Skin care routine for 40+

[Amani]

Please share with me your skin care routine for over forties. I want to know if I am doing things 'right'
Mine is
AM The Ordinary peptide followed by L'Oréal revitalife 40+ cream (retinol based) plus Christian Breton cellular eye lift cream (tk maxx bargain)
PM The ordinary peptide followed by the ordinary 2% retinol followed by a power collagen cream (tx maxx)
Obviously allowing 'sink in' time between application.
I am debating skin and me tretional (sp?) but not sure yet...

I use prescription Tret and Olay lotion at night. That's it. So no routine:) Wash my face with whatever face wash I find.

I've just switched to skin&me. Its very easy and straightforward, only 3 weeks in but finding the simplicity very appealing.

Your retinol is granactive retinoid? So it's not as "strong" as it looks. The Ordinary were buggers for this not very transparent labelling but have recently started being a bit clearer. If it is 2% granactive (more or less 0.2% ingredient) (which I presume so because you can't get 2% retinol over the counter as it were) and you've been using it for a while, you can probably move up to a stronger one.

Skin and Me or Dermatica would prescribe you a weak Tret which ultimately is where you want to go after Retinols. (I used Inky List granactive 0.3 followed by Ordinary 0.5 and now use Tret )

You could add a vitamin C in the morning. An acid toner a couple of times a week. And obviously a separate SPF.

I use a face wash in the mornings - anything from the supermarket - followed by Simple moisturiser- I only recently started with a moisturiser as always had very oily skin .
Evenings - I just use a face wipe to remove make up

I think the state of your skin is more genetic and lifestyle than lotions and potions

I use Clinique sensitive face wash in the shower or bath morning and night. Followed by Aveeno lotion. Or almond oil if my skin feels dry.

My skin has felt so much better since I dropped the other potions. I look my age, but I think good for my age. I’m not bothered about looking younger. For me, genes and lifestyle make the difference and I’m highly sceptical of claims made by cosmetics companies.

Do you use any sunscreen OP? That's the first thing I would advise, especially if you are using an 'active' ingredient like retinol.

Also, ditch the daytime retinol cream, as it is degraded by sunlight. No need if you are using one at nighttime.

If you want to move up to tretinoin which is prescription strength, Skin & Me or Dermatica are subscription services which send you a bottle every month or so. But make sure you are consistent with SPF everyday to protect your skin.

Thanks all for sharing. No I am not using sunscreen ... is this a must with retinol?

Yes you need SPF, retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Tbh I don’t in the winter because my sun gets about an hour of very weak sunlight a day at most… but I’m going to get back to on it now spring is coming

@Amani Yep and a high factor at that 🌞

Thanks for clarifying although at the moment my skin doesn't feel sensitive with the 2% retinol from The Ord. Am tempted to try Tret after hearing and reading up on it..., anything I should be aware of when using it?

Soap and water followed my nivia

For Tret if you're dry skinned you'll need a good moisturiser, the La Roche Posay baume is great.

A good Spf for every day. I like Dr Sam for more luxurious and altruist for every day.

I also like the ceramide caps form beauty pie to use after Tret. You might also like to do a thin layer of vaseline.

If you want a referal code here is mine for Dermatica (I get £5 off)

www.dermatica.co.uk/referrer/Y2K0NE

I've used it for two years. I would change the frequency to every 6 weeks.

Thanks guys. Please can you let me know what is the main difference experienced when using tret compared to retinol?

For me Tret was much more potant and makes my skin drier if I don't follow a good routine

Does it get rid of fine lines. I am so conscious of the laugh lines that have recently snuck up on me.

It can reduce the appearance of lines but it's a long term game. It increases cell turnover which gives you a mote youthful appearance.