Retinol - can anyone recommend me one?

[laladoodoo]

Would love some advice on recommended retinols on the market right now. There are so many out there that it's rather overwhelming!

I previously had been using tretoinin (not retinol I appreciate) and it was amazing but I can't get my hands on it now (colleague brought it from India)

I'm mid 30s and post baby I feel like I've aged a decade! Not to mention having to scale back spending on SMP so my usual spendy skincare needed to change.

I don't mind investing in something decent - I just want to know it's good!

Many thanks

This No7 one is so good! Has a high percentage of retinol, and it’s a good price. I’ve been using it for the past couple of months a couple times per week, and my skin looks great!

https://www.boots.com/no7-pure-retinol-1-percent-retinol-night-concentrate-30ml-10302671

I am thinking to order this Skin Rocks duo.

www.carolinehirons.com/2022/11/skin-rocks-retinoids-1-and-2-have-landed.html

I’m using the olay retinol 24hr max every evening and my skin looks totally brand new and baby smooth after 2 months of regular night time use. It’s like a pipette serum type situation, goes on like silk and dries like velvet, very impressed! (I’m same age and situation btw!)

I've just started using the Boots No 7 one a couple of weeks ago, early days but good to hear that you like it Midnight!
Just* *be careful OP if you go for this strength to start off with, I made the mistake of using it once and then again with only a day in between, and my skin was quite flaky for a few days afterwards. Going to stick to once or twice a week from now on.

Dermatica do tretinoin.

For tret, get a prescription for dermitica - it works out cheaper and much better than the ones you get in shops.

Caroline Irons skin rocks retinol is fab. Start on the lower strength one though.

If money is tight as starter The Ordinary retinols are a good starter too.

The boots one says 'experienced users' so should us newbies be looking at a starter strength first?? @Midnight2290

Dermetica for tretonin - you definitely don’t need a tube every month either, they seem to last forever and you can pause the subscription, so not as expensive as it seems

I've had amazing results using tretinoin from Dermatica.
I don't use it daily and delay/postpone my deliveries so it's probably costing less than £10 a month. My skin is so improved though!

The Ordinary. You can send a picture of your face and concerns, and then they give you a program of what to use.

That’s true, I forgot about that.

I also like Medik8… you could try their number 1 retinol and work up to 3, 10 etc.

How would you get a prescription for it? From a doctor you mean?

Really interesting feedback guys! I'm having a look at Dermatica as tret really was brilliant. Have to say it would be super handy if No7 was my go-to though - I have used retinol before so I'm hoping I could handle it!

Another vote for Dermatica. My tubes last ages. They sort the prescription for you.

I’d also recommend Dermatica. I’ve been using it for nearly 4 years and it’s made a huge improvement to my skin although my prescription strength has been increased recently so I’ve got some peeling! I use it 5-6 times per week usually (a bit less at the minute) and a tube lasts me at approx. 6 weeks. If you do want to give it a try then I have a referral code that I think gives us both £10 off.
https://www.dermatica.co.uk/referrer/MQ3RL7

I like Sunday Riley one

I can recommend Retanal (not retinal - gentler but more effective and great for sensitive skin) from Pai. Has a 90 day guarantee too and it's a small uk company.

Sorry meant Retinal . Bit drunk

Thanks @TattiePants I used your referral!

First month was only £2.90!!

Second month £14.00 (with your £10 off)

And you can cancel anytime.

Worth £15 for 2 months at least I can see if it work!

Bloody mumnset making me spend money on stuff I'd never even heard about before!!

@TattiePants, thank you, I have also used your referral.

Just looking at the photos that I had to take for Dermatica. The first was okay, but oh my god the side profile pictures. I had no idea I had developed such a wobbly under chin. Gutted.

Dermatica. Definitely. Great customer service and easy to move a date if not using every night so works out less costly.

For NHS colleagues, they did a special offer with three months for only postage costs, worth checking if it’s still on?

My code below.

https://www.dermatica.co.uk/referrer/4VR5JE

Yep. That’s the only bit I don’t like about them 🙈