Tretinoin/retina-a skincare and makeup recommendations?

[whtsupbuttercup]

Hello. I’ve just started week 2 of tretinoin .025% cream and I’m going through the difficult purge stage that’s making my fine lines look worse due to dryness and some flaking. I have some redness but it hasn’t been too overwhelming; I think I’m going slow enough. Will keep my fingers crossed. I need to change my moisturizer, SPF and concealer though for this phase. Here’s what I’m thinking about after doing some research. Thoughts please or any suggestions from your experience? Hope this works! Moisturizer: Rose Fresh deep hydrating First Aid Beauty ultra OR maybe just Cetaphil from the drugstore for now? SPF: I’ve been using Aveeno Radiance SPF 30 but it hasn’t been sitting very well on my dry skin so I need to find something that absorbs better. How is Supergoop or the Biore brand (k-beauty)? I’m at a bit of a loss on this one. Concealer: My Bare Essentials stick is too dry for now and difficult to blend. Thinking of trying Fenty and Sephora brand gel concealer. I’m wide open to suggestions as well please! Thank you!

[amyrs1]

I’ve been on and off Retin A for 10 years. It really changes your skin and causes dryness, affecting everything from makeup to skin care. In my experience Skin Ceuticals Triple Lipid Restore is probably one of the best, if not the best for a moisturizer at night. Skin Medica’s TNS repair cream is great for when you just start off using Retin A. Sunscreens were an issue for me. Many irritated or ‘pilled’ on my skin. Elta MD is my favorite. For makeup, I like Bobbi Browns serum concealers.

[darlyndar]

To combat dryness, I completely and utterly recommend The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil 1 oz/ 30 mL . Use alone at night and mix a few drops with your moisturizer during the day. It’s truly the one product you will need, @whtsupbuttercup ❤️

[ulam]

When I started using retin-a 500 , my dermatologist recommended an avene cream, I don’t remember the name but the cream is especially used for combat retinoids effects. Trust me is the best option when you’re on treatment. Also, no makeup. 

The cream is avene cleanance hydra. 

[TrysBeautyItems]

@ulam Anything else you recommend from Avene? Have you found Avene in stores?

[ulam]

Well, Im in México, but you Can find avene in heb, or derma stores. Your routine will be pretty básic, I have to stop using all my expensives serums and creams because of how sensitive your face become. Always use sun protection, I remember that I even burnt my face with the store lamps 😩 

[TrysBeautyItems]

Ok. I'm in the US, store locator isn't showing much. Sun protection is important. I'm in the desert so it's routine. Currently using a gentler form of prescription retinol.

[TrysBeautyItems]

@whtsupbuttercup To combat  the dryness you can use every other night or a only a few nights a week. If you're applying straight after washing, don't, wait 30 minutes. Damp skin allows it to enter the skin faster, more irritation possible.

Moisturizer I would use basic right now. Spf Australian Gold Botanical, Cotz or Elta MD, all good for sensitive skin.

[cianni]

Hey @whtsupbuttercup! I have been using that same product on and off topically for a while, so I know the struggle with the dryness 😭 I had a lot of redness too, so I’m happy you haven’t experienced that! 

All skin is different, so it’s hard to say if what works for me will work for you (for the record, I use FAB ultra repair when it’s really bad, OH sheer transformation, YTTP superfoods and Dr. Jart ceramidin when it’s not actively peeling). The best advice I can give you is things to avoid, because thats more universal. Stay away from products containing alcohol (I cannot stress this enough!!), vitamin C (sun sensitivity), glycolic acid, lactic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. Oil-free and non-comedogenic products are also best. For SPF I use the neutrogena oil-free non-comedogenic moisturizer with SPF 30. In Canada, this product has a DIN (drug identification number), which means it’s regulated by the health department for quality and efficacy, so I trust it!

[whtsupbuttercup]

Hmm...my spacing in my OP disappeared. Sorry for the one, long paragraph.