Retinol

[emilysolis]

I am interested in using retinol for the first time. I am 24 years old.  Oily combo skin. Any recommendations? I have. Sensitive skin as well.

[katitsa]

Consider using Felix to have a consultation with an NP to get prescription retinol likely at a cheaper price than anything over the counter.

[CheerMomma]

Totally agree - OHIP covers it in Ontario Canada if it’s for acne. I had an rx on the way to me in less than 24-hrs on completing my profile and it cost me $20 in total and I’ll get it every other month for a year 

[jellycatsdad]

That’s what I do - I was close to buying DE’s A-Passioni. I have my doctor at Kaiser a call, she prescribed Retin-A for acne(which I’m prone to). The co-pay was much more reasonable. 

[KitKaty]

I've moved on to Differin Gel now. But for a while I looooooved The Ordinary Retinoid 2%. It might actually be my favorite skin care product of all time. I've never seen anything else make a difference so quickly. I know retinoids are something that are really only supposed to make a difference with long term use. But this stuff would just magically calm inflammation and redness for me. My skin wasn't at all used to retinol when I started using it, and I never had any irritation or peeling. Of course, I know everyone's skin is different. And since your skin is sensitive you should probably start with a very small amount and patch test. But it's such a great price I'd definitely recommend giving it a try. 

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion for Wrinkles and Uneven Texture 1 oz/ 30 mL 

[WinglessOne]

Hi @emilysolis ! For your sensitive skin, consider starting with a gentler product like First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol Serum 0.25% Pure Concentrate 1 oz/ 30 mL . Or you could try The INKEY List Retinol Fine Lines and Wrinkles Serum 1 oz which isn't a strong retinol but is also no slouch. I started retinoids with the FAB serum before moving on to The Inkey List's serum. I currently use The Inkey List's on my neck and eye area, and a stronger retinaldehyde serum on the rest of my face. 

Has anyone already advised you to start slowly with retinol? Whichever product you pick, use it just once or twice a week (in your case, maybe just once a week since you have sensitive skin) for a few weeks. Then increase usage to twice a week for a few weeks. Gradually build up use until you're at a comfy frequency, like nightly or every other night. If you currently use an AHA exfoliant, temporarily stop using it during your retinol intro period to avoid excessive skin irritation. 

Whichever retinol product you choose, I hope it works well for you! 

[lovelykatya]

I second the Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream 1 oz/ 30 mL , and also look into The INKEY List Retinol Fine Lines and Wrinkles Serum 1 oz 

[curlychiquita]

@emilysolis I enjoy the Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream 1 oz/ 30 mL 

[lmaster]

@emilysolis I'm in love with sweet chef beet and vitamin A serum