Aklief

[SexAndCakes]

I've never used retinol but am 44 and want to start. I've ordered Aklief as a private prescription from Boots based on a passing mention I saw on here. Has anyone else tried it? Curious to hear of any experiences. The list of possible side effects is long but I think that's true of all retinols.

I've just started, but overdid it slightly! I've used retinol serums and Skin&Me before (latter had tret but didn't do anything for me IMO) so thought I could jump straight in... I was also probably a bit blasé and applied on damp skin, which apparently can increase irritation.

Did 2 nights in a row - skin felt a bit dry after the first day and then my skin around my nose/mouth started stinging/flaking when I applied moisturiser after the second day. La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume was a lifesaver- stopped the stinging and healed the flakiness.

I've just restarted very carefully (after leaving it for a week) and have avoided my nose/mouth for now.

Really early impressions but I like the texture better than Skin&Me. Apart from my nose/mouth areas, the rest of my face is reacting really well - may just be coincidence but a couple of blemishes I had have healed more quickly.

Let me know how you get on! Oh and if you Google "Aklief Reddit", there's lots more first hand experiences.

This is very helpful, thanks @lovehatesummer. I plan to collect tomorrow and will update on how I get on. Will go slow based on this advice!

Good luck! I'm keeping to 2x a week for now and with lots of moisturiser. May up to 3x eventually depending on how it goes.

I like it better than tret - it may have been my post you saw. I started at 3x/week and am now up to 6x/week.

Cetaphil cream in the tub with the green top, morning and evening, followed by LaRoche Posay SPF 50 every morning are crucial. I used to use Cerave moisturisers but they sting with the Aklief. My derm (unrelated issues) recommends Cetaphil for anyone using retinoids.

I cannot use Aklief around my eyes.

My derm also likes the LRP Cicaplast mentioned by @lovehatesummer