Anything to look for/buy in Spain?

[OnceAgainWithFeeling]

I find myself unexpectedly in Malaga for a few days. I’m sure I’ve read if beauty items which are available here that aren’t in the U.K.

Anyone got any tip tips? I’m travelling with hand luggage only so can’t bring back anything in big containers.

I try not to use make up removal wipes at home, only have them for travelling, but the mercadona does an amazing micellar water and aloe wipe. Wish I'd stocked up instead of just buying an emergency pack.

Okay. Still slightly afraid but managed to get 2 tInes each of 0.25% and 0.5%. I won’t need the 1% any time soon, will I?

Check out the expiracy date, if it's far away, why not!

Will I get results with the 0.25?

These have Dec 2023 on them.

I have to get them in my liquids bag.

December isn't that far away but I'm not sure. Can you use all of it by then? If not, you can always gift it to a good friend who's into skincare.

Zara is cheaper in mainland Spain and even cheaper still in the Canary Islands.

Dec 2023 is quite a long way off?

Have I just wasted my money? Should I try and swap the 0.25 for 1%?

Sorry, I stepped into a time machine and I'm living in 2023 already! I think only you know if you're going to use it all up, given the size of the pot.
I would get it anyway if I could carry it and the price's good, if it turns out I couldn't use it, then I would just gift it as there are so many interested in it here.

Absolutely not. I've been on .25 for four months now and my skin still peels.

OP tread carefully with tretinoin (Retirides) if you haven't used it before. My motto is 'low and slow', as in a low dose very slowly. 0.025% is the one I would start with, and it might take months or long to progress to higher strengths, unless you want your face constantly peeling off with red itchy bits that make will not cover (trust me). It will take time for your skin to adjust to it, I still get the odd peeling from it and I'm 3 years in!

Yes, it's a great product, but just slapping a load on your face and hoping for the best is a recipe for disaster. Do lots of research and be patient. Two tubes of it should last you up to a year, especially if you are starting out, only using once or twice a week. You only need a small amount.

*that make up will not cover.

I can't see you needing the 1% Retirides any time soon. Definitely read up on tretinoin before you start using it. It's not like any other serum or moisturiser you might use. I did about 12 months on the 0.5% but have stopped now as I needed to buy so many other products to compensate for the dry state it left my skin in. Have gone back to OTC (in this country) Retinol - Boots No 7 - and my skin has improved no end.

Oh yikes. Bit worried now.

Yes you need to build up strength very slowly so I wouldn't be getting the 0.1% right now. There is loads of advice on using tret online. A lot of it says peeling and purging will cease after a six week skin cycle which I'm very dubious about. I would say it took two years for my skin to adjust to using tret (I now use Dermatica in the UK), going through various stages of peeling and looking greasy, dried out and waxy - I'm not surprised it doesn't suit everyone. I have acne so use it for both that and anti ageing, it's a long game.

So things like 'tret goggles' (making sure you put plenty of moisturiser around your eyes), buffering before and after if necessary and potentially introducing a hyaluronic acid serum if not already in your routine. And plenty of high SPF, but that's crucial anyway.

I have bought diclofenac pain killers OTC in Portugal so you can maybe get those in Spain. I use them for migraines. The brand name is Volterol which we get in the UK but only in a gel form for rubbing on sprains etc.

The thing is tretinoin is actually medication in cream form, so just be careful if you want to use it. That being said, if you can tolerate it, and use it consistently over time it can give great results for fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture. But it is heavy duty stuff, I would advise starting with over the counter retinol and graduating to tretinoin over time.
Also, if you are going to start using it, please make sure you use a good SPF on your skin everyday, as it makes your skin more susceptible to sun damage.

Hi all can I buy tretinoin over the counter in tenerife .thank you

You can't get them over the counter any more. You used to be able to. Then it was only at pharmacies in airports. Now, not at all.