Tretinoin - experiences welcome

[Bloom15]

I have started tretinoin today - Demalogica prescription at 0.015 strength. I am 43 with dry skin with some fine lines and hyperpigmentation/melasma.

I have used retinol - Ordinary - 2% and 5% and not had any issues.

I just wonder if anyone has gone down the same route and had any side effects. And also how long did it take to get visible results?

started Very low dose April last year.. gradually increased to quite strong now (for me ) and I can really see it’s improving my skin and hopefully helping me age gracefully. I’m 41 . I can’t have Botox so I wanted preventative measures now ! It’s a slow go and I have peeled but not for long. Just use a lovely rich moisturiser about ten min after.
I say go for it and continue if you can. And yes sunscreen during day. Oh and I only use at night x

Thanks @herewegoroundtheblueberrybush - will leave The Ordinary retinols then.

I used frownies for ages and they were fine once you worked out how to use them and were good but got too expensive. The tape I buy is the cheap stuff on Amazon - 2 rolls for about £5. Does the job. I started as I was getting a really sore head when I woke up and was obviously scowling all night. The decrease in the lines was a happy side effect and it became apparent after a few months months and I was a bit shocked at how effective it was honestly. You have to keep doing it though at least every second night.
FANTESI 2 Rolls Anti Wrinkle Tape Wrinkle Patches, (500CM*2.5CM) Face Eye Neck Lift Tape Multifunctional High Elasticity Forehead Frown Facial Lip Mouth Wrinkles Treatment Band Sticker Chin Strap : Amazon.co.uk: Beauty

I built up to Dermatica Tret 0.05% and Niacinamide 4% over a period of months and I've been on it for 2 years now.

It's helped with age spots, fine lines and given me a nice glow. However - I started using it in the depth of winter and my god, it felt like my skin was on fire when outside. I'm not going to lie, it was a slog at times with the peeling/rawness for months.

I struggle with it in very cold weather as I will peel and no oil or moisturiser completely helps. I reduce the frequency of application over winter and delay the deliveries. Summer - no issues. I only apply it at night and wear high SPF in the day.

Word of warning, don't randomly decide to apply it to your neck like I did. I had a visible red mark/chemical burn for over a neck!

Wrecked my skin. It destroyed the barrier and it took me ages to get rid of dermatitis. Go slowly that’s my advice!

Cosrx snail mucin is great for repairing the skin barrier if you have issues, or else The ordinary do a new serum for protecting the moisture barrier , if you look at the reviews then a few people seem to swear by it with tret.
https://theordinary.com/en-ie/soothing-barrier-support-serum-100634.html

It's made a huge difference to my skin. I've been in 0.05 for a few years.
I've moved from Dermatica after their shit customer service to Uncouth skincare, same strength but much nicer formula and I've seen an improvement again since switching.
I'd never be without it.
Take it slowly, build up and use lots of supportive ingredients like, ceramides

Thank you : )

I’ve just been using it 0.025 for 3 months now. My skin is so smooth and I hardly need any foundation as it just glides on. I use it every night but if I am experiencing a little dryness around the nose , I steer clear of that are for a few night and really amp up the moisturiser. I also use it on the backs of my hands and it has been amazing. Honestly, they look 10 years younger .
For moisture I really recommend Dr Jart ceramidin barrier repair cream.

I used it for 15 years with great effect and then developed an allergy that made me extremely ill and was misdiagnosed which made it a LOT worse. Be careful.

Like @emsyj37 I had on an off peeling for about two years, maybe more. However, I'll use it for as long as I can get it. It does work and I can tell from 'before' photos just how much my skin has improved.
Stick with it and go slowly.

Thanks all - I really appreciate your replies and experiences.

I have used it twice now and so far ok and not had any peeling or sensitivity

I started using it a few months ago - have managed to get to the 0.5% and have definitely noticed an improvement. I never get any spots or little white/blackheads and I used to get loads. I don’t think there’s any effect on fine lines as yet - they actually look worse at times due to the dryness but I’m thinking I skipped up to 0.5% too quickly.
Also some days, for no apparent reason I look terrible, again seems related to dryness.

Will check out the FB groups as most of my moisturisers sting now!

I haven't RTFT but I've been using it for years. Main thing, start very very slowly. A couple of small dots over your face every couple of days at first. You don't need to rub it in, just gently massage the dots in abit (it will spread under your skin). Work up from there but just remember, don't use it like a proper moisturiser. It's really good stuff, most people give up, but follow these instructions and persevere with some peeling at first.

Are you not supposed to use it on your neck? My crepey neck/double chin is why I bought it.

@TheProblemBlob I can cautiously use it in my neck. I apply a moisturiser beforehand and once it dries apply tret in a low strength. I can't apply it every night though. Most people can't apply it straight on their neck. Be cautious when you try it.

I use it as I aged suddenly whilst looking after my mil. I've had no problems with it and my wrinkles are definitely less defined.

My cream has tret and azaliac (spelling?)acid

Update - I have been using it without issue - even started without moisturiser underneath now. I just use a heavy sleep mask-type moisturiser after I have used it.

Thanks to all for your experiences

How's it going now, OP?

Destroyed my skin - gave me perorial dermatitis. And only used it 2 times a week with nothing else harsh

Still fine @LancashireSquirrel - definitely reduced the '11' lines I had in between my eyebrows. My skin was always dry and hasn't gone any worse.

I got on well with it but it needs to be used sparingly. Two pumps (dermatica) does my face, neck and top of my cleavage.

I couldn't use it on my neck - It makes me peel. It's brilliant facially. 0.025% is a good strength. I've been using Monderma.

I have never put it on my neck - I should start.

It would probably whittle away at your neck lines but you'd peel. If you double moisturiser your skin may accept it. I've also read if you shower twice a day or bath that stops peeling. Most just apply to their face which is low maintenance.