Can someone knowledgeable please comment on my routine? (Retinol and peel)

[User5512]

I started a skin care routine a few weeks ago. I’m 42. My main problems are fine lines, pigmentation and dull skin.

Im currently using 0.3% retinol at night. There is no purging. Just a slight sting near areas with pigmentation. I’m tolerating it well, I’m also slugging. I know slugging is generally not recommended with actives, but it’s working well for me.

Im looking to increase retinol to 1% and also use a AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution weekly.

Here is the routine I’m planning. How does it sound?

Monday-Sat:
AM: Sunscreen (50) and moisturise
PM: Light moisturiser + 1% retinol (diluted to 0.5% to build tolerance + moisturise + Slug

Sunday:
AM: AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, Moisturise with Rose hip oil + Sunscreen

PM: Moisturise + Slug

Sounds a lot of faff. I found all retinol did was dry my skin out. Didn't matter what else I used or did. My skin has looked a lot better since I started using a moisturiser with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. Even my rosacea is reduced.

Sorry, that's probably not what you wanted to hear, but I tried everything with retinol and didn't get any benefits. I had no purging at all, just drier skin.

Retinol is absolutely magical for my skin. I can see a real difference in just 4 weeks. It is known to cause dryness. So you need to moisturise well after.

Which moisturiser do you use?

Slugging is absolutely fine with retinol.

1% is strong so take it easy and build up.

BHA will dry your skin out. I would avoid.

I really wouldn’t introduce AHA until you can tolerate 1%. I speak from bitter experience on mixing acids and retinols!!

Retinol is a long game thing and highly unlikely at 0.3% you can see a difference in a month. The difference you can see is more likely to be the acid peels.
I'd not go up with the retinol yet, I used 0.3 for a year before going higher, then moved to Tret.

How long after building tolerance to 1% can I introduce the peel?

I have another problem to add to the mix. Facial hair. I used Philips lumea before and got great results. It’s been many months, I might need a few treatments again.

Should I stop just retinol for a couple of days before and after using lumea?

thats’s interesting! I didn’t start the peel or 1% yet. What’s giving me that glow then? Regular moisturising/ slugging? My skin is definitely clearer and is glowing.

Sorry, what's slugging?

Ask the advice of the company you get it from or/and where you have your treatment for facial hair done. They will advise whether to stop or not.

I'm on retional/tretnoin. I've used it for 4 years now. You must go up slowly.

My skin process is this. I use CeraVe by Boots (also sold online and Amazon)

Daily morning

Face wash - CeraVe
Toner - any gentle
Eyecream - CeraVe
Serum
Moisturising LOTION - CeraVe
Rosehip oil
Suncream factor 30 minimum

When using moisturising lotion and Rosehip oil, mix a little of each in your palm together before applying

Night

Facewash - CeraVe
Toner - any gentle
Eyecream - CeraVe
Moisturising CREAM - CeraVe

Waits 20 minutes, then apply the retinol/tretnoin on your face and chin only

For anyone interested in this treatment, my link is a referral. You get a trial at a low cost. I get a discount on my next revolving order

www.skinandme.com/login?back=%2Faccount-summary

I tried retinol for the best part of a year. I tried several different moisturisers, but nothing addressed the awful dryness. It wasn't for me and I got no noticeable benefits from it.

https://www.vaseline.com/us/en/articles/skin-care-basics/what-is-skincare-slugging-face-routine.html

Slathering your face with vaseline at night.

Doesn't that make your pillowcase manky? Sounds like it would work though..

yes, it does :( I bought some cheap pillowcases from primark.