RENTINOIDs: the BEST super ingredient
kitty.skin
šø 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
šø 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
āļøāļøALWAYS USE AN SPF WITH RETINOIDSāļøāļø
because your skin cells are dying and regenerating so quickly, you are much more prone to sunburns. read @jensanti ās 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. Itās prescription only but very effective.
šø products i use!
prescription only: ADAPALENE 0.3%
dupe: DIFFERIN - DIFFERIN Acne Treatment Gel
Pores face serums
Clogged pores treatments
Skin brightening treatments
Beauty products for uneven skin texture
Skin brightening serums
SUNDAY RILEY
janssen
DIFFERIN
Face Serum
Acne Treatment
Oct. 15, 2020
Comments
bealizbeautyThese are great options! Iāve been using the inkey list retinol serum.
Nov. 27, 2020Ā·1 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
š Powerful but Gentle Retinol! š
Follow my skincare Instagram @skincare_by_reba for more content! š„°
š Letās talk šššš¢š§šØš„ ššš«š®š¦š¬! šā£ā£
ā£ā£ā£
šŖš”šš š¢š¬ šš”š¢š¬ š©š«šØšš®šš? This is
SUNDAY RILEY - A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum! SRās site describes it as an āadvanced-strength retinoid serum that delivers a 6.5% solution of stabilized retinoid blends and botanical, retinol-alternative extracts into the skin.ā See my IG post for the breakdown of the retinoid blend & other key ingredients! ā£ā£
ā£ā£
šš² šš”šØš®š š”šš¬: I know youāre all probably waiting for me to say I donāt love a SR product, but Iām sorry...š š§š³š¦š¢š¬šŖšÆšØ šš°š·š¦ šµš©šŖš“ š°šÆš¦ šµš°š° š„° 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. ā£ā£
ā£ā£
If youāre 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 šŗš°š¶!ā£ā£
ā£ā£ā£
ššš„š®š: The price is steep with this one, as it is with a lot of high-quality products. Itās $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. Iāve cut back on that recently as Iām 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, itāll last you way longer! I just received my 1.7oz (just in time!) which I bought in the Power of Three kit ā great savings that way on 3 serums I use all the time! ā£ā£
ā£ā£
šš©š¢šµāš“ šŗš°š¶š³ š§š¢š·š°š³šŖšµš¦ š©šŖšØš©-š„š°š“š¦ š³š¦šµšŖšÆš°š?
reeeebekah
My Differin Journey (9 weeks in and STRUGGLING)
Hi all,
Around the first week of December 2020 I decided to start trying Differin Adapalene Gel to address my skin concerns. As some of my previous posts explain, Iāve struggled badly with oily skin, blackheads, extremely enlarged pores, and occasional acne, most of my teenage years and into my adult life (Iām 26 now). I have tried SO many products to try and help curb my issues (see previous posts for examples), and though theyāve helped a little, Iāve never been fully satisfied with the results... my skin is just stubborn! I decided to swap my retinol for Differin to see if it would target my issues a little bit better and JEEZ has this been a journey so far...
So to be completely blunt, Iām discouraged. If you look at the attached photo, the picture with all the acne is me NOW. Yes, RIGHT NOW. The one WITHOUT explosive acne is my BEFORE Differin skin.
Okay, now Iāll get into it...
So itās been about 9 weeks since Iāve started on Differin. In the beginning I noticed my skin was starting to feel really sensitive, which it never is. Any other product (Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, etc.) felt like burning when I put it on, which is incredibly strange for me. My skin has been consistently pink ever since. I immediately stopped using any BHA, AHA or any harsh acid while using Differin and made sure to SLATHER on reparative moisturizer to help repair my skin barrier. Basically my skin routine needed to stripped to the bare minimum. Throughout the weeks, my skin flaked and peeled excessively, especially with makeup on. It looked SO dry and awful and felt stingy underneath (still does). Then about 3 weeks in, the purging started. It started off slow and erupted to where itās at now on February 11, 2021. Purge pimples are so strange compared to my sporadic cystic acne bumps Iām used to getting. Purging shows up in a big breakout cluster of pimples, mostly small (not always), but definitely painful and brutal looking for me. Over the weeks it just got worse and worse. Iām getting pimples all in the same place for the most part ā my lower cheek areas. It has been tumultuous and my skin has never looked this terrible in my whole life.
Iāve done my research on Differin, and everyone says it is completely normal for your skin to get worse before it gets better (for me, A LOTTTTT worse). Iām hoping this is true because I really want to stick this out ā Iāve already gone through the worst of it, might as well wait it out a bit longer.
If youāre interested in Differin, just be prepared for what youāre getting into! Iām sure this will all be worth it but wanted to share my experience and help others with the SHOOKness that may or may not happen. I will definitely share updates in the future with hopefully better results!
Anyone try Differin before? Was it this hard? Did your purging last this long? Words of encouragement?
Thank you!!
DIFFERIN - DIFFERIN Acne Treatment Gel
aubreygiveshugs
Before and Afters still in progress....
I truly donāt like doing before and afters especially when it looks like thereās barely any progress but I promise you my skin FEELS so much better than it looks and Iāve seen some amazing progress! Iāve tagged the products I feel have helped the most recently. It takes patience but little progress is still PROGRESS šš¼šš¼šš¼šš¼
Taykro928
Adult acne update 4
If you follow me you know the deal, I started getting cystic acne in September I saw a dermatologist he gave me a new routine and weāve been working towards getting rid of the acne and weāre finally on the getting rid of the scars phase.
If you swipe you can see the products that I use, and you can see itās very minimal
I started tretinoin 0.05% a week ago! Omg is my face dry but I havenāt had any new pimples still so Iām here for it. Are use the cream three times a week Monday Friday and Saturday on the days I donāt use the cream I use the cerave healing ointment.
I use the sunscreen day and night because itās a zinc oxide product and my doctor recommended it and I absolutely adore it. Before starting the retina I could get away with using healing ointment only once or twice a week, since starting up I use it for times a week and my skin is still peeling. The peeling doesnāt itch, but it looks like I have dandruff on my face lol
Next month we are looking at using the C02 laser, my doctor said those who use retinol before the laser have better results.
I will continue to update before the app shuts down for those who are following this journey.
P.s. My doctor refused to let me use retinol before my acne cleared, because he said we had to fix one problem at a time. I have yet to purge acne wise since starting the retina and I think because he worked one step at a time is why my skin cleared janssen - Retino-A 0.05% Tretinoin Cream so fast.
emily5652
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 CrĆØme , 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.
Iām praying for decreased hyperpigmentation. Iāll keep you all updated on progress as I go along.
Melanie_W22
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 wasnāt able to use it more than 3 times so Iām not sure if it helps fade dark spots but itās 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 donāt 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
šGāBYEšDARKšSPOTSš #cheriepartner
š 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!
š 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
ši 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 Iāve ever seen my skin recover!
š $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 Iāve been using it for about two weeks and you can barely tell!
Murad-Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum
#1 NATURIUM PRODUCT ALERT š§āāļøāØ
NATURIUM - Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
$16!!!
š¤I 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 havenāt experienced any type of sensitivity using this product. It spreads nicely onto the skin and leaves a soft, non-greasy feeling!
š¤Niacinamide 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.
š¤This 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! Iāve seen it has helped give me a more even skin tone and reduced dark spots.
ā„ļøCONCLUSION. I am DEFINITELY REPURCHASING this product, although at some point Iād definitely like to try the Paulaās Choice niacinamide as well. But this product is such good quality and is only $16 so itās 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 šš„°
-J
NATURIUM-Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
Skinceuticals C E Ferulic
Skinceuticalās 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 didnāt 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 Paulaās Choice Peptide BoostDr Dennis Gross - Stress Rescue Super Serum with Niacinamide
Paulaās 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
Paulaās Choice Azelaic Acid - best for hyperpigmentation and itās 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, letās 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 āmultifunctional brightening formula.ā 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 donāt suffer from acne, I heard that this ingredient helps a lot with the healing process of acne scarring. Lastly, itās 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 itās only about 8 dollars! I use it only at night, but itās 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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