face cream with retinol - which ones do you love?

[SoTiredNeedHoliday]

Hello,
I've been using the skin better science creams both the day cream and the night cream here. I do like them and my skin looks good and feels good, but of course they are uber expensive.
Just wondering what else I should look at as an alternative?
Thanks

bumping

If you've got even half the money you'll find actual retin a (ie Tretinoin) will be much better value and more effective than a retinol cream.
I can only recommend from the UK places like dermatica and skin and me, but also Obagi and zo skin do versions that you can get from a dermatologist although they're more pricy!

Best to buy Tret cream or gel

I would just go to Dermatica and get Tret. A tube lasts me 6 weeks and it's about £20 ish.

I previously used Medik8 but it became too expensive

If you fancy Dermatica - full disclosure this gives me a discount, I've been a customer for 3 years.

Try personalised skincare for just £2.90, plus £10 off your next month.

Head to www.dermatica.co.uk and checkout with code Y2K0NE
www.dermatica.co.uk/referrer/Y2K0NE

@bryceQ @hermioneee what strengths of tretinoin cream / gel do you use from Dermatica? I can only see very weak ones looking briefly on the site

I started on 0.025 for 5 months, then moved to 0.05 for a year then now I can use 0.1 or 0.05. I choose the lower strength as 0.1 males me quite dry and it's hard to maintain hydration. Plus there's no evidence that stronger is better it's more about consistency.

I moved up to 0.05 with dermatica but now on 0.025 along with azaeliac(sic!) acid with skin and me. The 0.05 was pretty strong I never did quite get used to it. My skin has massively improved though since I started using - since 2018 I think.
Studies have shown that 0.025 will have the same affect as higher amounts it will just take longer but fewer adverse affects.

I used retinol for years (moving up in strength) then Tret, but have now gone down a step to Retinal. I'm using the ELF one which is the same strength as the Medik8 Crystal6. But cheaper!

It's great. I can use it every night with no irritation. I never did (after almost 3 years) get to that stage with Tret!

@HollyMollySophie @bryceQ for the dermatica do you need to go through the consultation to get the products? I have a dermatologist already but she recommends the Skin Better Science which is really quite expensive. Do you think I should ask her for a more budget approach?

@TheLongGloriesOfTheWinterMoon I'm actually not sure what the difference is between the retinal and tretinon ..... I guess I need to do my research

Retinal is the stage before Tret in the retinoid strength table iyswim?

They're all vitamin A products but strengths vary considerably and percentages can be very misleading and confusing (and are often wilfully misleading by skincare companies)

The different names are basically a way of categorising what skin and the product has to do to get the vitamin A to work.

It's more or less this- weakest to strongest:

Granactive retinol/retinoid
Retinol
Retinal
Tret

It's up to you. The consultantion with Dermatica is just sending pictures it's pretty easy. I would imagine your dermatologist should be able to provide different brands, that seems like a con if she only recommends expensive ones, suggests she is on commission which would put me off. Tret is pretty cheap to buy in many countries

@bryceQ thank you I've just used your referral , hoping this will work for me as my skin just seems to be getting worse as I'm in my 40's.
If anyone would like to use my referral it's

www.dermatica.co.uk/referrer/RJY0VE

thanks @HollyMollySophie

@TheLongGloriesOfTheWinterMoon @bryceQ with Dermatica is it a monthly subscription that you must keep paying in order to be abel to order the products? £24 a month approx?

Do you find that it is worth it - how often do you actually need to change products etc?

I don't use a subscription service. I bought Tret online, but now use a retinal serum that I'm happy with.

Mine lasts 6 weeks and I pay an annual fee so it's £19 every 6 weeks. I use cheap korean cleanser and moisturiser so I feel like it's all quite inexpensive really

I e been using boots own brand it's nice.

@TheLongGloriesOfTheWinterMoon where did you buy online? and what is your serum called?

@bryceQ i'll send you a DM

I really liked Medik8. You can chose the grace you want also.

Any links to retinols I’d appreciate- @somethinghastochangesoon I have heard the boots one is good?

@KaySararSarar

It's this one I like it