Thread: Retinol / Retin-A

What's the best over-the-counter product I can get without a prescription? I feel like reducing some fine lines and wrinkes. ..g.:

Originally Posted by deelight

What's the best over-the-counter product I can get without a prescription? I feel like reducing some fine lines and wrinkes. ..g.:

I think Retin-A caused an early onset of rosacea for me. You might want to avoid it if you have a history of rosacea in your family.

Fine lines really aren't all that bad.

i recommend neutrogena- they have a serum and a nighttime one, both, are awesome!

I really love MD Formulations skincare. I've been using their "Sensitive Anti-Wrinkle" kit for years because I love how well their products exfoliate. They have an "Anti-Aging" kit, as well, if you don't require products for sensitive skin (I am prone to breakouts and rosacea). The cleansers in both kits contain a mild glycolic. The Continuous Renewal Serum exfoliates as well.

Sensitive Anti-Wrinkle Kit:
My Solution: Sensitive Anti-Wrinkle Kit

Anti-Aging Kit:
My Solution: Anti-Aging Kit

Just the cleanser, if you want to get that on its own (you can definitely feel the glycolic in it!):
Cleanse
(Click on either first cleanser, which is the regular strength, or the Sensitive Skin cleanser, which is a bit milder)

I used to use Retin-A years ago, and boy, DaSage is right about the rosacea thing. It made my face so red...not fun.

Originally Posted by honoluluhabibi

i recommend neutrogena- they have a serum and a nighttime one, both, are awesome!

I've used these products for years and I agree - they really work for me.

I have had a prescription retinol before but I haven't contacted a dermatologist yet so I've been trying the over the counter stuff. So far I haven't liked anything that I could buy at the drug store but I have found a good one online.

Currently I'm using La Roche-Posay Biomedic Retinol 60 and I like it. You can find it at Skincare RX and they have quite a few different ones and strengths available.

I like Green Cream and use it regularly. I am also prone to acne, so the Green Cream provides me a one-two punch against both aging and acne. I also use a 10% glycolic acid product every other day. I alternate the Retinoid and the glycolic acid.

I use Green Cream level 6. If you have not ever used retinoids in the past, I highly recommend starting with a level 3 so you can use the lowest dose and avoid some of the irritation that goes along with initiation of retinoid therapy.

For the glycolic acid product, I use Avon's Anew Advanced Clinical Retexturizing Peel. It's fabulous for me. Only every other day, as the directions recommend.

When using retinoids or glycolic acid products, sunscreen is mandatory! SPF 30 at least is important because of the exfoliation of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin), which helps even out the skin's appearance both color-wise and line/wrinkle-wise.

Retinoids not only help exfoliate the outer layer chemically but also alter the underlying skin structure by 'plumping up' those under layers; that's the big reason for altering the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and even indented scarring. Retinoids ALSO help with the formation of collagen and collagen loss is one huge factor in the appearance of aging (collagen loss is greatly induced by sun exposure.) So if you're a sun worshipper, please realize that there are safer and less aging alternatives to getting that sexy golden tan, things like Sally Hansen Airbrush sun (I use this and it's FAB!) and myriads of other products, including Jergen's glow (gradual tanning in a moisturizer), instant bronzing products, etc.

If you're prone to breakouts, please realize that initiation of retinoid or even glycolic acid therapy can cause an initial breakout. For more information about retinoids (the following link is not about glycolic acid), Please read the following post on how topical retinoids work and why patience and perseverance is required when using topical retinoids: Info about retinoids and the initial breakout - Acne.org Message Boards

The acne.org website has much good information even though it is geared toward acne, some of it is applicable to aging. I am 42...and don't look it. :) At ALL. The best board with aging skin would likely be the non-inflamed acne board (dealing with blackheads and whiteheads) as those are exfoliative techniques that work for either comedonal acne or aging. I'm Wynne on those boards, too. It's been my online name since 1998! wow! :D