Recommend me a high street retinol serum…

[BayleysOnCornflakes]

I have tried Dermatica already, was prescribed tretionoin plus hydroquinone, not sure it made any difference for the price…

Skin concerns are a bit of everything at 46, few dark spots, uneven texture, just generally need a bit more help. Currently using Sally Hughes Vit C serum in the morning and pink No 7 serum with matching cream at night.

Would I benefit from niacinamide more? Or should I get that too?

How long were you using Dermatica for? It's prescription strength so anything you get in the high street will be less powerful.

I’ve tried loads including Medik8, Dermatica and Skin and Me. Monderma has given me the best results by far - my prescription is a niacinamide, azelaic acid and tretinoin.

@BlueBlueBerries Tried it for 3 months…

How are sales by the way? Did you decide not to share your before and after pics?

My post was in genuine good faith to try and help the OP as I’ve been using retinoids and tret for years. I’m nothing to do with the Monderma. Not sure why you feel the need to be so snidey.

I stopped using dermatica and have been using CeraVe retinol resurfacing serum for a couple of months now and like the results.

La Roche Posay

La Roche Posay is good but you are better off with a retinoid.
ps I recall PiggyPigalle responding similarly to a Dermatica comment before.

Tretinoin is gold standard really, but it's a long haul/lifelong thing

Did you find you had different prescriptions from all those you tried and Monderma found right formula for you, or do they have other plus points? As introductory offers are so cheap, I thought I'd sign up to both Skin+Me and Dermatica to see if they come up with same prescription and then cancel one. Their prescriptions couldn't be more different so that's made me research it all a lot more and Monderma seem to be creeping up in popularity. Wondering if I've missed a trick by not trying them first.

Hi, I honestly can’t remember exactly but the prescription of tret from S&M was extremely low, and I just didn’t see the results from it after 6 months so it didn’t seem worth it. Dermatica was a slightly higher prescription along with azelaic acid, and the side effects were pretty bad in terms of peeling (relentless). Again I saw minimal results so on balance it just wasn’t worth the shredded wheat chin and nose 😣

Monderma starred me off on 0.015% tret (I think) which this month has stepped up to the next level and has been noticed an immediate improvement. The only other retinol that was this good for me was Medik8. I’m awful for swapping and changing skin care I don’t see immediate results but I’m so invested in the Monderma as it’s actually delivered and I’ve seen a massive change in texture, clarity and radiance. Try it.

For a high street option I have been using Neutrogena retinol boost serum and eye cream and I really think it has helped.

Skin+Me have prescribed 0.006% Tret with 4% of Niacinimide and 4% Azelaic acid, with gradually progression of Tret to 0.015 by month 4. Dermatica have prescribed Tret at 0.05% and nothing else. Massive difference in approaches? So I have submitted my consultation with Monderma and let's see what they come up with. I'm pretty certain I'll cancel Dermatica as it seems really too high. Am currently 3 days in on Skin+Me and no ill effects. Dermatica Tret has not arrived yet.

You're nice.

I Have used a few different ones , some high end , some middle of the range but most impressed by Este Lauder Night repair serum and Olay’s creams in the red and blue pots . For the value of money and really excellent skin smoothing results ( I can see and feel a big improvement in my open pours ) I’m going to continue with the Olay products .
I don’t follow one brand through all my steps …. This works for me ….
Liz Earl hot cloth
Clinique pink clarifying toner
Olay .
My skin has never felt better. X

45 and I use Monderma too. It’s improved my pores and crepey undereye skin. The best prescription skincare I’ve tried. I’m on my 7th month at tretinoin 0.025% and am fine with this strength. I previously tried 0.05% from another provider, but my skin couldn’t tolerate it. This is what they started me off on:

Month 1: Tretinoin 0.01%, Azelaic Acid 3%, Niacinamide 2%
Month 2: Tretinoin 0.015%, Azelaic Acid 3%, Niacinamide 2%
Month 3: Tretinoin 0.02%, Azelaic Acid 3%, Niacinamide 2%
Month 4: Tretinoin 0.025%, Azelaic Acid 3%, Niacinamide 2%

We are pleased to confirm your custom formula for this month. Our dermatology team has prescribed the following active ingredients to use as your night cream:

Tretinoin 0.25%: a vitamin A based retinoid that speeds up skin cell renewal to shrink pores, clear spots, and smooth fine lines.

Azelaic Acid 3%: an anti-inflammatory agent that blocks irritable molecules to reduce redness, calm inflammation, and lighten patches of darker skin.

Niacinamide 2%: a vitamin B3 based antioxidant that strengthens the skin’s barrier function to lock in moisture and boost hydration.

Your vegan base cream also contains hyaluronic acid and peptides to increase skin suppleness.

Your custom formula will be shipped for delivery tomorrow, and you will receive a tracking notification from Royal Mail once it is on its way.

You can check the status of your order anytime in My Account.

Monderma is good. It's improved my pigmentation more than any other tretinoin I've tried.

I'm preferring it to retinol.

Prescription strength vitamin A (retinol, Tret ) is a long term product. I’ve been using various different vitamin A’s for almost 20 odd years. My skin is better than any of my old school friends, none of whom use anything similar. I really don’t think it’s something you can ‘see’ after a few months.

Interesting thread. My skin feels amazing just on The Ordinary 2% Granactive Retinoid at night. Day time I use organic rosehip oil as a serum just on top of Body Shop Oils of Life. I'm premeni btw, always suffered with open pores and dry skin prone to occasional spots, so hopefully I've finally found a combo that suits!

I'm nearly 63 and I can honestly say I've never found anything that has made a significant difference, be it cheap, expensive, or something in between. And definitely not now I'm older and out of desperation have spent stupid amounts of money on so called game changers. Best advice probably, that came my way too late, is wear a sunscreen every day. I'm now just starting on Tretinoin as that does seem to have proven results. Will see how it goes.

I agree. Tretinoin and sunscreen are my two most important skincare products.

Clever marketing has everyone rushing to try everything these days. So much time and money wasted with no results to show for it! I have found Tretinoin to be the absolute gold standard over the years. Used as part of a simple daily routine (at bedtime), it helps resolve and visibly improve many skin concerns if you take it slowly.

I will try hydroquinone with it. I'm very impressed with their tretinoin, particularly undereye. Skin feels a lot brighter and firmer.

If you want to brighten your further try tranexamic acid. It can be used with tret long-term. Hydroquinone is only for 6 months I believe. It should be compatible with azelaic acid.