Retinol for a newbie

[pumpkintits]

I've never used retinol before however I have been researching and been advised that retinol would be good for my skin.

I'm in my 30s, I think my skin is pretty good (few wrinkles but oily with large pores on my cheeks and sebaceous filaments on my nose)

Can anyone recommend a good brand of retinol, what strength I should be going for, if there is a specific brand I should look into? I like No7 skincare however wasn't sure if there is a difference between brands?

Would love some suggestions (and if anyone also knows a good toner recommendation for my pores that would be an added bonus 😁)

Hi OP,

I started using retinol earlier this year. I'm using Indeed Labs retinol reface and really happy with it.

My go to toners are Face Theory Saliatica and The Ordinary's Lactic acid 5%.

Thank you, I will take a look 😊

I'm using No 7 1% retinol. Before that, I used a 0.2% retinol for a few months which was Revitalift Loreal. My advice is to definitely follow the instructions and build up slow. Retinol burn is a thing!
Don't panic if you get a few spots and notice your skin peeling - it's normal for a while.
Use SPF moisturiser in the morning after using it, too.
I've been using retinol for about 6 months now and whilst it is a slow process, can notice some difference in the overall appearance of my skin.

La roche posay or dr Sam nightly serum
def start slowly eg 1-2 times a week to begin with. Skin purging is normal. Wear spf daily

Inkey List.
Inexpensive and is a good way of testing out whether you can tolerate retinols.
Start gradually, couple of times a week, always always always use sunscreen.

I started using the Olay Regenerist Max about a month ago. It made me red and flaky for a couple of days, so I bought a very simple cheap moisturiser and layer it over that. I like it and will probably repurchase.

I bought some retinol today and will start 2 x per week. I already wear SPF50 everyday, not really sure what to expect as I don't think my skin is too bad but apparently it can help with oil so fingers crossed there is some improvement there.

From what I understand I need to stop using active ingredients the day I use retinol? I use glycolic acid and vitamin C every day so should I skip these completely on days I apply retinol or just stick to applying in the morning?

You're ok with the vitamin C in the mornings but yes, skip the glycolic on your Retinol days.
Start just a couple of nights a week. Which did you buy?

My skin type is the same as yours and I recently started using overnight sensation from Trinny London and it’s amazing I really notice a difference and I’ve tried loads of high street brands before

I used it every other night at first now every night and I use a glycolic face wash in the mornings