⭐️ How to Choose the Right Retinoid

[@deniseburnham7783]

Yes, to all you said! For 2+ years, I could not get Curology or its sister brand Agency's formulation to work for me. No matter the strength or how I prepped and layered, my face peeled off. An infuriating tret journey! I was about to give up when I realized it may simply be the compound of the formulation, so I asked my derm. for a script. Boom! .05% every other night on the face and neck with no peeling, flaking, or irritation. I'm happy to remain at this strength for the rest of my life.

[@crisnemitz1606]

Yes! I had the same experience. I've recently started using Medikat8 Crystal Retinal which I believe is the strongest you can use without a prescription. Your comment makes me wonder if I should try seeing a local doctor.

[@deniseburnham7783]

@@crisnemitz1606 - May also be cost effective if your insurance will cover the Rx. My tube lasts me 3+ months and was $25. Medik8 is expensive! I use their eye serum 10 on the nights I don't use tret.

[@SkinObsessedMary]

Thanks so much for sharing and I'm thrilled you found something that works. I really did want to stick with it because I do honestly feel it makes a difference. The last time I went back on...about 6-8 months later I know it was working 🙌

[@SkinObsessedMary]

The Medik8 line is brilliant. It may be worth it...

[@SkinObsessedMary]

Ooh I haven't tried the eye serum 🤔

[@louiseedwardspeasybellafon1185]

I am 52 and have been using Retin A 0.1 % for 13 years. You do not need anything else. Keep it simple. Even adding certain moisturisers over the top can drive the product deeper and produce more peeling. Wash your face, dry, add Retin A, go to bed. ❤ I have less wrinkles now, than I did at 37 without ever having Botox or Fillers xxx

[@SkinObsessedMary]

I wish I could do that. Far too drying for me!

[@louiseedwardspeasybellafon1185]

Over the years I have found moisturiser makes Retin A peel if layered over the top. I do a moisture mask a few hours before and wash it off. Also by just using Retin A at night and nothing else, you are getting the full strength on your face and maximum benefits ❤

[@surpriseitsus9622]

I need a nice heavy cream on top. Maybe it's because I'm in Phoenix 🌵 My dermatologist was the one that suggested it and he is rught....for me

[@nehadmahmoud1]

Great vidoe mary

[@SkinObsessedMary]

Thank you 😊

[@kerryob1965]

Another great honest review of something that many folks use but have no clue on how to use correctly. Great tips. Bravo 👍

[@SkinObsessedMary]

Thanks so much Kerry 😘

[@Tracimakingwaves]

Great explanation! I'm 61 and started using Tretinoin just 6 months ago. I discussed my aging skin with my derm and all she offered were fillers. I asked to try Tretinoin and she gave me .1% with instructions to apply nightly. Total disaster! I did deep dives and adjusted my application and my skin is much happier.

[@SkinObsessedMary]

It's a shame we have to rely on our research but I'm glad it worked out 👍

[@surpriseitsus9622]

You need a different dermatologist

[@beeyourbest6675]

I take an oral vitamin A, and have noticed a big difference in my skin. Many times you need to feed your body from the inside out.

[@SkinObsessedMary]

Oooh that's interesting. What are you taking?

[@AgingNaturallywithJodylynn]

Great video my friend! I love my Tretinoin about 2x a week and a retinal on most days! ❤️🙏

[@SkinObsessedMary]

Which retinal do you use?

[@elizabethdudek213]

Hiya The Mary! This was soooo helpful. I've been trying to figure out The Rs (as I refer to them). I've had this video cued up to watch for a week and finally got to it. I really liked the AOS sample Retinal and Peptides I have, so went ahead and just got a bigger version. I think I'll try that for daily use until I get brave enough to do a prescription version. You're the bestest!

[@SkinObsessedMary]

Yay Elizabeth, I'm so glad it was helpful! The AOS is absolutely gorgeous :)

[@cecilieharris]

Love how nicely you broke this down to a very understandable way for those who aren’t so familiar with

[@riinamokki6199]

I thought exactly the same thing

[@SkinObsessedMary]

😊

[@SkinObsessedMary]

Thanks Cecelie 😘

[@CrazyMaryJo]

30 years ago dermatologists prescribed just Retin A. Peeling for all in layers looked like roof shingles for a month. And burned. Recommended Cetaphil as a cleanser and no moisturizer! Eventually “shingles” fell off and baby-like skin appeared. I used 3 times a week at night. Without moisturizer. 🙄 Then again, I was 45. Now I use Tretanoin mixed with a moisturizer 3 times a week. For the alligator skin on my forehead. But going to try your double cleanse/serum/night cream/tretanoin. Thanks for the advice.

[@SkinObsessedMary]

You're so welcome. Please let me know how it goes 🙏

[@nollaigbourke9132]

Such a helpful and interesting video Mary! I thought my skin would be so happy to befriend vitamin A but I realised the hard way I need to go low and slow too! I am hoping to move up to a retinal by the end of the year. ❤

[@SkinObsessedMary]

It's the only way to go..... what are you using now?

[@user-xc9hl1fr7h]

Great video again! I use Naturium retinal. I started at .05 and I am now using .1. I never get a reaction from it and it plays beautifully with my other products. Take care!

[@SkinObsessedMary]

That's great news!

[@claudiaglows]

Great video! I started just like you, once a week for one month since so, end, it allowed me to use tretinoin without any invitation on a nightly basis now

[@SkinObsessedMary]

I know you're a big fan! Are you still using the highly moisturising one? I'd like to try it.

[@geeta7768]

Hello Mary, I currently use Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream 3 x a week.I have used a few tubes of Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 without any issues.

[@SkinObsessedMary]

I LOVE the AOS night cream....I still have some too 😃

[@sfkat]

Good video!...I use tretinion .05% with the cream base. Never any problems. I also have the 1% gel which I use once or twice a week. It's a strong gel, so I'm careful and put good moisture after it, sometimes before. Before I just could not use the 1% but now I can, afraid to put it on my neck, but I put the .05% on my neck and under my eyes.

[@SkinObsessedMary]

I had the same problem with my neck. It just couldn't tolerate the .1%. Sounds like you've figured out the right balance 👍

[@TamarasTimelessBeauty]

Great video Mary! I’ve been using tret 0.1% 5 to 7 nights a week going on 25 years…even after all these years have to avoid the corners of my mouth and chin area…other than that good to go!

[@SkinObsessedMary]

I can tell Tamara!!

[@mariescott2820]

I started tretinoin in my 60s but fortunately have good skin for my age even starting late. I was up to .1% but even a couple times a week was too much. Dropped back to .05 3 times a week and alternate nights I use a retinaldehyde. Currently using the ISDN one that is a .1% retinaldehyde but also bakuchial and other good stuff. More expensive than other retinaldehydes I’ve used but I like the formulation. And the bottle lasts a long time so that helps justify the cost along with waiting for Lovelyskin sales. One night I don’t use either and use exfoliation products or just give my skin a break from actives. I haven’t had any issues with peeling etc since doing this.

[@SkinObsessedMary]

It sounds like you're onto a winner! I know a lot of people are alternating tret + retinal....smart!

[@lisawalker6524]

62 yo skincare junkie here. Have used various retinoids for 25 years. Tried tret at the highest prescription and I couldn’t get to work. Went back to the drawing board with Medi8 Retinal and am now at a 20 their highest strength. Ready to go into a prescription again maybe the tret .05. What do you think? Love this concise but detailed video. Thanks. 🙏🏻

[@SkinObsessedMary]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it 😊 Good question about making a change....if you're happy with what you're using I'd say there's no real reason to. However, if you do, I'd definitely go on the lower side - even .025% - and use less frequently. Even if your skin is pretty used to retinoids, tret is a lot stronger than retinal. I personally am so glad I'm back on it. Let me know what happens pray 🙏

[@ginforbreakfast2436]

Hi Mary I have just discovered your channel and I'm working my way through some of your videos. Apologies for this question not being related to Retinol...I've had a similar journey and love your recommendations. I'm 63 and just started microneedling my hands and arms which have been seriously neglected! I would like to apply a serum afterwards if money were no object I would try Calecim...Can you recommend anything?or Im in UK and like you limited with added shipping costs.

[@SkinObsessedMary]

That's a good question. Another product I truly love is Neo Genesis Recovery Cellular Repair Serum. I don't know if you can find it in the UK though. go.shopmy.us/p-1068949 I have the benefit of regular trips to the US so I picked this up one of my visits home. The main thing is to use a product that is specifically for mesoptherapy. Another one I bought (but haven't used yet) is this one that's far more affordable. go.shopmy.us/p-4141703

[@annhall2331]

I started Tretinoan at 59 and its the best thing i ever did, i didn't really know about it before then and i did a lot of research to find the right one for me. Wish id started at 40 but hadn't heard of it back then. I did go through the terrible side effects after a while but i twaeked my routine and got back on the horse. Now im on the highest dose from Dermatica and using every night x

[@SkinObsessedMary]

Fantastic! Are you on a high strength? How did you incorporate into your routine? I used Dermatica too - it's great 👍

[@annhall2331]

@@SkinObsessedMary now on highest dose after 18 months or suffered with peeling but changed PM routine to toner moisturiser Tret then another rich moisturiser on top no problems since then x

[@SkinObsessedMary]

@@annhall2331 that’s great

[@melindagenitempo2359]

Gosh I started Retin a ages ago. Stopped during baby birthing season lol. Now I use 3 to 4 times a week with a night for retinaldyde a night for PSA goals and glycolic cream and a hydration only night where I use a lot fermented ingredients. That's my story ❤❤

[@SkinObsessedMary]

You got it down 🙌

[@cherideese3751]

I started Tretinoin a year ago (.05%) after using OTC retinoids for about 6 months. Started every 3rd night for a month and worked up to nightly. Always did the sandwich method with my moisturizer. (Did not use any actives in the beginning.) I now use it about 5 nights in a row, and when I start to get dry patches, I back off for a couple days. My dark spots have lightened up and my forehead wrinkles don't look as pronounced.

[@SkinObsessedMary]

Fantastic! Sometimes there is a bit of trial & error but it sounds like you found the right routine 👍

[@MatMat-qi2rd]

Where I live (EU) most dermatologists do not prescribe Retinoic Acid products, provided it's to target acne. 😮

[@SkinObsessedMary]

I live in the EU too! I guess it all depends on your doctor. Where do you live?

[@brigidkeogh416]

Thanks to your channel Mary I have found Skin and Me and have ben using 0.03%. I def do not think I could tolerate any higher.(Had been using 0.5% from Portugal no problem) I am on month 2 with S & Me using daily as rec. Its a struggle, cant use my active products only in the morning. Just wonder if the Trinny London SPF 50 is ok it seems so lightweight, but its the only one look greasy. ❤

[@SkinObsessedMary]

I'm very curious about the Trinny SFP myself. They're doing a pop-up in BT in April, so I'll be popping in to pick some up! Is your skin struggling to adjust to S+M? Did they start you on .03%? They started me on .007% (I laughed out loud) and only built me up really slowly...

[@brigidkeogh416]

Sorry 0.030 % Niacinamide 4% and Azelaic Acid 4%. Im struggling this week, had to stop this week, use Esse and wait. It seems so much more potent than higher dose, bought in Portugal. Had been ok for 2 months. 😫

[@karenm706]

Hi Mary😊 In my mid 50s & started using Retinol late last year. I tried Cerave (both versions). They don't list the % & don't seem effective for me. I live in dry climate & have hormonal acne (perimenopause). I just switched to Avene .05 cream yesterday. Didn't see either of those products in your list. Thoughts on those? Thank you!

[@SkinObsessedMary]

I've heard incredibly things about the Avene, though I haven't tried tried either. The thing about these products is that they take a long time to work. It's definitely a long game kind of thing....like 6 months before you notice anything (in my opinon).

[@karenm706]

@@SkinObsessedMary Thank you❤️

[@kerryob1965]

@Gary: please do more than just your nose!!

[@SkinObsessedMary]

🤣