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Retinoids can make skin dry, red, and irritated. That’s problematic for anyone, but especially people with rosacea. Retinoids are very helpful for improving the appearance of fine wrinkles, however it is a very delicate balance between treating aging and avoiding flares of rosacea. A hallmark of sensitive skin, rosacea and eczema types, in particular is a compromised moisture barrier that means retinoids can penetrate more than they should, essentially increasing the dose and resultant irritation, The fix? Before even looking at a retinoid, take two weeks to strengthen your barrier by abstaining from stripping cleansers (use micellar water or a cream instead of a gel or foam) and all forms of exfoliation. During the day, wear a broad-spectrum mineral-based sunscreen every day. At night, layer on an intensive healer. Finally, once skin is in peak condition, consider this. It can take at least six months to see the full effects of a retinoid cream, so either commit fully or don’t bother at all.  Start out using your magic potion just once a week, adding a night every other week as tolerance develops. Night is key, as sunlight deactivates vitamin A. I used Caroline Hirons Retinoid/Vitamin A series on YouTube as a guide to find the mild retinoids first and see how my skin reacted. Keep in mind that you also need to choose products that play nice when using retinoids. Bolster the anti-aging effects of your retinoid with antioxidants, sunscreen and peptides during the day while avoiding harsh cleansers, toners, AHAs and BHAs (glycolic, lactic, salicylic acids) and zit creams with benzoyl peroxide, which can actually deactivate retinoids. I started with these retinoids.

La Roche Posay Redermic Retinol Night Moisturiser

Moisturise and  target wrinkles  target with Redermic Retinol Night Cream to help regenerate skin overnight. Apply in the evening on face and neck, alone or in combination with a moisturising cream. Do not expose skin to UV light. Trusting this brand, I tried this first. After cleansing and toning, I used it. Immediately, my face felt very drying and tight. I could not finish this, so had to throw it away. Not a good start.

Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Oil

The Luna Sleeping Oil star ingredient is retinol, but it is also packed with avocado and chia seeds oils. Luna works throughout the night to deliver visibly youthful, luminous, even-toned skin in the morning. Trans-retinoic acid ester complex reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles, while visibly improving the signs of premature aging: fine lines, uneven texture, age spots, dryness, and dullness. Balanced with blue tansy and German chamomile essential oils, both rich in soothing, blue azulene, visible redness and the signs of sensitivity are neutralized, for a calm, even-toned complexion. This is a mild retinol I wanted to try and introduce to my rosacea skin. This also stung. I have two smaller sizes of 5ml each. Tried one in the winter and one in the summer. Again does not work for me.

Indeed Labs Retinol Reface

Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is considered to be one of the most effective ingredients in helping to reduce the appearance of visible signs of ageing. retinol reface contains not one but 3 forms of retinol to help deliver softer, smoother looking skin, while targeting the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet. This is a repeat purchase as I want to see if this upsets my now rosacea skin. But I gave it away to my friend.

La Roche Posay Retinol B3 Serum

A first retinol serum to fight the visible signs of aging with a unique formulation for sensitive skin. Clinically proven to firm, fill & smooth.
Specifically formulated for those concerned with dehydration, skin irregularities and wrinkles, but also searching for a serum suitable for sensitive skin. This was used first twice weekly, until I felt comfortable using daily. Glass dropper bottle format that I do not like and  expensive although I paid less than £3o for this. Not buying this again either. Product fine, but packaging and price is not for me.

Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum

76% more potent than unencapsulated retinol, a new, targeted treatment to visibly diminish lines and wrinkles while improving skin texture and tone. Each capsule is single use and sealed tight for optimal freshness and potency.  Plus, they’re preservative and fragrance free. Very handy for travelling. No reactions, but very expensive for what you have.

Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic & Retinol Wrinkle Recovery Overnight Serum

I tried a sample. This silky, overnight serum is brimming with potent, anti-ageing powerhouses. With retinol – a vitamin A-derivative that’s proven to encourage cellular regeneration while inhibiting the enzymatic action that degenerates existing collagen – alongside ferulic acid, which enhances the age-defying retinoic benefits while protecting from damaging free radicals, Ferulic and Retinol Wrinkle Recovery Overnight Serum supports your cells’ own repair function. The results are dramatic – within just 28 days of continuous use you should notice a reduction in the depth of furrows, an improvement in texture and tone, as well as an increase in skin’s ‘bounce’ and firmness. This again was fine, no problems. But too expensive to consider repuchasing.

Alpha H Vitamin A and Vitamin E

A nourishing and transformative Vitamin A-based serum with 0.5% Retinol. Best used overnight, this antioxidant-rich formula exfoliates, hydrates and accelerates skin renewal for luminous skin. I used this along side the brand vitamin E serum. This nourishing formula nurtures, calms and fortifies dry, damaged and sensitive skin.

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Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 And 3

Formulated with stabilised retinal, a powerful derivative of vitamin A. I brought the 1 as this is an entry level and ideal for those who have really sensitive skin or are looking to incorporate a low strength but highly effective vitamin A serum in their routine. The 3 came in Caroline Hirons winter kit. So I thought I would try it after the 1 if my skin tolerated this.

Conclusions

Would I buy any of these again. Most likely not. Maybe the Elizabeth Arden to use whilst travelling. But that one is very expensive. I also tried Skin and Me, and that impressed me. So that is what I am using now. Tretinoin belongs to a family of drugs called retinoids, which are ingredients derived from Vitamin A. Tretinoin is a whole lot more powerful and effective than other members of the retinoid family, like retinol, which is why it’s only available on prescription. So that is why I prefer to use more effective treatment. And not what you find on the high street. I am glad I tried them.