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Retinoids, Retin-A, Retinol for Anti-Aging ~ What Works + How To Choose!

Retinoids, Retin-A, Retinol for Anti-Aging ~ What Works + How To Choose!

There are so many products and so many ingredients that claim to be “botox in a bottle” or a “Facelift in a Jar” that it’s hard to know what to choose and what actually works!

This video on Retinoids is the first in my new series focusing on Anti-Aging ingredients in topical skincare to help you decide what you want to use.

Some retinoids are considered “The Gold Standard” of anti-aging, but are all retinoids the same?

CUROLOGY ~ Prescription Tretinoin Online: Get your 1st Month of Curology FREE Here

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50 Responses to "Retinoids, Retin-A, Retinol for Anti-Aging ~ What Works + How To Choose!"

Catherine Earnshaw says:

April 29, 2019 at 1:13 pm

Hey Hi Angie!
Did you experience any hairfall while using retinoids. A lot of people reported doing so including myself. I was wondering if this means i am retinoid sensitive or is it something that also takes getting used to like the peeling and gets better overtime? i lost phenomenal amount of hair while on it and though i admit to overdoing it at the time But even reducing (months after i discontinued use and hairfall returning to normal) dosage to less than pea sized amount did not help. But the result on my skin was very good and i am hoping to find a way to continue using it. Also i am 34 yrs of age. Would really appreciate if you could address this query here or in one of your videos. Thanks for all the experiences you’ve been sharing with us.

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  May 1, 2019 at 8:57 am
  
  Hi Catherine~ I didn’t notice any difference in hair shedding with Retin-A use… I’m always pretty horrified with the amount of hair in my drain whenever I shampoo but that’s been the case for the last 15 years… xo ~angie
  
  Reply
Julie says:

May 10, 2018 at 2:36 pm

Do you put a moisturizer on prior to applying your Trentinon Cream?

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  May 12, 2018 at 2:43 pm
  
  I don’t, I put on moisturizer after.
  
  Reply
Dianna says:

May 1, 2018 at 1:55 pm

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with we women of a certain age, Angie! You are really an inspiration! I think most of us can attest to the fact of abusing our skin for decades before finally having our “come to Jesus” moment in the mirror. I’ve actually taken pretty good care of my skin for the last 20 years or so, but the sun damage can show up now from even earlier unfortunately. The passage of time won’t be stopped I guess, but I suppose we can do our best to make friends with it 😉

P.S. I started my Curology free trial, and I’m really excited to see what they send me! Thanks again for paving the road before us with all your experimentation and testing 🙂

Reply
Lisa C. says:

April 26, 2018 at 10:54 am

I have read on website blog of Dr. Cynthia Bailey, dermatologist, about using tretinoin products. She advises to be sure your face is completely dry after washing and applying other moisturizers before applying the retin type of products. She waits about 15 minutes after washing and moisturizing before she applies, she says. Reason is that the moisture causes more absorption of the product, thus more irritation possible (peeling, redness).

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  April 27, 2018 at 8:16 am
  
  I love Dr. Bailey, that’s a great way to apply to avoid irritation.
  
  Reply
Ann Barrett says:

April 16, 2018 at 2:09 pm

Hi about Sunday Riley product good genes and Luna
Oils . Are they the same as the timeless
You speak of in
Your anti aging skin care ? Kind of pricey . Just curious if all the timeless you use are in this product or if you have tried these products .
Thank you so much !

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  April 19, 2018 at 9:54 pm
  
  Hi Ann, I have tried Sunday Riley Good Genes and Luna Oil. They don’t contain the same ingredients as the Timeless products I use so it’s like comparing apples to oranges. The Luna Oil has a retinol ester which is the weakest type of retinol. Sunday Riley Good Genes contains Lactic Acid which is my favorite of the AHAs. IMHO the Sunday Riley products don’t contain anything so special that it makes them worth the price tag. You can get the same retinol and lactic acid in much less expensive products. I’m posting all about alpha hydroxy acids tomorrow so check back for my top picks! xo ~angie
  
  Reply
Kelly Saltzman says:

March 31, 2018 at 1:39 am

Hi Angie…as of right now,
Thankfully, I am able to get the Tretinoin through my doctor and covered by my insurance, but I am intrigued by the Curology. I am just starting this
process with the Retin A…would you recommend staying with the Retin A (vs starting
with the Curology)? Thanks for you help and for all the information…it is so helpful and you look amazing!!

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  April 1, 2018 at 9:08 pm
  
  Hi Kelly~ If you’ve already got your script and insurance will cover it then you might as well use the Retin-A. I’d only recommend switching to Curology in your case if you also have some acne and need the Curology mix of tretinoin and acne medication. xo ~angie
  
  Reply
Val says:

March 18, 2018 at 9:18 am

Hello Angie!
Thanks for all the informative work. I was really intrigue by the Curology system and would have loved to try it but sadly, they don’t ship in Canada :-(… oh well, maybe one day 🙂

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  March 18, 2018 at 9:36 am
  
  I know, I’m so bummed but hopefully they’ll be in Canada eventually!
  
  Reply
2. Karen says:
  
  April 6, 2018 at 10:54 am
  
  Hi Val, do they have retina A over the counter, I am buying the prescription in the states. I will be going to Canada this summer. Any idea where I can buy some. I bought the 0.05 percent. Retina.
  
  Reply
Leigh Ann says:

March 15, 2018 at 5:42 pm

Angie,

What are the best Canadian pharmacies (online or otherwise)? I’m heading to Canada in a month or so. Thanks, very informative post!!

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  March 15, 2018 at 8:14 pm
  
  I don’t know…
  
  Reply
2. Val says:
  
  March 18, 2018 at 9:21 am
  
  Hello!
  
  You might want to look at Shoppers Drug Mart while visiting Canada 🙂
  
  Reply
  1. Leigh Ann says:
    
    March 23, 2018 at 3:25 pm
    
    Thank you. What do they offer in the way of prescriptions?
    
    Reply
Becky Jumps says:

March 15, 2018 at 1:17 pm

Hi Angie,
I’m very interested in this Curology and I think you answered above that you have stopped using tretinion because it’s in it already and the personalized treatments sounds good. More on Curology would be nice. Your skin looks fabulous.

thanks for the info.

Reply
Wendy says:

March 15, 2018 at 10:52 am

Hi Angie! I’ve never commented on your blog before but feel moved to today. First, I’ve followed you 2+ years now and do your skin care (plus a lot of your ‘holy grail’ makeup) to the tee, and my face has never looked better. Thank you for all the research and experimenting you do for all of us. I’m 58 and like you, a previous sun worshipper. :(. I’ve used Retin-A for over 10 years and have been lucky that insurance has always paid for it. Until now. 🙁 So when I saw your post yesterday about Curology, I immediately went online and discovered they’re almost too good to be true. Founded by a mother and son dermatologist, they wanted a practice where they could care for patients remotely just as effectively as they cared for patients like in their in-person dermatology practices. It was easy to get started–complete a skincare history questionaire and 3 selfies — and within the day a medical professional made a custom treatment plan just for me. You shared your custom formulation with us….mine is…tretinoin 0.14%, Vitamin C 5%, and Niacinamide 4%. That is the strongest tretinoin anywhere. It’s mind boggling to think about the cost of tretinoin at a pharmacy compared to $19.95 a month at Curology. Thank you for your timely video! I now get to continue using tretinoin because of it!

Reply
Heather says:

March 11, 2018 at 6:49 pm

Hi Angie, I’m almost 48 and just found your vlog/ blog this weekend. Thank you! Your foundation Fridays have me sucked in to a YouTube vortex. I walked out of the weekend with 2 new foundations (L’Oreal true match and Estée Lauder double wear light) and have a makeup hangover, lol.

Reply
Tracy says:

March 11, 2018 at 10:59 am

Any suggestions on whether or not to exfoliate between applications of the retin a, my skin gets so flaky 🙂

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  March 12, 2018 at 12:05 am
  
  I do a glycolic acid peel once a week, but I don’t do any manual exfoliation like scrubbing.
  
  Reply
  1. Leslee Aga says:
    
    March 13, 2018 at 5:58 pm
    
    Hi Angie,
    On the nights you use glycolic peel do you use anything after. In use glycolic pads 10% about once a week at night.
    
    Also, will you please do a review in Nurse Jamie’s beauty pillow! I’m not sure I can sleep train myself to sleep on my back
    
    Reply
    1. Angie says:
      
      March 15, 2018 at 8:22 pm
      
      I just use moisturizer after I do the glycolic peel.
      
      Reply
  2. Kristen says:
    
    March 15, 2018 at 8:52 am
    
    Which glycolic peel do you use? I experience the same sluffing while using prescription retin a.
    
    Reply
    1. Angie says:
      
      March 15, 2018 at 8:16 pm
      
      I use Drunk Elephant Sukari Baby Facial once a week.
      
      Reply
Rebecca Jones says:

March 10, 2018 at 8:53 pm

Thank you for this very informative info. I have learned so much in the short time I’ve been following your blog. Could you please do a review on IT 50 serum primer? It is suppose to have a lot of anti aging ingredients, but are they really helpful and with the correct percentage?

Reply
melissa says:

March 10, 2018 at 6:21 pm

I am obsessed with Curology. I’ve been using it for more than 3 years now (since it used to be called PocketDerm) and combined with some acids, vitamin C serum, and eye cream – my skin has never looked better.

Reply
aloïsius says:

March 10, 2018 at 2:00 pm

yes, please, one of your educational videos on Curology ~ not only interested in the product, but process from ordering to monthly ship to cancellation (prn) ~ thanks for considering!

also, to echo a previous comments ~

are tretinoin some of the other products you’ve previously mentioned still part of your routine (nighttime, i assume) now that you’re using the mix of ingredients in Curology ~ or ~ just Curology ? ~ thanks!

Reply
Jody says:

March 10, 2018 at 9:24 am

Have you given up any other of your skin care products, besides Retin A, now that you are using Curology?
Always love your videos and learn so much.

Reply
Karen says:

March 9, 2018 at 10:34 pm

So are you not using Tretinoin at all and just using the Curology?

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  March 11, 2018 at 11:57 pm
  
  Right, because now the tretinoin is in the Curology.
  
  Reply
  1. olga says:
    
    March 13, 2018 at 5:56 pm
    
    Good afternoon, dear Angie, thank you so much for your time and knowledge. I watched so many bloggers europeans and you, lots from Russia, they are all about Korean products or more natural approach. I have done AM and PM routine, I love going to miami we have a place there, so i have abused sun, apply sunblock in the morning, and never reapply. Love being tan or should I say loved. Turning 40 this year, started noticing wrinkles under the eyes, (maybe from computer work) and the age. So I would like to intoduce Tretinoin 0.05, i do F Acid from timeless at night along with Lactic, should I do tretinoin on the night when Acids are not involved? or how? if I would like to introduce it to once a week lets say. What about other nights when I use F Acicd , should I add any kind of Retinol then, or how?
    A bit confused on that,,,
    THank you, again!
    
    Reply
    1. Angie says:
      
      March 15, 2018 at 8:24 pm
      
      It’s okay to use acids together in the same routine, but it’s best to start new acids slowly and away from other acids just to avoid irritation.
      
      Reply
  2. Karen says:
    
    April 6, 2018 at 10:57 am
    
    So are you not using the Tretinoin, just the Curology. Sorry was confused with your answer?
    
    Reply
    1. Angie says:
      
      April 19, 2018 at 10:40 pm
      
      Curology contains tretinoin so I am still using tretinoin, it just comes out of a different tube. I use 1 tretinoin product.
      
      Reply
diane says:

March 9, 2018 at 9:42 pm

Hi Angie, Do you use the Rx Tretinoin and the OTC Retinoids concurrently? IE, alternating or 3 weeks on the n switch, for a week…?
I read somewhere that your skin can acclimate and needs to alternate off for a while to keep the tretinoins effective…Thoughts?
Thanks so much!!
Diane

Reply
Cheryl Somers-Ingersol says:

March 9, 2018 at 6:44 pm

I love your videos on makeup and skincare! I have never seen anything on Peter Thomas Roth and was wondering what you thought of their pm retinol serum.

Reply
Ally McBeagle says:

March 9, 2018 at 6:00 pm

Thanks for the great info! I’ve tried a bundle of OTC brands, drugstore and higher end – too many to name. I was considering a prescription because I’ve spent a lot of money without appreciable results. My oily skin (yes, at 62 yrs, I still have it) is a challenge because it’s also sensitive. Products that lower sensitivity tend to be less strength and more emollient, which then gives me breakouts and congested pores. I have Differin on my list now after watching this before I go to prescription.

Reply
1. anne payne says:
  
  March 11, 2018 at 12:04 pm
  
  Hi Ally,
  I am a huge fan of Angie, and watch all her videos etc. Noticed your note and I am 69, yes! 69 and still have the challenges you have with congested pores from emollient products and the “medium” in which these drugs are suspended. Currently, I use the Rx Tretinoin in gel form on face for that reason but I can’t use it every night. I need to skip. (because of drying) For neck, I use the Cream version. What foundation do you use? I did try the Chanel that Angie likes, and had a bit of irritation from the chemical sunscreen in it, but haven’t found a better one, so maybe will try it again. Currently use only powder spf 30 or 50 sunscreen- Colorescince & Jane Iredale.
  
  Reply
Candy says:

March 9, 2018 at 5:42 pm

I am going to try the Curology product. Do you use your Trentinoin with the Curology or are you using the Curology by itself? Thank you! I love your channel!

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  March 11, 2018 at 11:59 pm
  
  I’m just using Curology now and dropped the generic tretinoin cream.
  
  Reply
  1. Tracy says:
    
    March 18, 2018 at 10:42 pm
    
    Angie! Thank you for your honest opinions and advise. Yes! Please give your honest review on Curology! This seems like a great way to compare results and price. Thank you for sharing that you dropped the prescription when using Curology. It is confusing on what to use when. And now i know not to use both at same time.
    
    Reply
  2. Cindy says:
    
    March 23, 2018 at 8:04 pm
    
    Curology not available in my state. Any suggestions for OTC?
    
    Reply
    1. Angie says:
      
      April 1, 2018 at 9:54 pm
      
      Try Differin. It’s the strongest retinoid you can get OTC, it’s at drugstores in the acne aisle.
      
      Reply
Jessica Tebow says:

March 9, 2018 at 3:53 pm

Dying to see your Tria laser review. When can we expect an update? 🙂

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  March 12, 2018 at 12:00 am
  
  It’s a 12 week regimen so we’re looking at the end of May.
  
  Reply
Mudrick says:

March 9, 2018 at 1:14 pm

I’m using Differin nightly and loving it. I used Retin A for years and had worked up to the .1 percent strength with no side effects. Then all of a sudden my skin started rebelling against it. I went without any retin a/retinol products for a year and then tried introducing Differin. I was able to use it every day with no flaking or irritation and after a year I can definitely say it is softening my forehead wrinkles.

Reply
JoAnn Moran says:

March 9, 2018 at 11:39 am

I’ve been using the Curology for a couple of years and I like it. I use so many products it’s difficult to know what’s working. I had the same experience with the Differin on my neck. I will be 57 March 20th, so it’s an all out war with my skincare. I was a sun worshipper too. My most impacted area and the place I’m seeing the least results is my décolleté. I would love to see more ideas for that area.

Reply

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