Can’t use tret - what else should I use?

[Stygimoloch]

I need help with a skincare routine. I’m 46 and currently using Biore Watery Essence every day and at night I use CeraVe moisturising cream after CeraVe face wash. I just feel my skin looks dull and I have some fine lines.

I tried Tret but had to discontinue as I developed perioral dermatitis. I had a subscription with Dermatica and tried really hard with it, using moisturiser as a buffer and building up to a higher % very slowly. I probably carried on with it for longer than I should have but had to admit defeat. I’m gutted I can’t use it.

Does anyone have any recommendations to what I could use to brighten up my skin? I also really need recommendations for a foundation.

Thanks!

Hello - I have had exactly the same experience as you with tret, so disappointing! I haven’t yet found a nice alternative so will be interested to see what people recommend.
Re foundation, I recently started using Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint and I really like it. It’s quite light - very much ‘my skin but better’. Gives a nice subtle gleam too.

According to some studies, adapalene gives simialr results to tret but is less irritating, maybe look into that?

Otherwise for brightening up, vitC and niacinamine serums. I use ANUA ones.

@howdoibeginthat skin tint looks great and the reviews seem very good. I’ve ordered it so thanks.
@MoodSwingSetI’ve never heard of adapalene so will look into it. I definitely need something less irritating!

You may try with taz instead of tret. Here goes my routine if you would be interested:
Morning:
Using water to wash your face,
Sebamed clear face gel,
Garnier spf on my face and sun bum on the body
Cicaplast
Evening:
LRP moisturizer,
Tretinoin (0.1) from skinorac
Sebamed clear facial gel

Are you me OP? I have exactly (as in exactly) the same face care routine. I'm a couple of years older than you though...

I posted on here a while ago for recommendations for vitamin C and retinol. Through that and reading threads (e.g. www.mumsnet.com/talk/style_and_beauty/5048575-best-vitamin-c-cream-serums-etc-please) on here I found Geek & Gorgeous. I haven't actually bought any of their stuff yet, but I'm planning on trying it. I'm not sure about Vit C though, but they have other options.

Btw re. pp's reco for adapalene. I tried that when I had one of those skincare subscriptions a few years ago and it totally flared up my perioral dermatitis.

I've actualyl found that my skin has looked the best (in terms of redness, outbreaks) on my current routine. Apart from looking a bit dull. But that could be menopause and/or the fact that I don't wear make-up (and the bright-skinned folks do?)

@HippyKayYaythanks for that link. How weird we have the same routine! It’s more of a default routine for me while I’m getting over my tret disappointment. Maybe I just need to add some vitamin C serum.

Do you use eye cream? I’m currently siding CeraVe version of that but feel it’s not really doing anythjng.

Vitamin C really works to brighten my skin. I got this one in a beauty box thing and couldn't believe what a difference it made.

https://www.superdrug.com/skin/face-skin-care/face-serums/vitamin-c-super-booster-face-serum-30ml/p/799576?gclsrc=aw.ds&gadsource=1&gaddcampaignid=21718485800&gbraid=0AAAAADp4mz8WgXaxr2PERWrEd68D45sL&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImaqWsMvTjQMVZZVQBh3FbSYpEAQYAyABEgLRDDD_BwE

I'm using this at the movement. It's not as good so will go back to Superdrug once it's done.

sundayriley.uk/products/ceo-glow

From the reviews of the Superdrug one and this article it seems it's the ferulic acid that makes the difference.

www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/g60443536/best-vitamin-c-ferulic-acid/

I don't think anything really compares to tret although you could try differin gel or cream. I think it works pretty much as well as it is still a prescription strength retinoid. I think the gel can be drying though and the cream isn't as easy to get here as in the US. If you can use other acids then I do like the P 50 lotion by Biologique Recherche is really good and makes my skin amazing, expensive though.

Can you tolerate acids? A glycolic toner will make a big difference.

I also have perioral dermatitis which has been triggered by tret in the past. I’ve found that using a barrier cream like Avene Cicaplast in problem areas a few minutes before along with a bland moisturiser on top has made it tolerable. Also kept to a low percentage. I now use it everyday happily.

I gave up on eye cream years ago, having realised that not a single one I used made the jot of difference. In fact, I have found that the more I use on my face, the worse it was (in terms of redness, PO derm, spots). My skin is now completely clear (now I'm through menopause), but just looks a bit tired/ dull. So I'm exploring adding things back into my routine. Or at least, I'm thinking about doing it. I'm fundamentally lazy with this stuff though, and I can't be doing with a long, complex (or expensive) skincare ritual!

Just FYI OP, this completely messed up my skin in the past too! In terms of PO derm...

Thanks for that link