RENTINOIDs: the BEST super ingredient
kitty.skin
๐ธ note: two of the products in my picture are prescription only, high grade retinoids. but i have tagged their drug store dupes that are the SAME product with a lower concentration
๐ธ WHAT IS A RETINOL?
in the most basic form, a retinoid is a form of VITAMIN A which encourages skin cells to break down and turn over faster, resulting in reduction of acne, wrinkles, dark spots and signs of aging. It promotes collagen production, unclogs pores, and reduces scarring. its actually thickens skin, preventing wrinkles from forming
โ๏ธโ๏ธALWAYS USE AN SPF WITH RETINOIDSโ๏ธโ๏ธ
because your skin cells are dying and regenerating so quickly, you are much more prone to sunburns. read @jensanti โs comment below for more health cautions!
they vary HIGHLY in strength (weak to strong list)
- retinoid esters: The weakest version of a retinoid, but is good for sensitive skin, surface level
retinol: found in a variety of products, works on the cellular level of skin
- adapalene (differin): Used to be prescription only but can now be found in a low-dose age in most drug stores. penetrates deeper and slows the production of sebum with faster cell turnover
- retinoic acid (Retin-A/tretinoin): works deeper in the skin, can produce overnight results in the form of dead skin peeling. Very advanced skin cell turnover, as it penetrates and stimulates cell death and production. Skin can become very sensitive, irritated , and red
- isotretinoin (Accutane): essentially sebum production is very limited and skin cell turnover is dramatically increased. on ingestible medication that will make your skin peel, dry out, and really kill acne. Itโs prescription only but very effective.
๐ธ products i use!
prescription only: ADAPALENE 0.3%
dupe: DIFFERIN - DIFFERIN Acne Treatment Gel
Beauty products for uneven skin texture
Acne scars serums
Glycolic acid
Skin brightening serums
Clogged pores treatments
SUNDAY RILEY
janssen
DIFFERIN
Face Serum
Acne Treatment
Oct. 15, 2020
Comments
bealizbeautyThese are great options! Iโve been using the inkey list retinol serum.
Nov. 27, 2020ยท1 like
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Product Mentioned
night night routine
My night time skin care roitine is a ritual. It's my "It's time to decompress, remove the day and transition to a relaxing evening" time. I start by using my micellar water and baby washcloth and remove me eye and facial make. Then, I wash my face with my Cetaphil face wash. After patting my face dry, I pat on some Revolution Bakuchiol Serum. Then I move on to the Revolution Hyaluronic Acid. After that, I get a drop of Revolution Targeted Under Eye Serum with Caffeine and Hyaluronic Acid and tap it under my eyes. Then I use Revolution Collagen Skin Firming Solution on my face. After that it's Revolution Niacinamide Blemish Refining and Moisturizing Serum. Then, I moisturize some more with CeraVe PM Ultra Moisturizing Lotion and finish off with a sample of Sunday Riley High Dose Rentinoid Serum. After that, I am finally ready to lay down for the evening and go to bed.
Final thought, you probably don't need a complicated skin routine at night. and certainly, have a less complicated one on standby for those nights when you just can barely put one foot in front of the other.
As my mom used to say....night, night, don't let the bed bugs bite.
GARNIER - Micellar Water Facial Cleanser Sensitive Skin I love, love, love this stuff! it's gentle on my skin. It takes off the toughest mascara without irritating my eyes. I use it as a pre cleanser before washing my face.
Cetaphil - Daily Facial Cleanser While I use this every night, I am only using it until I finish the bottle. I am not crazy about the scent and there is a slight sting on my cheeks when I first lather the product on my skin and I am not fond of that feeling.
REVOLUTION - 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum REVOLUTION - Targeted Under Eye Serum 5% Caffeine
REVOLUTION - 15% Niacinamide Serum REVOLUTION - Skin Firming Solution Stabilised Active Collagen Serum I've enjoyed all of the products I purchased from Revolution, they will all be empties. I am going to try The Ordinary next but the price comparison is about the same. DIFFERIN - Dark Spot Correcting Serum I haven't noticed a bit of difference since using this. how long do you have to you this before you notice your spots lightening?SUNDAY RILEY - A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum
introvertmakeuplover
๐ Powerful but Gentle Retinol! ๐
Follow my skincare Instagram @skincare_by_reba for more content! ๐ฅฐ
๐ Letโs talk ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐จ๐ฅ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฌ! ๐โฃโฃ
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๐ช๐ก๐๐ญ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ? This is
SUNDAY RILEY - A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum! SRโs site describes it as an โadvanced-strength retinoid serum that delivers a 6.5% solution of stabilized retinoid blends and botanical, retinol-alternative extracts into the skin.โ See my IG post for the breakdown of the retinoid blend & other key ingredients! โฃโฃ
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๐๐ฒ ๐ญ๐ก๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ฌ: I know youโre all probably waiting for me to say I donโt love a SR product, but Iโm sorry...๐ ๐ง๐ณ๐ฆ๐ข๐ฌ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ญ๐ฐ๐ท๐ฆ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ช๐ด ๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ฆ ๐ต๐ฐ๐ฐ ๐ฅฐ after using a Pixi retinol serum for a couple months and then switching to Luna (see my review in an earlier post!), I finally added this higher percentage of retinol to my routine in September. I think it was a HUGE contributor to the amazing results I saw in just over 2 weeks after switching to an almost entirely SR routine (scroll way back in my feed to see my before/after for that!). Every morning after I use this I wake up to super soft, even-toned skin. โฃโฃ
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If youโre new to a higher dose retinoid, try layering a hydrating oil first for a more gentle experience with A+. Start with two nights on, two nights off and build from there. Once your skin has adjusted, you can use A+ nightly (if desired), and I like to layer Luna on top for a bonus dose of retinol goodness! This serum, like all SR products, plays very well with others in the line. I layer A+, Luna, and Good Genes on many nights and have never had an issue! Of course, I have very tolerant skin so make sure you do what works best for ๐บ๐ฐ๐ถ!โฃโฃ
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๐๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐: The price is steep with this one, as it is with a lot of high-quality products. Itโs $85/1oz or $122/1.7oz. I just finished up my 1oz bottle that I bought in mid-September, so it lasted me about 3.5 months with usage of 4-5 nights/week. Iโve cut back on that recently as Iโm trying to rotate more products into my evening routine (like Vitamin C), and I used a solid 1.5-2 pumps with every use. If you just use 1 pump and less frequently, itโll last you way longer! I just received my 1.7oz (just in time!) which I bought in the Power of Three kit โ great savings that way on 3 serums I use all the time! โฃโฃ
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๐๐ฉ๐ข๐ตโ๐ด ๐บ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ณ ๐ง๐ข๐ท๐ฐ๐ณ๐ช๐ต๐ฆ ๐ฉ๐ช๐จ๐ฉ-๐ฅ๐ฐ๐ด๐ฆ ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ต๐ช๐ฏ๐ฐ๐ญ?
reeeebekah
Things that helped me with acne ๐ชต
The Cosrx aha and bha toner helped me with exfoliating and letting products absorb better. The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol helped with my hyperpigmentation and pores. My current favorite Differin Gel is helping me with my dark spots and acne. The Hero Cosmetics Lightning Wand is helping me fade my dark spots and hyperpigmentation. I have used the Netrogena Benzoyle Peroxide for so long and itโs helped me control my acne. And lastly The Inky List bha serum helped me with my black and white heads.
PureFlower5022
PM skincare routine with Differin!
Hi friendsโค๏ธ
In this post Iโm going to walk you through my PM routine on the nights that I use Differin!
Step 1: first cleanse
If I am wearing makeup I use the THE inkey LIST - Oat Cleansing Balm
This is by far my favorite product in my whole skincare collection!
I cannot say enough good things about this product. I would give it more stars if I could! It gets ALL of my makeup off including mascara and also feels soooooo soothing on my skin. The texture makes it so relaxing to massage on my face after a long day. The smell isnโt great but it doesnโt bother me at all, just smells like oats. Possibly the best thing about this product is the value! It is only $10 for a huge tube that has lasted me almost 3 months and itโs not close to running out. I highly recommend this product because it is the best price for a first cleanse that Iโve found and is very soothing on my dry skin!
Step 2: Second cleanse
For my second cleanse after my makeup is off, Iโve been loving VANICREAM - Gentle Facial Cleanser
This product is super gentle and doesnโt leave my face feeling dry after! I was on vacation a few weeks ago and forgot a cleanser so I picked this up and ended up absolutely loving it!
Step 3: moisturizer
I have been using the CeraVe - Skin Renewing Night Cream on the nights I use Differin first because I have dry skin to start out with, plus Differin really makes my skin flaky! I have had this night cream for awhile and it is good. I switched to using the CeraVe - CeraVe Moisturising Cream but it made my face sting and I think it was making me break out more ๐ญ so now I just use that on my body. So now Iโm back to finishing the renewing night cream. I gave this product 4/5 stars only because Iโm not in love with it. It is good but I will probably try a different moisturizer for night time when I finish this tub!
Step 4: Differin Gel
I have only been using DIFFERIN - DIFFERIN Acne Treatment Gel every other night consistently for the past 2 weeks. This is the only reason I have given it 4 stars, I donโt know what my results with this product will be yet! I will keep you all updated on how it is helping my skin. This is my last try before going to a derm about my acne. I am hopeful that it will help, but I do know it can take a few months!
โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ
gracielabreit
Turmeric face mask challenge...stay tuned for updates! I plan to do 5-7 days depending on irritation or potential side effects.
My skin is NOT virgin by any means. Consistently using The Ordinary - Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% , OLE HENRIKSEN - Truth Serum , OLE HENRIKSEN - Banana Bright Eye Crรจme , janssen - Retino-A 0.05% Tretinoin Cream (stopped with Covid due to severe irritation under mask), TATCHA - The Water Cream , and Kiehl's - Calendula Deep Clean Foaming Face Wash . My hyperpigmentation is static at this point so looking for an adjunct to try with my routine. I normally have no breakouts/ acne but struggling a bit with maskne (12 hr shift RN) so taking it easy on a few of the products.
Iโm praying for decreased hyperpigmentation. Iโll keep you all updated on progress as I go along.
Melanie_W22
Honest thoughts on Curology ๐ง
๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฒ is a customized skincare subscription service - iโm sure weโve all heard of it! Ever since I learned about prescription tretinoin, I knew I had to try it. I like that Curology can prescribe Tretinoin through an online consultation so it saved me a lot of money. I signed up and I received my first bottle in the first week of 2020. โฃ
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๐๐ฒ ๐ฌ๐ค๐ข๐ง ๐ญ๐ฒ๐ฉ๐ & ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐๐ซ๐ง๐ฌ:โฃ
I have combination, sensitized, acne-prone skin with PIHโฃ
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๐๐ฒ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ฉ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ & ๐ก๐จ๐ฐ ๐ฅ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐ข๐ญ:โฃ
I used two formulas: โฃ
First month (January): Tretinoin 0.01% , Clindamycin 1%, Azelaic Acid 4%โฃ
Next two months: Tretinoin 0.018%, Clindamycin 1%, Azelaic Acid 8%โฃ
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*NOTE: I specifically asked for tretinoin and azelaic acid โฃ
* I have been using Adapalene for two months before I started Curology and was at the purging stage. โฃ
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๐ข๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ฆ๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ก: โฃ
My free trial arrived the first week of January and I tried it right away. As per the instructions, I washed my face with a gentle cleanser, applied moisturizer then the cream. I used it 2x a week. I was alternately using it with Adapelene. For the first month, the effects werenโt super obvious - other than my skin becoming smoother and softer feeling than it ever had before. โฃ
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๐๐๐๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ก: โฃ
I think my skin was at its worst in my second month of Tretinoin (4th month adapalene). I had more cystic acne and I was literally red all day -- I like to call it my full-on purging stage. I just stuck to it anyway. By this time, my skin was also feeling dry and I had slight peeling. My routine was: cleanser, thick moisturizer, and tretinoin. I was using my formula 3x a week. โฃ
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๐๐ก๐ข๐ซ๐ ๐ฆ๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ก:โฃ
The last weeks of the third month was when I saw the big changes in my skin. I was able to use the cream nightly by this time. Only word I can use to describe it is - shocked. I went from having cystic, red acne and rough patches to having smooth and completely calmed skin. Though left with hyperpigmentations, my skin was better than ever. โฃ
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๐ช๐ก๐๐ซ๐ ๐ ๐๐ฆ ๐ง๐จ๐ฐ: โฃ
After 3 months with Curology (with simplified skin care routine and adapalene) almost all of my cystic acnes were gone. Something I had thought months ago never would be possible. In April, I started my Triluma journey (tretinoin 0.5% + hydroquinone +mild steroid) to treat the hyperpigmentations left behind. I finished my tube last May and from then on used another brand of tretinoin (0.5%) for maintenance and to treat PIH. โฃ
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๐ข๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐ญ๐ก๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ฌ: โฃ
All I gotta say is that Curology is a great service, for most people. Unfortunately there are some of us for whom the base and/or certain ingredients simply won't work, and I believe that's no fault of Curology.โฃ
I thoroughly recommend Curology. Itโs a great option to get our hands on prescription strength products, like Tretinoin cream, without paying for an expensive private consultation.
Melissa
More Reviews
Broke me out in painful whiteheads
I got this trial size as a 100 point reward with a purchase at Sephora. I was hoping it will help with some sunspots and an acne scar on my face. I followed the directions by applying a thin layer to cleansed skin. I thought it was weird to not spot treat but did it anyway. Welp, I broke out into painful acne all over my face. Some were red and under the skin but a few were nasty white heads. The whiteheads hurt so I stopped using this and just put up. Since I stopped using it and acne healed up; I went back to my cica sleeping mask and now my skin is pretty much back to normal. I wasnโt able to use it more than 3 times so Iโm not sure if it helps fade dark spots but itโs not worth getting painful acne on my face. I am thinking of trying it on my body where I have scars but still nervous if it will cause me to break out. I donโt recommend using this on your face if you are acne prone at all.
Murad - Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum
Murad-Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum
๐GโBYE๐DARK๐SPOTS๐ #cheriepartner
๐ i have a ton of dark spots from acne scars, and they usually take a really long time and fade. But this new serum that I got speeds it up to a level even I did not expect!
๐ the product
Murad - Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum
the active ingredient is 2% hydroquinone, skin lightening agent which can literally bleach your skin
๐i SPOT apply because I have very tan skin already and I am not trying to bleach my whole face, if you get my drift. my dark spors disappeared in about three days, which is the fastest Iโve ever seen my skin recover!
๐ $72 for a full size bottle that Will probably last forever because I only use it as a spot treatment. The mini size which is what I have is only $25 and Iโve been using it for about two weeks and you can barely tell!
Murad-Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum
#1 NATURIUM PRODUCT ALERT ๐งโโ๏ธโจ
NATURIUM - Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
$16!!!
๐คI lOVE THIS PRODUCT! Naturium Niacinamide 12% + Zinc PCA 2% is a must! I use this product morning and night after cleansing and after BHA/AHA. I havenโt experienced any type of sensitivity using this product. It spreads nicely onto the skin and leaves a soft, non-greasy feeling!
๐คNiacinamide is great for all skin types including sensitive skin (no fragrance in this product)! It helps with reducing the look of enlarged pores, refining uneven texture, and balancing oil production. The Zinc PCA 2% component helps reduce excess shine from oil. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid to draw in moisture to the skin and prevents transepidermal water loss. Naturium also offers another Niacinamide product in cream form, I just prefer the serum.
๐คThis product has really helped to reduce the appearance of my PORES! My mom has also been using it and has seen INCREDIBLE improvement in her hyperpigmentation and melasma! Iโve seen it has helped give me a more even skin tone and reduced dark spots.
โฅ๏ธCONCLUSION. I am DEFINITELY REPURCHASING this product, although at some point Iโd definitely like to try the Paulaโs Choice niacinamide as well. But this product is such good quality and is only $16 so itโs definitely hard to beat. I think everyone should incorporate Niacinamide into their routine! It just offers so many benefits and this formulation has been gentle and effective enough for me to use twice daily ๐๐ฅฐ
-J
NATURIUM-Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
Skinceuticals C E Ferulic
Skinceuticalโs C E Ferulic is a vitamin C serum that provides environmental protection, lightens lines, firms skin and brightens your complexion. The serum has a cult following and over 2,000 5 star ratings on dermstore. Dermatologists have voted it the best overall vitamin C serum.
The star ingredient - vitamin C. This antioxidant is one of the few ingredients experts recommend for its protective and brightening properties. When formulated to penetrate within the deeper layers of your skin, vitamin C combats free radicals from UV light and environmental aggressors. It also helps stimulate collagen and even skin tone.
Dermatologists tend to prefer L-ascorbic acid (a pure form of vitamin C) because it's more likely to reach the skin depth where it's most effective. The acid works best at a concentration between 10% and 20%, and Skinceuticals serum is 15% concentration of L-ascorbic acid. The collagen-boosting, brightening properties work together to fade dark spots from breakouts and gives skin a glow. A little goes a long way and this product should last you about 4 months. I use this in the morning after my toner and before my moisturizer and sunscreen
SKINCEUTICALS-C E Ferulic With 15% L-Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C Serum
My favorite duos
Dr. Dennis Gross - at first I didnโt think it was doing much. A week later, I started noticing the small fine lines in my forehead were reducing and so were my enlarged pores, which I have been suffering from for a very long time! I absolutely love to put this on almost every day after Paulaโs Choice Peptide BoostDr Dennis Gross - Stress Rescue Super Serum with Niacinamide
Paulaโs Choice Peptide Boost - has given me so much radiance and a true boost to my skin routine! Helped me reduce the appearance of my fine lines and firmness
PAULA'S CHOICE - Peptide Booster
Paulaโs Choice Azelaic Acid - best for hyperpigmentation and itโs been a game changer! Amazing! Helping me so much clarifying all of my stubborn acne spots
PAULA'S CHOICE - 10% Azelaic Acid Booster
PAULA'S CHOICE-10% Azelaic Acid Booster
Amazing Yet Underrated: Azelaic Acid Suspension
Alright, letโs be honest; I feel like a majority of people that are into skincare know about the Ordinary. It is a brand that has been getting a lot of exposure lately because of its affordable prices with great quality products. Their serums (niacinamide, hyaluronic acid) are one of the most popular products from the line. Although I own and love these serums, there is a product that I came across and bought that has helped my skin tremendously over the past few months. This product is the Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%; it is defined as a โmultifunctional brightening formula.โ This suspension is so well rounded and can treat various skin concerns. Azelaic acid is an antioxidant that helps with dark spots, pores, and redness; and although I donโt suffer from acne, I heard that this ingredient helps a lot with the healing process of acne scarring. Lastly, itโs super lightweight and makes my skin feel very soft! Even though this product is great for all skin types, I would do a skin patch test if you have sensitive skin (considering the fact that it is a direct acid). If your skin does not react well to the suspension, it could lead to skin irritation so be careful. But aside from that, I think that the Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% can benefit anyone and itโs only about 8 dollars! I use it only at night, but itโs gentle enough to be applied twice a day daily. Just make sure to put on your sunscreen in the daytime :)
The Ordinary-Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
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