Retinoid for beginner

Jellybean27 · 23/04/2022 23:11

Medik8 retinal is so good. Start low and slow and work your way up. I’m on 10 now and it’s made a huge difference to the texture and appearance of my skin.

Anon778833 · 23/04/2022 23:15

You shouldn’t start putting this on your skin without a consultation with a skin therapist. Everyone has different skin. And your skin will need to learn to tolerate it. Usually by using a buffer to begin with.

The Dermalogica range is good.

MrOllivander · 23/04/2022 23:20

You could do skin and me which is prescription and builds it up over time

missmoon · 24/04/2022 08:22

I also use Medik8 retinal, it’s very good, although I’m only 3. I can see a noticeable difference after about three months of use. Their night cream is also great.

missmoon · 24/04/2022 09:18

That should have said, I’m only on strength 3!

Aberration · 24/04/2022 09:24

What was rubbish about the ordinary?

Ive been using their lowest strength version and not seen a lot of changes yet but assumed that was because it’s lowest strength and I will do after increasing strength - wondering now if it’s actually not that great!

Original poster

Nadamar · 24/04/2022 09:42

I definitely need retinoid, I could get a skin consultation but I know that’s what they’ll say,
I have lots of pigmentation and scarring from years of acne, dull skin and lines developing in usual places (elevens, crows feet etc)
I used the ordinary granactive retinoid in emulsion (think that’s what it was called), it had no effect whatsoever.
I already use an SPF daily, I know to use a mild face cleanser and to use a moisturiser as a buffer.
I just didn’t know where to buy a reliable brand of retinoid, skincare is such a minefield isn’t it, the ordinary was fairly cheap but I don’t want to spend upwards of £30 on retinol that’s not right.
lots of you have mentioned medik8 so will definitely look into that.
Thank you 😀

OP posts:

Jellybean27 · 24/04/2022 10:20

I was started on medik8 6 until my skin could tolerate 10. Took a few months.
Also, SPF (30 and above) is really important when using retinol!

thebeespyjamas · 24/04/2022 11:08

Nadamar · 23/04/2022 18:11

I would like to add retinoid into my routine but not sure which brand to buy and where from?
Ive used the ordinary version before but it was rubbish.
any advice or links would be great, thank you

Dermatica.

YellowMonday · 24/04/2022 14:43

Without seeking professional advise, you are throwing good money down the drain. Indeed you could be doing more damage.

I went rouge during lockdowns and purchased skinceuticals ce - turned out it's an excellent product but not for my skin. My facialist couldn't help but laugh when I fessed up after lockdown lifted and I could see her - I only used it for 2 weeks then gave it away. $200 AUD wasted!

fuzzwuss · 24/04/2022 16:35

I didnt see any benefit with The Ordinary, it was really slimy, and made no difference. Now using La Roche Posay, and it really is fab.

Anon778833 · 24/04/2022 20:11

Nadamar · 24/04/2022 09:42

I definitely need retinoid, I could get a skin consultation but I know that’s what they’ll say,
I have lots of pigmentation and scarring from years of acne, dull skin and lines developing in usual places (elevens, crows feet etc)
I used the ordinary granactive retinoid in emulsion (think that’s what it was called), it had no effect whatsoever.
I already use an SPF daily, I know to use a mild face cleanser and to use a moisturiser as a buffer.
I just didn’t know where to buy a reliable brand of retinoid, skincare is such a minefield isn’t it, the ordinary was fairly cheap but I don’t want to spend upwards of £30 on retinol that’s not right.
lots of you have mentioned medik8 so will definitely look into that.
Thank you 😀

Do you have regular facials with a professional? You could have a facial peel. I’ve been having them since I was 27 and at 41 I have no lines. It’s partly genetic but decent facials can really help cell turnover and the downtime is minimal.

Anon778833 · 24/04/2022 20:12

Also, if you have acne scarring, I’d recommend micro-needling - it’s very effective. Skin therapist here btw.

PAFMO · 24/04/2022 20:21

Watch Nadine Baggott's videos on Retinols and then you'll be able to evaluate which is best for you.

Most of The Ordinary ones are granactive retinoid = need the % to be divided by 10 to get the actual % of active ingredient. A 1% granactive is just 0.1% etc. These are fine as an entry level to get your skin used to a vitamin A product.

Most creams/serums bought on the high street and which don't specify the % tend to be around 0.3% which is also a decent entry level.

If you want to go straight for tretinoin (actual retin A rather than a retinol/retinoid) then, as others have said, you're best off with a Dermatica/Skin & Me consultation and you'll probably be given a 0.025% to begin with as this is the real deal!

Bear in mind too that vit A is a long game ingredient. You won't see much change for a few months.

doadeer · 24/04/2022 20:41

I started with Medik8 Crystal Retinol 3 then moved up to 6, I found it started to get really expensive though so I moved to Dermatica which is £22 ish every 5/6 weeks. They will give you a formula to help with pigmentation you just send them photos of your skin.

I've been using for about 8 months now, I'm a big fan.

Just up your moisturiser and Spf (don't need to be fancy ones)

If you want a code 👌
www.dermatica.co.uk/referrer/Y2K0NE

Iknowthis1 · 24/04/2022 22:41

I'm using prescription strength now but I found LRP Redernic R to be a pretty good starting point.