I asked for your advice.
Specifically, I asked the internet:
‘Do you use vitamin A retinol skin goo stuff? I am not up with skincare and my face is starting to look like an old flannel that got stuck down the back of the washing machine. Extra points if it's not spendy (because we’re all on a buuuuudget).’
And BOY did you have things to say, and products to recommend! I’ve gathered all of the most common responses, tips and tricks for you and shared them here.
First of all, who won most shout-outs?
The Ordinary was definitely the winner for budget-friendly products that actually do something (retinol, Vitamin C, peptides). ZFB’s Go-To got lots of love, too. I was surprised and a little intimidated to hear lots of you use GP, Pharmacy and prescription-based vitamin A products. An example of this is Retrieve; effective but a bit intense for newbies.
And on warnings, more than a few people copped irritation from stronger retinols, and EVERYONE reminds us to use shitloads of 50+.
So now, the full list and some of your words. Enjoy, and let us all know how you go @_msellabella
(PS. I’m not a medical professional or skincare expert: take this with a grain of salt and do your own research.)
Top Brands
The Ordinary & Go-To Skincare equal first
Prescription Retinol / Vitamin A (like Tretinoin)
Paula’s Choice
SkinCeuticals Vitamin C
The others
Angry Doctor, La Roche-Posay, Antipodes Face Oil, Rosehip Oil, Elucent Cleanser, Tallow Balm, Skin Republic, collagen and Neostrata AHA Lotion.
“I’m 54 and use SkinCeuticals Vitamin C in the morning and prescription retinol at night, sunscreen in the rain!”
“I use GoTo skincare. Not making me younger but I feel better ...”
“Have a look at Angry Doctor (skincare by Melb plastic surgeon Howard Webster). he has a pretty simple routine that’s effective. I’ve just swapped from Rationale which was beautiful but $$$ and I like the results l’m getting so far.”
“We SWEAR by the AHA lotion from Neostrata. It’s from Chemist Warehouse.
It’s fabulous.”
“Not retinol but l’ve recently discovered Antipodes face oil (avo and rosehip oil) and my 43yr old prune face loves it!!”
“Go-To Amazing Retinal. I’ve tried expensive retinol as well, but get better results with Go-To and it’s affordable.
I also use their Face Hero oil and Very Luxe face cream - if you are going to use retinol/al it can dry your skin out, especially when you first start using it, and I find the above 2 products hydrate my face perfectly.”
“My skin check derm says the only two things with real scientific evidence are Vit C and retinoids. I just get mine from The Ordinary! Very cheap. Great ep of Dr Priya Alexander’s podcast Happy To Health a few months ago w a dermatologist who gave a good no BS summary of what actually works and what is a waste of $”
“I’ve fallen head over for tallow balm (it lasts for ages). I use it as a base or just
at night. Then moisturise with a mix of Cetaphil and Breeze Balm BB cream for a
tinge of colour. Also, have you heard of the Yuka app? You can go nuts scanning barcodes to see if products are nasty or not.”
“I use ‘The Ordinary’ face products from Priceline, well priced and all the same ingredients as the posh stuff,”
“I started with a retinol from the chemist but could only use it every second day as it’s SO harsh. I stopped because it was hurting my skin and I’m just not that committed”
“If you need a good little skincare routine that won’t break the bank - using a ceramide based moisturiser & cleanser can help support the skin barrier ... and then Skin Republic or The Ordinary have some affordable serums.”
“See your dermatologist or GP for a script for Retrieve Cream (0.05% Tretinoin). It’s about $60–70 (Chemist Warehouse is cheapest). It’s takes a number of months for your skin to get used to it and there’s a protocol to follow, but once it’s used to it it’s and stronger than anything you can get at Mecca etc without a script. I only use about a peasized amount each night so lasts and lasts. Good luck!”
“You can get prescription vitamin A! Retrieve is about $80 and lasts the year ... Or Paula’s Choice has some good retinol cream.”
“Ask your GP about Tretinoin Vit A cream. Forget fancy cosmetic brands. This is what cosmetic snd plastic surgeons recommend. It’s inexpensive and lasts for literally months. Start with a very fine layer every 3rd evening on a clean face avoiding your eye area. Wait about 30mins before applying your moisturiser over the top. Gradually work up to applying every 2nd evening and then nightly after a few weeks.”
