Retinol?

[HonestBri]

Does anyone have a retinol/AHA weekly regimen that they can suggest to me? Also I know Sephora doesn’t sell P50, has anyone tried a good dupe? How often would I use it? Pease help

[kellocopter]

Moon juice’s acid potion is supposed to be a good p50 dupe. I’ve never used it though, I do the original p50 1970 and it’s transformed my skin. It’s insane. I ordered Peter Thomas Roth’s PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment, I’m going to try to piggyback it with p50. My skin reacts really positive to kojic acid (it’s in the PTR Treatment) when I get chemical peels with it added. I bet it would be good with moon juices acid potion if your skin is tolerant. Retinol I wouldn’t use the same days you do AHAs, usually people start doing retinol every 3 days at night. I heard really good things about the Shani Darden retinol. I’ll get that or the texture reform after I get thru the PTR treatment but I don’t want to overload my skin. Also with AHAs and retinol your skin is more prone to burning so make sure to wear a good spf during the daytime. I have acne hyperpigmentation and textural issues I’m trying to resolve.

[WinglessOne]

@HonestBri Have you used any of the P50 products before? I wouldn’t use the P50 lotion because of its high apple cider vinegar and horseradish root content. Also, I’ve heard the pH of that product is a bit too low for effective exfoliation. 

If you’ve never used an AHA and/or retinol before, start with the AHA. Don’t introduce retinol until your skin’s used to an AHA. I asked 4 dermatologists about that (as I was shopping around for a new derm) and that’s something they all agreed on. You could start with the retinol instead, but AHA first will be easier on your skin. 

Here’s how I introduced both into my skincare routine (for reference, I have mostly-dry combo skin that’s kinda finicky and has some inflammation issues): 

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And here’s my current routine (approved by my dermatologist): 

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[greeneyedgirl107]

@HonestBri What concentration of retinol, AHA are you looking for?

[HonestBri]

I’m looking for a beginner stage-maybe medium strength at most, but Ive never had sensitive skin so maybe something strong

[greeneyedgirl107]

@HonestBri I would start with a low concentration.  FIRST AID BEAUTY - FAB Skin Lab Retinol Serum 0.25% Pure Concentrate is great for beginners.  I would start a couple of times a week, and see how your skin tolerates it.  Follow up with moisturizer, of course.  If you want something even weaker, there are plenty of brands that off low concentrations.  For example, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is estimated at .01%.  I would be diligent about investigating the concentration of any retinol product, since many companies don't/won't release the info.  The higher concentration you get, the more the companies advertise it, though.

You could even integrate AHA into your routine more easily, and then move onto the retinol.  There are a variety of AHA concentrations out there.  I like Paula's Choice and Alpha Skin Care because they have the most options, and they are affordable.  I personally used Paula's Choice 8% AHA for a while.  I liked it, but found that in time the texture seemed to be a little off.  I am now using Alpha Skin Care's 10% gel, and really like it.  IDK if it would be too much for a beginner, though.  

Best of luck!  🙂

[Brutalitops]

@HonestBriI don't have a set regimen as I take breaks or switch up based on how my skin is looking, but I definitely have some favorites.

For AHA/BHA products my favorites are KATE SOMERVILLE - ExfoliKate® Intensive Pore Exfoliating Treatment weekly or so and FARMACY - HONEYMOON GLOW AHA Resurfacing Night Serum with Hydrating Honey + Gentle Flower Acids most nights. The framboos I think is a nice starter AHA as it's gentler but if you've already been using one the farmacy is really the better value IMO

My favorite retinol has been Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum 1 oz/ 30 mL . The drunk elephant is nice product-wise but the tube is a huge pain in terms of actually dispensing product and I much prefer the pump on the SR version. I've also tried the The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid* 2% Emulsion 1 oz/ 30 mL and The INKEY List Retinol Fine Lines and Wrinkles Serum 1 oz/ 30 mL and they are both nice, gentle, and very budget friendly starter options. Personally while I use the SR for my face I continue to purchase these budget options for my neck and the backs of my hands

[HonestBri]

Thank you so much. So helpful! Honeymoon glow I’m going to try out definitely!

[Brutalitops]

@HonestBriit's a good one! Just be sure to start with every other day use

[AlexisApplejack]

My current routine is:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday I use DRUNK ELEPHANT - A-Passioni™ Retinol Creamduring the day mixed into my moisturizer (currently Drunk Elephant Lala Retro™ Nourishing Whipped Refillable Moisturizer 1.69 oz/ 50 mL  but will be switching to Drunk Elephant Protini™ Polypeptide Firming Refillable Moisturizer 1.69 oz/ 50 mL  when the weather is consistently warm) and top with at least SPF 30. At night I use DRUNK ELEPHANT - T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum mixed with ESTéE LAUDER - Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II and Kiehl's Since 1851 Midnight Recovery Concentrate Moisturizing Face Oil 1 oz/ 30 ml topped with Drunk Elephant F-Balm™ Electrolyte Waterfacial Mask 1.69 oz/ 50 mL .

Wednesday I don't do the retinol during the day and at night I use my PMD - Personal Microderm (before getting the microderm machine I use Dr Dennis Gross Clinical Grade Resurfacing Liquid Peel) followed by a sheet mask or LORD JONES - Royal Oil 1000mg Pure CBD Oil.

Sunday I again don't do the retinol and at night use Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial™ AHA + BHA Mask 1.69 oz/ 50 mL followed by a sheet mask or LORD JONES - Royal Oil 1000mg Pure CBD Oil.

It took me quite awhile to get to this point and I have very resilient skin. Introduce your retinol once a week and continue to add it in to another day every couple weeks while your skin gets used to it. Any day that you're going to do a peel or heavy exfoliation (or even an exfoliating mask) don't use the retinol. I find that 5 days is enough for me but your skin may need more or less day so just listen to it. If it's severely dry, flaking, burning, or peeling then you need to cut down on your usage.

I know this was a lot of information but I hope it helps!

[HonestBri]

Omg thank you soooo much!! Xoxo

[jenner18]

Hello @HonestBri , 

I have had a lot of luck with DRUNK ELEPHANT - T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum and the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial™ AHA + BHA Mask 1.69 oz/ 50 mL as a weekly mask. 

I have also started using the DRUNK ELEPHANT - A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream but I am going really slow because my skin is having a dry phase right now. 

For now, I use the Drunk Elephant TLC usually everynight except for the night before the TLC Babyfacial. I wait at least two days before putting the Drunk Elephant retinol and often take a day off from AHA after the Retinol. The big thing to keep in mind is pacing yourself. If your skin feels dry, take a night off. Also, be sure that you are moisturizing and wearing SPF. 

Another brand that offers a lot of Retinol and AHA options is Paula’s choice. There are many different formulas you can consider and the products are fragrance and dye free. I have had a lot of luck with them too. 

Finally, I have also used the Herbivore Bakuchiol, but I can’t find it on the website anymore. It’s a retinol alternative. 

I hope you find something that works for you! Good luck! 

Jenne 

[HonestBri]

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this, I’m going to try Drunk Elephant line fore sure xo

[CoffeeWuff]

Hi @HonestBri 

I don't have a fixed routine & am still looking for my holy grail AHA/BHA product but I am really enjoying The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion (sephora won't let me tag a product for some reason) a couple times a week in the evening. No irritations, great price & wonderful results. 🙂 

[HonestBri]

Thanks girl, for replying 🙂

[newcarlee]

Hi @HonestBri - I’m not so diligent as to have a regimen but I’ve been using Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Retinoid Night Oil 1.18 oz/ 35 mL   for a couple years now and like it. My skin just looks better the better the next day. I use about twice a week. As for AHAs,

I rotate a number of products: DRUNK ELEPHANT - T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial™ AHA + BHA Mask 1.69 oz/ 50 mL KATE SOMERVILLE - ExfoliKate® Intensive Pore Exfoliating Treatment  Tata Harper Resurfacing & Brightening AHA + BHA Serum with Vitamin C 1 oz/30 mL

I will use either serum a couple times a week (not on the same day as retinol) and then maybe once a week, use either of the masks. Similar to @SherandaPRO I use sunscreen - exception is when I’m indoors all day, especially when cloudy or rainy.

[HonestBri]

Thanks so much for taking the time, this was very helpful xoxo

[SherandaPRO]

Hi there - @HonestBri 

I am currently using my Kiehl's Since 1851 Midnight Recovery Concentrate Moisturizing Face Oil 1 oz/ 30 ml at night after cleansing with my Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel 8.4 oz/ 250 mL and in the daytime i use my JOSIE MARAN - Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum, if i am staying inside i don't use SPF, however when i am outside i love my SUPERGOOP! - Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40.  Hope this helps!

Cheers!

[HonestBri]

Thank you much girl 🙂

[greeneyedgirl107]

@HonestBri Make sure you're tagging people when you reply, so they know you wrote back 🙂