Anyone else given up on retinol & SPF?

54 replies

Arraminta · 28/03/2026 09:51

So, for the 6th or 7th time I've tried introducing a very mild retinol and daily SPF into my skin care, only for my skin to feel uncomfortable and tight within days.

I've tried various combinations, using lots of moisturiser etc, and doesn't matter how much I spend, it always ends like this. Anyone else?

I wear Eborian BB creme which is SPF 25, and I know this really isn't ideal, but I think it's as good as it gets for my face? I've never put my face in the sun, always kept it shaded etc.

OP posts:

LieLowLulu · 31/03/2026 16:05

Quamarina · 31/03/2026 12:56

I started gradually with a very low concentration (boots no7 0.3%) every other night and daily after the first 2 weeks. I don’t think my skin could cope with a higher dose, I’m prone to eczema and react to most fragranced skincare. I’ve currently stopped to use a derma roller at home, if after a month I’m seeing better skin with the roller I’m quitting retinol for good. It hasn’t given the results I expected, I’ve used the concentrate and the night cream diligently for a year. I wouldn’t say my skin is better or worse, I haven’t seen a reduction in fine lines. I feel it’s a bit restrictive for me, I like using face scrubs and very mild peels but can’t with retinol, even at such a low concentrate. Plus it seems to mess with eyebrow tint and my brows are light again within a few days of dyeing them. This has only happened since retinol. Also I have a mad fluffy blonde moustache because even following the advice of stopping for 5 days before a wax, I still ended up with wax burn and some pretty horrible broken capillaries on my top lip.

The Boots version is 10 x the strength of the one I'm using.
It's not a low dose.

FuckaboutFindout · 31/03/2026 22:45

@Quamarina
Waxing is not advised
I have threading instead

outerspacepotato · 31/03/2026 23:12

I don't like US sunscreens, I find them heavy and a bit greasy. I use Japanese or Korean sunscreens on my face, neck, and hands. Right now, I'm using Skin1004 Hyalu-Cicu SPF 50 PA++++.

I use OTC retinol, right now I'm using the Byoma Sensitive Retinol Oil.

UmberMoose · 01/04/2026 11:10

Initially when I started my skincare routine, many products didn't work but then I finalised a routine for my sensitive skin and it works. So here is my routine that I follow if it may help:
Morning:
Using water to wash your face and micellar water
Sebamed clear face gel,
LRP spf
Evening:
LRP moisturizer,
Started with Tretinoin (0.025) from skinorac
Sebamed clear facial gel

Flip

1 2 3