My ULTIMATE Guide to Retinoids - Do I Need More Than One?

[@Pokipez]

I would love for you to do a live Q and A! Maybe at a time that is good for both the UK and the US.

[@raebaddings1521]

I find a lot of private dermatologists in the U.K. don’t prescribe tretinoin. Only ones on Harley Street seem to, and it’s expensive branded products, not generic. Strange, because in a lot of European countries you can get it over the counter for cheap (although they are sometimes fragranced).

[@jellybabyhells]

Dr Sam, Your best videos are always the ones where you speak as a dermatologist to us the viewers as if we are the patient actually sat in your office. Factual, succinct and informative. Please do more like this. Great video.

[@curlgirl4265]

I absolutely agree with you on this! I just told my husband that I learn more in the 3 1/2 minute videos that Dr Sam does, than in most of the other 30 minute videos I watch from other KZbinrs. I love it!

[@abiruscombe-king3578]

Dr. Sam, thanks for the clear and useful videos. I think it might be helpful to do one making it clear what types of Retinoid, for which issues, are available in the UK, under the NHS at primary care and secondary care levels; and when one would need to see a private dermatologist in order to receive treatment. There seems to be quite a bit of confusion, and it isn’t ideal if valuable primary care appointments get taken up by people going in to ask their GP for Tretinoin for ageing.

[@parissinclair6513]

Dr. Sam looks GORGEOUS in this video.

[@kevinzhang8818]

Omg. This is the answer that i have been looking for all over the Internet!!!

[@MShaiqable]

Love your videos on retinoids! Your videos are what gave me the courage to try a retinoid again and my skin has improved SO MUCH. I cannot thank you enough. Would love to join your facebook group!

[@rachelmisra9078]

It would be so good to elaborate on the last part of this video - different retinoids for different purposes. You’ve covered differin for acne and retin-a for ageing but what about dark marks on face, exfoliation etc

[@goddessglow6996]

Dr Sam are there any direct links with eye conditions and the use of retinoids and tretinoin? Resulting in impaired dark adaptation, known as "night blindness”, headache, drowsiness, blurred vision (source)?

[@lisabirgit87]

Hi DrSam, Your videos are fab and so helpful to a confused acne sufferer. I wonder if you could do an updated video of your favourite vitamin a (getting confused by what to call it retinol, retinoids retina etc etc) mentioning strengths low to high, for different skin types and both over the counter and prescription. Products change all the time and I certainly would appreciate an update to ensure I am getting the most suitable products! Thanks again! Lisa x

[@Marie-oy1bd]

This is such helpful information! We are swimming in so much information and so many choices, it's fantastic that you take the time to share your knowledge. What are your thoughts on a 12-year-old using a trentinoin product for acne treatment?

[@curlgirl4265]

Thank you for this video! I was just thinking about if pairing retinol in between days with retin- a would be beneficial. It now makes perfect sense why it would not. Thank you for so clearly educating us on skincare. I greatly appreciate it.

[@pautatoes]

Thank you, Dr. Sam. I really live for your straightforward beauty videos!

[@Tailevuductri]

Thank for your video, Dr. Sam. Can you make a recommend video about retinol products? I really want to have a good retinol choice to use. Many thanks!

[@rtongcn]

Thank you for this one. I have both types of product in my stash and wasn’t sure how best to use them.

[@translationproject]

Thank you. Would you please do a video on layering products and their order? For example whether layering Vit C/Ferulic Acid and Tretinoin at night is ok and their order. Would moisturizer come after them etc.

[@ninjaturtles12121]

translationproject hi i just wanted to say vit c has a reservoir effect of 72 hours so there is no point in using it at night and in fact is the most active when used during the day on bare skin under a spf higher than 30 preferably mineral.

[@DrSamBunting]

noted!

[@missmona9088]

Hi Dr. Sam: I hear you! I think the concern is in using Retin-A every night. Many of us don’t want to do that (because it’s a toxin), so we alternate nights with a Retinol. Is that harmful? 💋🇨🇦

[@annalansky1543]

May you please talk about skincare routine for 37+ during pregnancy?

[@DrSamBunting]

noted!

[@wjs5773]

I had been "rotating" because I have been building up to using Differin every day and it seemed a good idea to use an over the counter retinol on the days that I was not using Differin. To be honest that seemed like a better idea than simply not using any other vitamin A product on the non-Differin days. This is not a long term ploy and I wonder if in your next video you could clarify why this would be problematic.

[@katebermingham7690]

Great video. There are so many retinol products out there - can you recommend some good ones, at the cheaper end of the spectrum? It would be great to know which ones are best for sensitive and acne prone skin too!

[@lydiaanderson8243]

Hi Dr. Sam! Totally unrelated to this video, but would you mind sharing the foundation you have on in this video? I have a very similar complexion to yours in coloring and the finish looks beautiful. Thank you so much!

[@debbiesanderson8442]

Thank you for all the advice you give it is soooo helpful. I have just been diagnosed with perineal dermatitis by the gp and now have no idea what skincare to avoid or brands that are recommended including Retinol. Your advice would be very much appreciated as I am keen to look after my skin but don't want to irritate it and would like to minimise the chances of a flare up.

[@reemaldekhyyel9561]

Extremely helpful. Thanks!

[@doanphuong1325]

Please do a video on how to use it? What’s the best way to apply Tretinoin? I usually apply it after moisturizer to help with the irritation but will this be diluting it. Also, do you need to apply moisturizer after the Tretinoin?

[@DrSamBunting]

I've got a video here about using retinoids here, feel free to check it out, kzbin.info/www/bejne/e16QpaKKiq2khNk ,and the most important thing is that you can tolerate the tretinoin without irritation, so layering moisturiser is fine

[@bimbadisemmy]

Dr sam, what do. you think about retin A and comedogenity? Sorry for the silly question. I was prescribed the "Same tretinoin" which is supposed to be identical to retin A and has isopropyl myristate in it... got a bit scared off reading online that it is highly comedogenic. Thanks

[@dawnruth2397]

Love your channel! I searched your library and didn't see a video on anti-aging and pregnancy. Could you produce a video on this topic? I know retinoids are no-go but are there alternatives that could help while pregnant? Thanks!!

[@Junichild]

Very helpful, thank you :-) What is your opinion on e.g. the granactive retinoids from the Ordinary? The claim seems to be that it's at least as powerful as the 1 % retinol product. I'm confused about this.

[@Mittens23]

Me too. Ive just purchased this..and now I'm not sure if its the one for me?? I dont have acne..just wanted it for the anti aging benefits.

[@missf79]

Nice video as always! Which (if any) retinoid for anti ageing would you recommend for Rosacea? x

[@fatinak291]

what's the different between prescribed tritinoin you buy from Pharmcy & The Obagi Tritinoin are they the same strength? and whats the high percentange you can get? many thanks

[@annamaral1]

Hi Dr. Sam, today i had my first visit at the local hospital after trying to get a referral for 5 years . Unfortunately my experience wasn't great , the doctor didn't give me any answers about what i asked , and only recomended the course of treatments antibiotics or tretinoin. I havr been on roaccutane before and don't want that route again and antibiotics don't work for me. The epiduo gel suddenly is giving me eczema under my eyes after 4 years of use. I can't afford to visit you unfortunately so I'm a bit lost. Any advice?

[@kristinanewman3444]

Can you please do some videos on facial hair.

[@mave143]

Your hair got pretty close to that candle at a few points!! Dr. Burning.....

[@kellykirkham6263]

Could you please give me the name of a retinol for melasma. Thanks in advance

[@yvetteszparaga805]

Thank you Dr Sam, this came at just the right time for me. My tretinoin is about to run out and was debating whether to buy differin instead (big price difference). I do get frustrated with tretinoin as, to start with I had no reaction at all, I’ve change routine a bit and now peel which is frustrating when trying to add foundation. I am 49 and use it mainly for extremely oily skin, blackheads and spots. Any anti aging benefits are a welcome bonus. Just reading this back to myself think I’ve confused myself further! Would it be better to switch to differin and maybe not get the peeling? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated x

[@jens7722]

Hi Sam Your videos are so helpful, thank you. I’m in my early 30s with oily skin, prone to breakouts with large pores and early signs of ageing. What type of retinol would you recommend? Any brands, particular products? I’ve tried The Ordinary 2% in the past - the first one they launched. Would something like that be suitable? Thanks in advance x

[@katehogan2352]

Hey, love your straight forward, very informative advise. Just after a bit of product advise really. I’m 33, don’t really have troublesome skin, generally combination, slight oily in the T-Zone after a day at work in the office. Mainly just want to keep lines and wrinkles at bay. I currently use Paula’s choice 1% retinol and have done for while. Just wanted some advice on what could be my next step up the retinol ladder please. I value you opinion. Thank you in advance.

[@missthelife]

Do we have to go to a private Dr For Tretanoin? (For those of us living under the NHS)

[@TC-gc5rt]

Thank you, Dr. Bunting. I have a question, but first a little background. I have been using Refissa for just over a year and my skin now tolerates it very well-with some skin sensitivity once in awhile, no peeling or redness. Is it advantageous to move up to .1%? I am using it for anti-aging. Your thoughts are appreciated.

[@nicolasmith365]

Thanks for another great video! I’m 40 and have been using differin for acne. I’m wondering if there would be any advantage switching to something like medik8 10 TR if I need anti-aging benefits too?

[@rachel6805]

Hi Dr. Bunting - what do you think of regularly taking a micro dose of RoAccutane for anti-aging purposes?

[@Sahar-style]

I started using a Retinol cream by Neutrogena a couple of months ago and it's breaking me out. The breakout is mostly around my chin and high on my cheeks, is this common amongst retinol users? How can I prevent this? I'd love it if you could answer😊

[@moshicute2201]

Sahar Shawa Yes, it is common. Very common. I got skin irritation around my nose and under eye area (even though I'm not using it around my eye area) You can watch video explanation on Retinoids by Dr. Davin Lim (Best Skin Care Product, Retinol) and Dr. Neal Schultz (I forgot the video tittle😅) Hope this help

[@Aisstylish]

I’ve been using Differin cream since Oct ‘17 and it has cleared up my congested forehead beautifully. I use it every night religiously. Do I just continue to completely finish the tube and get repeat prescriptions when it has finished or just stop using it? I am scared if I stop using it my forehead will go back congested. I am 44 yrs old Uk based. Thank you

[@suzannafs]

I use NeoStrata Skin Active Intensive Eye Therapy every night after applying retinol - is that a good idea? Is it being affective?

[@XxmillenianstarxX]

Hi doctor Sam, so if using retinoids changes the way your skin works, does that mean stopping after using it a long time would be detrimental? Does the skin become dependent on the molecule and deteriorate without it?

[@ninjaturtles12121]

XxmillenianstarxX not necessarily just that it can no longer continue preventing damage or reduce/erase lines or prevent brown spots that one would continue to incur from the sun etc. So you'll miss out on the continuous prevention and collagen building this active is brilliant at especially as we will never stop accumulating sun damage the no.1 cause of aging even with a sunscreen use 365 days (they can only block around 90% of the damage i.e. if used correctly, reapplied etc which no one can do)

[@RobinKHood]

A large amount of my acne is hormonal, can I still use retinol/retinoic acids? Even in very low amounts? I have a lot of redness left over from acne, even acne 6-8 weeks gone. Would it help clear up the redness even if not much help with cystic acne? I have a feeling if I was not a redhead, the redness would be actual pigmentation.

[@peishernkang1527]

Can I alternate tretinoin cream and AHAs? So Mondays Wednesdays Fridays tretinoin after cleansing at night And on Tuesdays and Thursdays AHA/PHA (neostrata gel up 15 aha)

[@avalyn28]

I am curious as to when you would recommend starting a retinol. Do you think someone should wait until they have signs of ageing or should they use it as a preventive measure? I will be 30 this year, I have no wrinkles, not much sun damage (been using sunscreen regularly for years and daily for the past 2 years). I wouldn't want to wait until I start seeing wrinkles until I start a retinoid, buy I also wouldn't want to take unnecessary steps. I would be curious about your take on the issue. Disclaimer: I will obviously talk to a physician before doing anything, but I am trying to research options and know what to aim for.

[@beverlysimple411]

I heard is fine to start anti-ageing at 25 because that is when everything starts preparing to go south. Whatever you choose to do, go low dose.

[@bexchapman8122]

Thanks for the video. Can / will a U.K. GP prescribe Tretinoin?

[@MrsDawnP101]

bex chapman My GP did with monthly check ups & after a referral to a NHS dermatologist, I now have it on repeat prescription issued through my GP with annual check ups at the hospital. Mine is for severe cycstic acne scarring but my wrinkles are virtually none existent as an added bonus 😁

[@abiruscombe-king3578]

bex chapman For acne, first line treatment consists of combinations of things like antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide and treatments like Differin. They used to prescribe Isotretinoin for acne, but it isn’t widely used now due to the potential side effects, especially in pregnancy, and the fact that Differin is tolerated better. Some people have reported not being able to get it from pharmacies, even when they have had a prescription for it. You are very unlikely to get Tretinoin from a GP, and certainly not for ageing. You would have to see a private dermatologist.

[@raebaddings1521]

bex chapman tretinoin isn’t available on the NHS.

[@rosiethomas8823]

Dr Sam, what is the step up from differin for acne?

[@amyherrick6772]

Would you talk about Tazorac (Tazoratene)? I found it works better for my adult cystic acne than Retin A (tretenoin) but I don’t know why. Any guidance?

[@maryarenz771]

Will retinol destroy hair follicles? I am thinning I one spot near my scalp. I was concerned the retinol could be getting up near the scalp. Just wondering if I’m being silly.

[@oldenglishsheepdogfun5960]

Thank you. May I ask, if your skin is happy with the highest tretinoin .1 I think is that ok to use or is it safer to use the .05

[@oldenglishsheepdogfun5960]

Ps I use the highest but heard on you tube it’s safer to use the lower strength. Thanks so much

[@ninjaturtles12121]

Pedal Power total misinformation. People should start off with the lowest and slowly build upwards. But the end goal is always to get to 1% Tretinoin every single night and get the absilute most out of that active that is possible. Now some can't tolerate that strength ever so would use a lower etc.

[@MsDelajungle]

Hello, can i use zorac 0,5 as an anti aging?

[@PeachyLarbux]

Hi Sam, I use Differin 0.1% cream prescribed by my dermatologist as part of my acne treatment - my acne is currently under control. Can I incorporate an over the counter retinol into my routine to help with wrinkles (I am 45,) where/how could I use them and which type should I be looking for? Thank you

[@raebaddings1521]

Peachie Larbux she already said no. There is no point in combining. I’m my opinion the Differin would give better anti aging results than retinol, but tretinoin is the best for anti-aging.

[@PeachyLarbux]

Rae Badding's Hi Rae, thank you for your response. I was referring to the retinol as an additional treatment, specifically for anti aging, to use with Differin, not to swap between products.

[@gracecarey5028]

Peachie Larbux why would you do that ? The Differin is far stronger than over the counter and will have more impact on anti aging than anything else you will be buying .

[@gracecarey5028]

Peachie Larbux also you don’t pick and choose what your retinol targets

[@PeachyLarbux]

Grace Carey Thank for your advice. I understand that Differin is much stronger than over the counter products but it cannot be used around the eyes and it is that area that I was looking for a less potent anti-aging treatment.