Can I downgrade to OTC retinol from usin... | Routine Help

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jillyap user profile picture

jillyap

Oily/Sensitive

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Can I downgrade to OTC retinol from using tretinoin 0.025%?

Hi there! Been using tretinoin to manage my acne (it was prescribed). The last time I used it was 1st quarter of this year and then I stopped because my skin barrier was a bit compromised. Used ceramide moisturizer and a gentle cleanser to repair my barrier and glad it worked. Then I rested my face for months and just last month I was prescribed azelaic acid 20% for my acne. It was working well but I’ve noticed some wrinkles and I wanted to go back to using a mild form of retinol. So my question is, what kind of retinol and how many percent should I use this time? I’m 34 by the way so I really need an anti-wrinkle/aging product. Thanks.
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nattyskinfan user profile picture

nattyskinfan

Oily/Sensitive

Tret totally messed with my skin barrier too! I recently switched back to OTC retinol and my skin is much happier. Sometimes tretinoin is just a bit too much so it’s totally reasonable to meet your skin where it’s at! I’m a big fan of the Ordinary’s retinol, so maybe trying their slightly stronger ones could be enough without damaging your barrier again? Or I know people swear by Olay creams too, so that could be worth a try. Regardless, I hope you find what your skin loves!
Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane

The Ordinary
Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane

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Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer

Olay
Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer

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Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

The Ordinary
Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

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nattyskinfan user profile picture

nattyskinfan

Oily/Sensitive

Unfortunately their PAO is just 3 months, so it does have to be replaced regularly. I don’t know if refrigeration is necessary since I don’t think it would make it last any longer, but you can use the product on your neck/chest/hands or anywhere else showing age to help get more use out of it (just don’t forget to patch test). The price point is low enough that I personally don’t mind having to replace it often, but I know it can totally be a deterrent. In those cases maybe the Olay creams are better choices?
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LilSteps user profile picture

LilSteps

Dry/Sensitive

I have used L’Oréal one and it has worked wonderfully for me. You can see it too. Has about 0.2% retinol. You can start small and then grow as you see fit.
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