Cynthia, great question, and I recently responded to another reader about my recent discovery: If I can wait at least 20 minutes after drying my face post-wash, the retinoid (I use Altreno now) is much less irritating, meaning, for me, at least, not at all. I do apply a moisturizer sometimes first (the CervaVe PM) but it really suprised me what a difference waiting made. Hope this helps. xo
After you wash your face, wait 20 minutes, and then apply retinoid, how much longer (post-retinoid application) do you wait before putting on the moisturizer? I just started using Trentinoin again and I'm already peeling! thank you :)
Ah! If I add another layer of moisturizer I just wait until the retinoid dries. But if you're flaking keep in mind that you can reduce the number of nights you're using the retinoid; cut back a bit but don't stop altogether. xo
Always love your reposts, Val! And the derm-recommended products are much appreciated. My derm suggested I try either a glycolic acid or a hyaluronic acid serum (he does not sell either one) under my daytime moisturizer with SPF. When budget permits, I use the CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum. (You’ve turned me into a CeraVe devotee!) One might think a product labeled “Acid” would sting. But this gel-cream formula is quite gentle and soothing.
I think of a serum as fine lingerie for the skin, something silky worn under something protective, and like fine lingerie, feels luxurious while providing extra support.
TX again for all we need to know to break a dry spell!
I'm an Alastin junkie. I absolutely swear by their moisturizer. I've tried to replace it numerous time and always come back to that and the Skinceuticals Freulic serum. I got here by way of Image Ormedic line. I loved Image until something changed.
Thank you, Patti! And you know what I think about the newest and the best, right? It sounds like what you've got is just right...and that is the best! xo
You have no idea how much I needed this! Currently nursing a lot of dry itchy patches so halting everything but jojoba oil, moisturizer and hydrocortisone cream to calm it down before I start adding stuff back to find the culprit. Definitely on my list to find a derm now that my kiddo is in full-time school!
Sophia, it sounds like you're doing exactly the right thing, cutting back on everything to try to find what's causing the dryness or irritation. I hope it reveals itself sooner rather than later! xo
You are saving lives, Val! I would also say drink plenty of water (because too many of us don't...I've been super guilty of that in the past), that makes a huge diff in my skin. And don't smoke. My aunt (by marriage) chain-smoked and drank nothing but soda (or wine). Her skin was sandpaper. Bless her. xo
YEEEEEEeee gods! Thank you, VAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You are SO easy to please, dear E. Jean! xo
Thanks! And a question. How long do you wait between retinoid and moisturizer application?
Cynthia, great question, and I recently responded to another reader about my recent discovery: If I can wait at least 20 minutes after drying my face post-wash, the retinoid (I use Altreno now) is much less irritating, meaning, for me, at least, not at all. I do apply a moisturizer sometimes first (the CervaVe PM) but it really suprised me what a difference waiting made. Hope this helps. xo
After you wash your face, wait 20 minutes, and then apply retinoid, how much longer (post-retinoid application) do you wait before putting on the moisturizer? I just started using Trentinoin again and I'm already peeling! thank you :)
Ah! If I add another layer of moisturizer I just wait until the retinoid dries. But if you're flaking keep in mind that you can reduce the number of nights you're using the retinoid; cut back a bit but don't stop altogether. xo
All good things come to those who wait!
Well I’ve clearly been applying evening lotion wrong, & now I know why my skin still feels a tinge dry in the morning. Thanks for the post.
RCJ -- not sure what you mean by "wrong" but I hope you found the post helpful! xo
I’ve been applying to a moist face. That’s what I meant by wrong,
Always love your reposts, Val! And the derm-recommended products are much appreciated. My derm suggested I try either a glycolic acid or a hyaluronic acid serum (he does not sell either one) under my daytime moisturizer with SPF. When budget permits, I use the CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum. (You’ve turned me into a CeraVe devotee!) One might think a product labeled “Acid” would sting. But this gel-cream formula is quite gentle and soothing.
I think of a serum as fine lingerie for the skin, something silky worn under something protective, and like fine lingerie, feels luxurious while providing extra support.
TX again for all we need to know to break a dry spell!
And thank you, Carol, for your poetic comments, always! xo
And thank you, dear Val, for the kind words! xo
thank you for this very specific and very applicable post. I just made my purchases and I feel great having the confidence in my purchases <3
Gina, please let us know how your choices work for you! I'm so glad you're enjoying HNTFUYF. xo
In case anyone wants another rec, I love the Dr. Roger’s nighttime cream!
Danielle, thanks for the recommendation! xo
I'm an Alastin junkie. I absolutely swear by their moisturizer. I've tried to replace it numerous time and always come back to that and the Skinceuticals Freulic serum. I got here by way of Image Ormedic line. I loved Image until something changed.
Patti--seems like something always changes, but I'm glad you found something that works really well for you! xo
I'm always ready for the newest and best to come along. I must say thank you for your work, it is an amazing Substack.
Thank you, Patti! And you know what I think about the newest and the best, right? It sounds like what you've got is just right...and that is the best! xo
You have no idea how much I needed this! Currently nursing a lot of dry itchy patches so halting everything but jojoba oil, moisturizer and hydrocortisone cream to calm it down before I start adding stuff back to find the culprit. Definitely on my list to find a derm now that my kiddo is in full-time school!
Sophia, it sounds like you're doing exactly the right thing, cutting back on everything to try to find what's causing the dryness or irritation. I hope it reveals itself sooner rather than later! xo
I think you should take the affiliate dollars from products you like. We trust you and god knows, you've earned it over the years.
Jayne, thanks for your support! At this point reader trust is too important to me, though I've had offers. Maybe a bicycle company? xo
I love Cerave PM so much. At 60 (!) many products still break me out (I know!) but the Cerave is always good as gold.
Lee -- right? So glad you found something that works for you, too! xo
You are saving lives, Val! I would also say drink plenty of water (because too many of us don't...I've been super guilty of that in the past), that makes a huge diff in my skin. And don't smoke. My aunt (by marriage) chain-smoked and drank nothing but soda (or wine). Her skin was sandpaper. Bless her. xo