Old vs New: Moisturizers 🖤

Hi all! I started tretinoin / retin-a about 8 weeks ago for the first time. I got my prescription from Curology specifically seeking tretinoin, which I told my doctor so he would be sure to prescribe it to me! Always tell them if you’re looking for a specific ingredient! 👩‍🔬What is tretinoin/Retin-A?  Tretinoin is a Retinoid; retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A (retinol, retinaldehyde, retinal, isotretinoin, adapalene are others.) Tretinoin’s intended and approved use is for acne, as it was created for acne treatment, but it is very often prescribed for anti aging and skin texture because through the decades of research, doctors found it was great for reducing wrinkles and large pores and repairing sun damage. Tretinoin increases cell turnover and exfoliates the top layers of our skin Decreases the shedding of dead skin cells into our pores + decreases inflammation It works much more deeply and much more effectively than its non-prescription counterparts, such as regular retinol Although strengths cannot be compared across the board, it has been observed that retinol is roughly 20 times less potent than tretinoin Decades of research confirm tretinoin as the holy grail, “gold-standard” in topical treatments for fighting acne + clogged pores, as well as smoothing out fine lines + wrinkles, reducing pigmentation from damage, and evening the skin texture 🙋‍♀️Who should use tretinoin? Tretinoin is suitable for most people; the only people who should be wary of it are those who have extremely sensitive skin, rosacea ❌Do not use tretinoin or any retinoids when pregnant or breastfeeding!❌ Dermatologists say that tretinoin is a great option for comedonal acne since it exfoliates + prevents plugging of the pores 💊Using/starting Tretinoin - tips from me + my dermatologist I’d recommend starting with tretinoin in a lotion/cream formula as it tends to be less harsh than the gel due to having soothing ingredients included in the formula. Curology has a cream formula that I absolutely love LOW + SLOW : start with a low dose (ask your doctor and give them your history) + go slowly with use. My derm recommended starting M W F of each week but do it less if you are experiencing too much irritation always follow instructions + advice from your dermatologist. With curology, I am able to send my provider messages and pictures with concerns and requests Simplify your routine! I did cut back to hydrating cleanser(s), hydrating toner or essence, thick moisturizer, my curology formula, + an oil on top to lock it all in. As your skin accustoms you will be able to slowly work those treatment products back in SPF ALWAYS🌞 I started tretinoin at 0.005% and upped to 0.01% after one month and I am seeing smoother skin and smaller pores, with very little purging. Pictures are from ordered from oldest to new except the first which compares starting with 8 weeks. XOXO GLOW RECIPE - Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleansing Balm stratia - Velvet Cleansing Milk FIRST AID BEAUTY - Ultra Repair Wild Oat Hydrating Toner MIZON - Original Skin Energy, Peptide 500 PEACH & LILY - Glass Skin Refining Serum dear, klairs - Midnight Blue Calming Cream FIRST AID BEAUTY - Ultra Repair BarriAIR Cream Safe for Sensitive Skin HERBIVORE - Emerald CBD + Adaptogens Deep Moisture Glow Oil

FIRST AID BEAUTY - Ultra Repair BarriAIR Cream Safe for Sensitive Skin MY FIRST EMPTY FIRST AID FAB ❤️ As someone who has the most terrible dry, flaky, irritated skin over the winter. It’s always a struggle for me to find the right face cream for daily use to help my skin heal and stay hydrated while also healthy. I was breaking out like crazy because of over dried skin from the cold environment. And I can not really use any moisturizer or rather use JUST ANY skin care products as I have really sensitive skin. This repair barriAIR cream has saved me through the winter and still is! I have a better and stronger barrier than ever! It got rid of my dry patches, helped healed broken skin from breakouts, and keep my skin moisturized 💧 and it even cool down my redness which I was experiencing from other skin products. About the product: FRAGRANCE FREE SAFE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN STRENGTHEN, BALANCE AND HYDRATE LIGHT AS AIR CREAM TO FOAM MOISTURIZER 🧴 FOR COMBO, NORMAL AND SENSITIVE SKIN TYPES Recommended ✅ this product left me happy and thankful, I would repurchase!