Retinoids: Do we love or hate them?

[Tartansparkles]

Do you live in a very dry climate? That could be part of the issue... we have a lot of moisture in the air here on the coast. If the air is dry, and you don't give the HA enough moisture to bind to the skin (it can hold 1,000 times its weight in water), it will start pulling moisture from deeper in the dermis, and that can have a reverse, drying effect.

So, HA serum has absolutely transformed my skin, but it took some time to get my application right. By applying it with the CeraVe hydrating toner on damp skin, it mitigates that tight feeling you mentioned (any hydrating/alcohol-free toner will do). Then I use a spray bottle with distilled water and mist that all over my face. I give it at least 5 minutes to do its thing before going to the next step. You'll often read to apply HA to damp skin, but I mist my face until it's quite moist - just short of any dripping or flooding. And then you always need to top it with a good moisturizer, preferably one that has some occlusive properties. Mine has shea butter.

I should also describe my skin... it's dehydrated and prone to irritation due to the retinoid. But I do not have dry skin. In fact, my skin is fairly oily, which is why everything I've included here is non-comedogenic and acne-safe.

Does this help?

I'm in Scotland, a dry climate isn't something we typically have a problem with

How much of the HA do you use each time, a pea sized amount? I've heard such good things about HA that I need to give it another go!

 

[Autumn in New England]

I don't know what a facial retinoid is, but if it's a hemorrhoid on one's face I'd hate them.

baa haa haa!!!!!! I envy you men for being allowed to age!

 

[Autumn in New England]

I love retinol. I have been having baby Botox for 18 months, administered by facial reconstructive surgeon who does private aesthetics once a month. Nobody has ever asked but my frown lines have gone & hooded eyelids ever so slightly lifted, so refreshed is definitely the word I use (I’m 51) & people always tell me how well I look & how I’m aging gracefully.

I have always, always looked after my skin & I have no enlarged pores or areas of particular concern. I started with retinol about 3 years ago. However I was experiencing some brown age spots to my temples & nose area.

About 6 weeks ago I switched to a new regime & my skin is just transformed & I never realised it needed transforming! I now in the morning gel cleanse, use an acid 3 times a week after this but daily I follow the cleanse with an antioxidant, then eye cream, moisturiser & SPF30.

In the evening I double cleanse (balm & then cream) to removed all makeup etc, retinol, support oil, eye cream & moisturise.

It’s a faff & took some getting used to, but now I can ace it pretty quickly. My skin is literally glowing, the tiny brown age spots are definitely less noticeable & I had a couple of slightly red areas on my cheeks (peri related) that have almost gone.

All I need to do now is work on my saggy jowls

You're so lucky you can tolerate retinol AND acids! How I wanted to work some AHAs into my routine. I just cannot do both, unfortunately. In fact, I couldn't even handle retinol AND vitamin C. Someone here suggested peptides instead, so that's what I do in the morning now! Unlike you, I do have large pores from being a "picker..." and it absolutely sucks.

 

[Autumn in New England]

I’m all in on the Korean skincare too.
I don’t double cleanse - just a warm facecloth morning and night. I’ll use micellar water if I’ve worn foundation but currently I’m just using a highlighter mixed in with my sunscreen.
Morning is Mizon vegan peptide booster, Numbuzin vitamin toner, a kojic acid serum (can’t remember the brand), Tiam bakuchiol, Mizon peptide booster and either the Beauty of Joseon Aqua-Fresh sunscreen or a Japanese Rohto one.
Evening is the same except for no sunscreen and adds in a Mizon copper peptide cream.
Mizon’s been on sale a bit recently and my skin seems to really like it. It’s very much brighter and glowier for want of a better term.

I love your routine... how is the bakuchiol working out for you? I like that it is a natural alternative to retinoids.

 

[Autumn in New England]

I'm in Scotland, a dry climate isn't something we typically have a problem with

How much of the HA do you use each time, a pea sized amount? I've heard such good things about HA that I need to give it another go!

I should've gathered that from your username, duh! I use 3 drops of the HA serum. I definitely agree about the tacky/tight feeling though (it's not you). So that's why I mix it with the hydrating toner. If you don't have any, just pat/press the serum into your skin, and then be generous (you don't want any dripping though) with your water misting. Wait 5 minutes, and go in with a nice moisturizer. I hope you come to enjoy it as much as I do!

 

[kenny]

baa haa haa!!!!!! I envy you men for being allowed to age!

... and I'm sad for women who have fallen into that ubiquitous trap ... their self esteem depending on doing the impossible, stopping time.

Others do not own you.
You own yourself.

Allow yourself to age.
Then you are allowed to age.
You have power over you, don't give it away to others and to corporation$.

Many women do this, and not all men do this.
Think of the peace of mind you'd enjoy, not to mention the extra money.

Convincing you that you have a problem (of what is just as natural and inevitable as death) then making money selling the so-called solution is a scam.

Sounds like religion.

 

[Autumn in New England]

... and I'm sad for women who have fallen into that ubiquitous trap ... their self esteem depending on doing the impossible, stopping time.

Others do not own you.
You own yourself.

Allow yourself to age.
Then you are allowed to age.
You have power over you, don't give it away to others and to corporation$.

Many women do this, and not all men do this.
Think of the peace of mind you'd enjoy, not to mention the extra money.

Convincing you that you have a problem (of what is just as natural and inevitable as death) then making money selling the so-called solution is a scam.

Sounds like religion.

All salient points... thank you for the encouragement! I try to focus on taking care of myself (though I don't always succeed), as opposed to "anti-aging." My routine is really inexpensive now, but it wasn't always that way. I used to spend a fortune. I'm all about moderation these days. And I refuse to hang my head in shame for daring to age!

 

[kenny]