'Entry level' Vit C and Retinol(al? oid?) recos

[HippyKayYay]

There was an article about skincare in the Guardian a few weekends ago that asked a bunch of dermatolagists what they actually used on themselves. The two things that they almost universally said were Vit C serum and retinol(?retinoid?).

Can anyone recommend something entry level for me to try? I'm 49, in menopause and my skin is fine - clear and no particular issues, but a bit dull-looking and it's only going in one direction, age-wise... I had rosacea in the past and was sensitive to some things I tried previously, but that all seems to have calmed down now I've not got hormonal cycles anymore...

I currently have a super simple regime - just wash and moisturise am and pm with Cerave stuff and use SPF50. I don't want to spend loads to start with in case it irritates my skin/ doesn't actually do anything (which has mostly been my experience with skincare...)

As you're using cerave already they do a vitamin C serum to use in the morning and a retinol at night.

I'd maybe start with one, in case you have a reaction and then you'll know what is causing the problem. Start 2/3 times a week and if you've no problems build up to daily.

When you're using retinol it's really important to use SPF 50 every day. Garnier do a nice light one that's not expensive.

Sorry just saw you use SPF 50 already!

Seeing as you already use Cerave they do a Vit C serum. It's not one I've tried but isn't too expensive.

https://www.boots.com/cerave-skin-renewing-10-pure-vitamin-c-serum-with-ceramides-for-brighter-and-smoother-skin-30ml-10339895

You'll probably get recommendations for prescription Tretinoin which is the strongest form of retinal and fairly cheap but it's not beginner level and can take some getting used to even at lower strengths.

You might want to start with a standard retinal just to get used to it. Medik8 do a good one which isn't very cheap but you can start on 1 which is the lowest strength and work up.

Thank you both. I didn't know about the Cerave stuff.

Any other recos? I've seen Salli Hughes something or other suggested on here I think?

And does this stuff need to be kept in the fridge? If so, I'll be almost guaranteed to forget to use it (as fridge it not close to my bathroom!)

I'm using Summer Fridays Vit C at the moment. I really like it and it doesn't cause me irritation (rosacea) but it's not cheap (£65 I think).

A lot of people rate Sunday Riley CEO Vit C which is also not cheap, although decent deals can be found on it - QVC do a lot of Sunday Riley deals. I'm planning to try that next.

I don't keep mine in the fridge but I do keep it away from sunlight.

Yes I have been using tretinoin for sometime now. Here goes my routine if you would be interested:
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