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Retinol + SPF for beginner

26 replies

TheLette · 25/01/2025 22:27

Hi, sorry I know there have been a few threads on this in the past but hoping for a recommendation based on products that are currently available.

I'm 40, combination or oily skin (not sure which) which is generally ok. A few spots on my chin sometimes and my pores are a bit larger than I would like. I don't smoke or drink much, and eat healthily. However, my skin looks a bit dull, lines are beginning to appear, and eyebags are a definite thing, so I wanted to see what products might help. Finding it difficult to pick products as there are so many and reviews are often a bit mixed.

I understand that I need a low % retinol sparingly to begin with to use sparingly, and to use SPF in the day.

My questions are:

  1. what would be a good starter retinol? Preferred budget up to £35.
  2. is it best to get a retinol night cream or just a retinol serum, and use a separate night cream? I don't currently have a specific night cream.
  3. what SPF would be best for oily skin? Hopefully around £10 (but not in an insanely small bottle).
  4. is there a good shop I could go to in London which would give me recommendations? Space NK, John Lewis?

My skincare regime is minimal at the moment. I use micellar water to remove makeup and I just started using a LRP cleanser at night. I wash my face with water and use a serum or moisturizer for oily skin in the morning (sadly not with SPF). I wear some makeup but nothing heavy like foundation or tinted moisturizer.

Thanks in advance

OP posts:
rumkar · 15/02/2025 20:40

If it makes you feel better, good skincare and makeup are well worth spending £50-100 a month on.

Medik8 crystal retinal 3 is good, but tretinoin is a more effective as a retinoid at the same or lower cost.

https://versedskin.com/blogs/learn/types-of-retinol

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