Talk to me about retinol creams...

[gennyu]

My mom says retinol is the "only" thing that is proven to diminish fine lines and wrinkles. Do you agree? Any recommendations? Also, how do you use it (i.e., day or night, before or after moisturizer, etc)?

[bluestreet]

This is what my three different dermatology practices have told me, and this is a widely held view. I'm too lazy to smartly google its history. But I have researched it in the past. The gist is that it's been around for a while and there've been more studies on it (vs. AHA, for example), and there's a measurable increase in collagen production.

I would start with a retinol, which is OTC. Paula's Choice is well regarded. In the evening (I've heard sunlight diminishes its effectiveness), apply it 15-30 minutes after you wash your face, wait 30 mins, apply moisturizer. With an OTC you're probably fine immediately using it every night. But if you get red or peel, use it every other night.

I actually started with a prescription strength retinoid (tretinoin) prescribed by my derm. Same routine. And if you use mail order pharmacies, a big tube is only $50-$60. But whenever I take a break and go back to it, I have to start every other night and work my way to every day.

Having said all that, chemical peels can potentially give your more dramatic results quickly. They usually entail glycolic, salcylic, and lactic acids, and exfoliate a superficial layer of skin, thereby reducing age spots and fine lines. Usually three are done to get great results. A Vitalize peel is about $150 a pop (though through Groupon I always see them for $99), and depending on your skin's tolerance, you space them 3 weeks apart (or so). I've done two, one when I was 33 and one last year (39). I liked them. You literally peel, so it helped that I was working from home and didn't have client meetings.

[bluestreet]

But, when it comes to the "11"s--the vertical wrinkles between eyebrows--nothing beats Botox. Especially if you're prone to furrowing your brows all the time like me! Mine get deep, so a few times a year I get injections just in those muscles. Nowhere else, because I don't want to have crazy expressionless face.

[gennyu]

bluestreet, thanks for the very thorough response! I just went to the Paula's Choice website and, wouldn't you know, all RESIST items are on sale (save 15%) so I took it as a sign and ordered the Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum. Can't wait to give it a try!!

[mrsukyankee]

Jan 14, 2017 9:11:09 GMT -5 gennyu said:

bluestreet , thanks for the very thorough response! I just went to the Paula's Choice website and, wouldn't you know, all RESIST items are on sale (save 15%) so I took it as a sign and ordered the Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum. Can't wait to give it a try!!

I use it and love it.  I have sensitive skin and it's not irritated it at all.  BUT make sure you start off using it every other day first (unless you have really 'strong' skin that never gets irritated) and then move to every day after a few weeks.

[carrotsmakemefat]

Jan 14, 2017 9:11:09 GMT -5 gennyu said:

bluestreet, thanks for the very thorough response! I just went to the Paula's Choice website and, wouldn't you know, all RESIST items are on sale (save 15%) so I took it as a sign and ordered the Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum. Can't wait to give it a try!!

I don't know if you ordered yet, but the referral code gives you $10 off (and I'll also get $10 off my next order)

I love PC! I always tell people to order samples first and then use the $10 off for the full sized products. But their return policy is awesome if you want to give it a go on the full sized!

I don't use the ret products right now, but my skin is healing from cystic acne right now. Epiduo has some ret in it and that's a prescription. My PC favs are the acne cleanser, skin balancing moisturizer, and the anti acne/aging moisturizer. I love a lot of others too but I'm keeping my list minimal! Also like the BHA products

[carrotsmakemefat]

goo.gl/yYEu8D

[marriedfilingjoint]

Jan 13, 2017 21:35:46 GMT -5 bluestreet said:

But, when it comes to the "11"s--the vertical wrinkles between eyebrows--nothing beats Botox. Especially if you're prone to furrowing your brows all the time like me! Mine get deep, so a few times a year I get injections just in those muscles. Nowhere else, because I don't want to have crazy expressionless face.

I also get Botox here and just a tiny bit for my crows feet, and I am so happy with the results. I shared some old photos on a makeup forum as evidence that my makeup technique has improved, and everyone commented how much younger I look now. It's not the makeup, it's the skincare and Botox. My husband was shocked to learn I've been doing it for years because he expected my face to be frozen and weird.

Regarding Retinol, I've had great results with it, too. I use SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.5%. I buy it at my dermatologist's office but it is non-prescription and you can buy it online. As long as I only use the recommended amount and am vigilant with my hydration and moisturization routine, I don't have issues with dryness.

[bluestreet]

Jan 14, 2017 9:11:09 GMT -5 gennyu said:

bluestreet, thanks for the very thorough response! I just went to the Paula's Choice website and, wouldn't you know, all RESIST items are on sale (save 15%) so I took it as a sign and ordered the Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum. Can't wait to give it a try!!

I've been needing a stepping stone to get back to my stronger retinoid, so I just ordered this too. We can compare notes. 😊

[notasafeplace]

Can Differin be used for anti aging? I know it's technically an anti acne treatment but it does have retinol and is supposed to be lower strength/less irritating than Retin A.

Answers I'm finding online are a bit confusing but they had a huge display at my Walgreens with .5 ounce for only $13.99 so I am curious.

[mfluder]

Jan 18, 2017 14:58:26 GMT -5 notasafeplace said:

Can Differin be used for anti aging? I know it's technically an anti acne treatment but it does have retinol and is supposed to be lower strength/less irritating than Retin A.

Answers I'm finding online are a bit confusing but they had a huge display at my Walgreens with .5 ounce for only $13.99 so I am curious.

yes! I actually came I into this thread to say differin is available OTC finally (after being announced this summer). It's a retinoid (so more powerful than retinol but basically the same). It's what my deem prescribed to me for acne and now anti aging.

For those that haven't used before: ramp up slowly and use little. More is not better. It takes time but it's very effective.

[gennyu]

My paulas choice arrived today! I'm so excited to test it out tonight (such a dork lol). I will be sure to ease into it as suggested by PP. wish me luck!!

[cjeanette]

Can I piggyback on this? I have been using retinol for about 2 months. I keep getting peeling around my laugh lines and my chin. Sometimes my nose. Is it always going to do this?

[mfluder]

Jan 19, 2017 20:51:44 GMT -5 cjeanette said:

Can I piggyback on this? I have been using retinol for about 2 months. I keep getting peeling around my laugh lines and my chin. Sometimes my nose. Is it always going to do this?

The derm answer I've always been given is your skin will adjust and it will stop. I'm told I have "Thick" skin and haven't experienced it personally, so I don't know. 


Differin should be gentler, if you want to try. 

[peachykate]

Jan 18, 2017 16:22:43 GMT -5 mfluder said:

Jan 18, 2017 14:58:26 GMT -5 notasafeplace said:

Can Differin be used for anti aging? I know it's technically an anti acne treatment but it does have retinol and is supposed to be lower strength/less irritating than Retin A.

Answers I'm finding online are a bit confusing but they had a huge display at my Walgreens with .5 ounce for only $13.99 so I am curious.

yes! I actually came I into this thread to say differin is available OTC finally (after being announced this summer). It's a retinoid (so more powerful than retinol but basically the same). It's what my deem prescribed to me for acne and now anti aging.

For those that haven't used before: ramp up slowly and use little. More is not better. It takes time but it's very effective.

I used differin all the time at a teen. I was going to ask for either that or Retin A micro at my next drum appt but it's still one a month away so I ran out last night to target and grabbed a tube. This seriously made my night.

[mfluder]

Jan 19, 2017 21:21:00 GMT -5 peachykate said:

Jan 18, 2017 16:22:43 GMT -5 mfluder said:

yes! I actually came I into this thread to say differin is available OTC finally (after being announced this summer). It's a retinoid (so more powerful than retinol but basically the same). It's what my deem prescribed to me for acne and now anti aging.

For those that haven't used before: ramp up slowly and use little. More is not better. It takes time but it's very effective.

I used differin all the time at a teen. I was going to ask for either that or Retin A micro at my next drum appt but it's still one a month away so I ran out last night to target and grabbed a tube. This seriously made my night.

Nice! Differin is more gentle right? That's what I've heard, the derm only every put me on differin. 

[bluestreet]

Jan 19, 2017 20:51:44 GMT -5 cjeanette said:

Can I piggyback on this? I have been using retinol for about 2 months. I keep getting peeling around my laugh lines and my chin. Sometimes my nose. Is it always going to do this?

There are a couple things you can try. One is making sure to wait 20 mins after washing your face to apply the retinol and then waiting at least 20 mins after applying retinol to apply moisturizer.

And/or, try using it just every other day.

[bluestreet]

Jan 19, 2017 18:45:53 GMT -5 gennyu said:

My paulas choice arrived today! I'm so excited to test it out tonight (such a dork lol). I will be sure to ease into it as suggested by PP. wish me luck!!

I got mine today too. I really liked the application and texture.

I already want the Resist antioxidant serum to use in the morning, but I'm forbidding myself from getting it!

[mrsukyankee]

Jan 19, 2017 22:35:21 GMT -5 bluestreet said:

Jan 19, 2017 18:45:53 GMT -5 gennyu said:

My paulas choice arrived today! I'm so excited to test it out tonight (such a dork lol). I will be sure to ease into it as suggested by PP. wish me luck!!

I got mine today too. I really liked the application and texture.

I already want the Resist antioxidant serum to use in the morning, but I'm forbidding myself from getting it!

You'll like the antioxidant stuff. It's quite gentle on the skin. Even my sensitive skin could handle it pretty quickly.

[bluestreet]

Jan 19, 2017 18:45:53 GMT -5 gennyu said:

My paulas choice arrived today! I'm so excited to test it out tonight (such a dork lol). I will be sure to ease into it as suggested by PP. wish me luck!!

How's it going?

I've done three nights in a row and no issues.

So, the one we're using is .1% and the PC clinical one is 1%, which I'm impatient to go up to so I can get back to my tretinoin (prescription-strength retinoid vs. the OTC retinol we're using). But I need to slow my roll!

www.paulaschoice.com/shop/skin-care-categories/retinol/_/Clinical-One-Percent-Retinol-Treatment/

I'm also wondering when/if I should reintroduce my PC 8% AHA.

[gennyu]

Jan 22, 2017 9:57:49 GMT -5 bluestreet said:

Jan 19, 2017 18:45:53 GMT -5 gennyu said:

How's it going?

I've done three nights in a row and no issues.

So, the one we're using is .1% and the PC clinical one is 1%, which I'm impatient to go up to so I can get back to my tretinoin (prescription-strength retinoid vs. the OTC retinol we're using). But I need to slow my roll!

www.paulaschoice.com/shop/skin-care-categories/retinol/_/Clinical-One-Percent-Retinol-Treatment/

I'm also wondering when/if I should reintroduce my PC 8% AHA.

Thanks for checking in!  So far, so good with me - but I have only used it twice.  I want to do a full week or EOD before stepping it up, just in case.  How long do think is reasonable until seeing results? 4-6 weeks?

[mrsukyankee]

gennyu,retinol is one of those things that can take a "LONG" time for the true results to come to fruition. 3-6 months minimally but at least twelve to really see the most results. Prescriptions show results a bit quicker.

[gennyu]

Jan 22, 2017 11:54:22 GMT -5 mrsukyankee said:

gennyu,retinol is one of those things that can take a "LONG" time for the true results to come to fruition. 3-6 months minimally but at least twelve to really see the most results. Prescriptions show results a bit quicker.

Thanks, I appreciate you giving me reasonable expectations!

[mfluder]

Jan 18, 2017 14:58:26 GMT -5 notasafeplace said:

Can Differin be used for anti aging? I know it's technically an anti acne treatment but it does have retinol and is supposed to be lower strength/less irritating than Retin A.

Answers I'm finding online are a bit confusing but they had a huge display at my Walgreens with .5 ounce for only $13.99 so I am curious.

okay I spent a hilarious about if time looking to back this up (don't get me wrong cause the reddit skin care worm hole was my own). Apparently differin hasn't been researched the same way as the other ones, so there aren't studies and it's not listed by the FDA as one for anti aging. My derm told me it would have antiaging properties too - I guess this would make it an ofd label. But since it's not been studied the same way there's not review to back that up. It's apparently more effective of acne (which is my primary concern so it makes sense they put me on it) and (just learned this) more stable in light (tho I apply at night anyway lol). I didn't want to lead you astray and say things without backing - which I did so now I'm
Correcting .

[notasafeplace]

Jan 22, 2017 14:49:52 GMT -5 mfluder said:

Jan 18, 2017 14:58:26 GMT -5 notasafeplace said:

Can Differin be used for anti aging? I know it's technically an anti acne treatment but it does have retinol and is supposed to be lower strength/less irritating than Retin A.

Answers I'm finding online are a bit confusing but they had a huge display at my Walgreens with .5 ounce for only $13.99 so I am curious.

okay I spent a hilarious about if time looking to back this up (don't get me wrong cause the reddit skin care worm hole was my own). Apparently differin hasn't been researched the same way as the other ones, so there aren't studies and it's not listed by the FDA as one for anti aging. My derm told me it would have antiaging properties too - I guess this would make it an ofd label. But since it's not been studied the same way there's not review to back that up. It's apparently more effective of acne (which is my primary concern so it makes sense they put me on it) and (just learned this) more stable in light (tho I apply at night anyway lol). I didn't want to lead you astray and say things without backing - which I did so now I'm
Correcting .

Thanks! A lot of what I read backed that up too. I think I'll give it a try and ask my doc about t at my next check up. I do have some acne concerns too, so can't hurt!

[bluestreet]

So I wanted to get a better grip on the differences between retinol and retinoid and strengths. I found this useful post from a dermatology practice, with a follow up question and answer at the end of it:

www.westlakedermatology.com/blog/whats-the-difference-between-retinol-and-retinoids/

From the question and answers at the end:

“OTC retinol must be activated within the skin to covert to all- trans retinoic acid in order to be effective , thus taking time to take exert effect. Therefore retinol needs to be present in higher quantities than rx tretinoin in order to be effective. In general retinol is considered to be 20 times less potent than retinoic acid, so a 1.0% retinol is equivalent to a 0.05% tretinoin.”

Thus, the PC Clinical Retinol 1% should be equivalent to the .05% tretinoin I have, which was irritating my skin after a long break. So if you're worried about skin irritation, you (general "you") should not start with the PC Clinical 1%!

[carrotsmakemefat]

Not the same thing, but my PCP gave me epiduo to take for my acne. And I started using a tiny bit on my forehead too. I swear I notice a difference! It is a retinol and BP mix but I'm just happy to find something with retinol that my skin hasn't adversely reacted to. That plus the PC anti acne anti wrinkle hydrator have been working wonders for my hormonal acne and my skin just looks good. (A small update from my previous post)

I'm all for finding what works for you and experimenting. It's so awesome that PC at least offers sample sizes on a lot of products.

I only bring that up because combo products (not just pure R) are an option for people with super sensitive skin

[marriedfilingjoint]

Jan 19, 2017 20:51:44 GMT -5 cjeanette said:

Can I piggyback on this? I have been using retinol for about 2 months. I keep getting peeling around my laugh lines and my chin. Sometimes my nose. Is it always going to do this?

No.  You might want to scale back a bit, especially in those areas, while you adjust.  I've been using it for 6 months or more, but just recently, I started peeling around my laugh lines.  It's just that time of year. Make sure you are drinking enough water, and you might want to adjust your moisturizing routine (for example, use a heavier night cream or add a few drops of Dr. Dennis Gross moisture boost to your daily moisturizer).

[gennyu]

Follow-up! I've been using the PC Resist Retinol Serum every day and no irritation - yay! I love that I don't have to "remember" if it's an on-day or skip-day now.

Question for bluestreet, mrsukyankee, and anyone else who uses this product: How much do you apply? I've been using two pumps - I smooth over my face and neck and any excess I rub into the backs of my hands. Does this sound about right? Am I being too stingy or applying too much?

[mrsukyankee]

That's exactly how much I apply to my hands, neck and face, gennyu.