of the process apparently so just waiting to start glowing soon hopefully.

I use Dermatica. From what I understand Skin and Me start you off on a more gentle percentage. So if you have sensitive skin or haven’t used tretinoin before then they may be the best bet. Less peeling.

I use Dermatica as I’d already used tretinoin. I got some in Portugal for 3 euros! So skin was used to it and I started off on a higher percentage

Not looking forward to shedding. I work from home but spend half the day on zoom and need to look professional and polished. Any tips on the shedding?

You don’t need to shed. Start slowly, only a few days per week and use moisturiser either under or over.