Tretinoin advice

[User170451]

Hi, I’m interested in starting tretinoin but have no idea where to start. My main skin concern is my forehead wrinkles. I’d rather avoid Botox as I’ve seen this can cause droopy eye lids (which I already have)
Ive seen tretinoin recommended a lot, does this sound like the right product for my skin concerns? If so where do I start? Where’s the best place to get it in the uk?
thank you, clueless skincare novice

Hi,I would suggest a subscription to either Skin+Me or Dermatica.. and make sure in the screening questionnaire that you mention that you want anti aging/anti wrinkles and they will start you on a low dose of Tret (usually max 0.025% to start) , possibly mixed with something else.. Definitely recommend buffering with a moisturiser at first and make sure you always wear factor 50 sunscreen.. good luck!

To be honest OP if your forehead wrinkles are quite pronounced then it may not make that much of a difference. That's not to say you shouldn't try it, I would recommend it to anybody. It does improve skin over time definitely, although it's a long term game really - it might take a few months to see good results.

I've been using it for a few years and my skin has definitely improved, more glowy, more even, seems to have a bit more bounce etc. But just want to set your expectations that it's not a miracle cream. I sort of see it as a maintenance thing, to slow down the inevitable.

Also, if you're using it go low and slow. Start on a lower dose and work up slowly to using it more frequently. And like the previous poster says, use SPF daily.

Tretinoin is the best thing you can use on your face. It is prescription only but in the UK you can subscribe to either Skin and Me or Dermatica.

I have used both and much prefer Dermatica. For some reason the Skin & Me really irritated my skin. Also you have to build up to a decent % for it to make a real difference and Dermatica make that quicker without being too quick. You should start slowly, twice a week for a couple of weeks then each week use it an extra night. One thing you must do is use spf each day otherwise it’s pointless using tret for the benefits. Also you must keep your skin moisturised as for some it can be a bit drying but I haven’t experienced that.

I used to use retinol but didn’t see a difference but I have been using tret for almost a year now and the difference in my skin is noticeable, it has never looked so good. It is brighter, more even and my sun spots and fine lines have honestly vanished. My skin looks so plump and smooth now. I used to spend a fortune on skincare products promising the miracles but nothing worked until I used tret. You have to sign up to a monthly subscription which you can pause or cancel anytime so you are not tied in. At first I thought it was a bit pricey but when I added up all the other stuff I was using it actually worked out cheaper. You can buy other products from them and I really rate their cleanser and moisturiser too.

If you do decide use it keep your routine simple, at night just cleanse, treat then moisturise and in the mornings cleanse, serum if you want it, moisturise and spf.

To start with Dermatica you fill out a questionnaire on their website and upload some photos of your skin and a pharmacist looks at them and prescribes you a formula that will suit your skin. If you are ever not happy you can contact them to tell them what you are wanting to achieve and they will adjust it for you. They are actually really helpful.

If you do want to use it I have a code rhat gets you the first month really cheap. It does give me a credit for referring you too but you get it so much cheaper. Please feel free to use it at the checkout. The code is 5EW47R

Let me know how you get on and if you do have any questions about it feel free to message me, I know I had loads of questions when I started, so if I can help in any way just shout.

Tretinoin is great for glow and fine lines, but as a PP said, if your forehead likes are quite pronounced already it's unlikely to make any discernable difference to them. Tret is still worth using though. As mentioned, Skin+Me or Dermatica are the most affordable options in the UK, but if you happen to be travelling to mainland Europe any time soon, you can buy it over the counter there for very reasonable prices.

I live In Australia and my GP prescribes Tret as a private script. I don’t know if that works in the UK, but I still buy the prescription strength stuff from the chemist but it’s not covered by the PBS (our equivalent to the pharmaceutical arm of the NHS). It’s MUCH cheaper than the subscription services above and lasts a hell of a lot longer. (Tube lasts at least 6m) If you do end up getting prescription grade tretinoin don’t hesitate to PM me. I can set you up with easy instructions on how to get going with it so you don’t need to go through the “uglies” and you don’t need to spend money on anything new. Apart from pregnancies, I have been using Tret for 25+ years and highly recommend.

Can you tell me more about buying OTC in Europe? I'm in Switzerland, hoping to be able to!

What age did most people start using Tret?

Thanks

I just saw another one online which uses Tret

• And Begin .

Is anyone familiar with that ? I'm watching along as also thinking about starting . My skin is pretty good for mid 50s but the inevitable is happening and feel I need something I bit more ... my DD20 has acne- can she use it ?

I don't know about Switzerland. I've heard that Spain and Greece definitely sell it in pharmacies - I know in Spain the brand is called Retirides (although I think Spain are cracking down on it and sometimes request a prescription). Also possibly Portugal and Italy.

It's annoying that you can't just buy it over the counter everywhere.

You can use it any time except when you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is also not advisable if you are trying to conceive. (This is why adapolene is the preferred drug for teens - and it also has fewer side effects.)

I've been using for almost a year. I love it. I've tried Dermatica and Skin & Me, AndBegin is the best for me, it's never irritated and I love that it's Tret, serum & moisturiser in one.

Cleanse put the product on then you're done, no layering and having to buy a load of products

Ive just started with Klira who prescribe tret in the correct amount with other ingredients for your skin.
I'm hoping for great things!

Greece no longer sell tretinoin - haven’t done for the past three years.

Thank you so much for all the replies very helpful. Gonna have a look at the websites recommended and get started

Yes, very interesting. Can I just check one thing? Do you get the treatment as a serum cream to use with your normal moisturiser or instead of?

I've used Tret for about 4 years, I started at 30. I have a very simple routine now. Cleanse, Tret, moisturise. In morning Spf. It can make skin a bit drier when you get used to it so make sure you have a rich moisturer. I prefer Dermatica as it's high percentages of Tret. You can set your subscription to be every 5/6 weeks which might be good if you start using 3 times a week.

There's a code if anyone wants (full transparency it gives me a discount)

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

I'm in France atm, can I get here over counter ? If so what percentage should it be ? Thanks.

You can start with the low dosage first like I started with 0.025% and then gradually increase it. Here goes my routine:
Morning:
Using water to wash your face,
Sebamed clear face gel,
Garnier spf
Evening:
Cerave moisturizer,
Tretinoin (0.1) from skinorac
Sebamed clear facial gel