Retinol Cream???

[Irishgrrrl]

Does anyone here use retinol cream (either prescription or OTC)? What brand do you use, how often, and how long have you been using it? And WHY did you start using it . . . what condition were you trying to improve? Do you feel that you''re getting the results you were looking for?

I recently received a free sample of Topix Replenix Retinol Plus Smoothing Serum. I''ve used it for the past two nights, and I''m really liking it so far! I tend to have oily skin with largeish pores, and my pores already seem smaller and less clogged. My skin is CRAZY soft and not nearly as oily as it usually is! I''ve had a very minor amount of flaking/peeling, but I understand that this is normal for people who are new to retinol and will go away once your skin becomes used to the retinol. I really do think it''s helping my skin, and I''m probably going to be sad when my sample runs out, so I''m really thinking about buying some! I''m just wondering how well retinol works over the long term? Does anyone have any advice? Thanks!

 

[vespergirl]

My favorite brand is Afirm - you can find it on skinstore.com (OTC). It comes in different concentrations - for my sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin, I like 2X.

 

[AprilBaby]

Retinol is wonderful for taking out dark spots and wrinkles. It does cause flaking and dryness and be sure to use a good sunscreen as you will burn faster. The skin will feel really smooth like a baby''s butt. Highly recommend it but again watch the sun. I now use Olay regenerist products which do the same things without a prescription. I am 50 and I have the skin of a 35 yr old.

 

[Mrs Mitchell]

I used it for uneven skin tone, the beginnings of wrinkles, dry patches and oily patches and large congested pores (yeah, I have terrific luck with skin...)

I can''t honestly say it made a difference in the long term. I wanted it to. I willed it to. It didn''t. It felt nice though. It was prescription (can''t remember the brand, sorry).

The only thing I do find that makes a real difference is a good daily scrub with plain water and a microfibre washcloth, then a tiny amount of creme de la mer. I''ve been using that for a few years now and I really do think it has improved my (horrible) skin. If I put too much on or skip the scrubbing for a few days, I get a breakout, but if I''m careful to scrub daily then use just a tiny amount of the serum or moisturiser, it''s good!

 

[LabRatPhD]

I use Skinceuticals 1.0% retinol. This brand was recommended to me by my dermatologist, but I should say I love Skinceuticals products. I use it to even out my skintone as I still breakout occasionally and the nasty scars get left behind. I have been using it for about 2 years and have noticed a difference in my skin texture. I am 27 so I *knock on wood* don''t have many wrinkles yet, but it has helped a lot for hyperpigmentation.

 

[iheartscience]

I had Retin A Micro (prescription) but it was just too strong for my skin. It left my face BRIGHT RED and peeling. So no more for me!

My skin felt great before it started peeling off, though!

 

[emeraldlover1]

Date: 4/23/2010 1:57:41 PM
Author: thing2of2
I had Retin A Micro (prescription) but it was just too strong for my skin. It left my face BRIGHT RED and peeling. So no more for me!

My skin felt great before it started peeling off, though!

Hey girl! Did you ever try mixing your RAM with a moisturizer? If that didn''t work did you space our your treatments? I''ll agree that RAM is not for everyone however I may have some suggestions up my sleave. Also, were you on .04 (grey) or .1 (purple)?

The peeling will stop, I promise and you will have amazing skin. For anyone that is using a perscription retnoid for skin damage it take a minimum of six to eight months to show a noticible difference. The best way to monitor is to take a up close of a before and after picture. Also, Renova is well worth the investment for cosmetic reasons but it is not in a microsphere so you can''t mix it with moisturizer. Personally, I don''t tollerate Renova as well. The microsphere is time released so it doesn''t subject your skin to the whole dose at once but the Renova does. Additionally, if you wait 20 minutes or so after washing your face to apply it, you may reduce the irritation level.

Lastly, if you want I can explain the science behind how Retnoid''s work. Retinol is different than Retin A. The active ingredient in Retin A is Tretinoin which has a different mechanism of action than a Retinol cream. So, one can not expect the same results with an over the counter although you should experience some.

The most frustrating part about starting a perscription retinoid is figuring out how to make it work with your particular skin type.

 

[portia]

I used to use Afirm 2x retinol cream and unfortunately it did nothing for me. I looked into Retin A, but I think it would be too harsh for my rosacea-prone skin. Also, Retin A and Retinol are not the same. Retin A is retinoic acid whereas Retinol is Vitamin A and needs to be converted to retinoic acid before it can help with anti-aging. There's a good description of the difference here: Retin A vs Retinol

I've been reading a lot lately on anti-aging products and decided to start using products with Copper Peptides. I figure I can try it for a year and if it works, great! And if not, oh well, maybe at that point I'll try Retin A or mild TCA peels. All those years of summer outdoor activities have really caught up with me.

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Thanks for all the info, ladies!

I just used my sample cream for the third time, and I''m still loving it. It smells like honey, but the smell is very light and not overwhelming at all. Once you''ve rubbed it into your skin, you don''t really even notice the honey smell anymore . . . but it smells really good while you''re putting it on! LOL! And my face feels awesome!!! I might have to buy a bottle.