My Top 5 Affordable Skincare Products for Retin-A Users

 Hey lovelies,

So a couple of months ago I began using Retin-A and blogged about it here, including what it us and how it works, the various names it goes by and why you should be using it if you're serious about anti-aging skincare. But also the side effects you'll probably experience in the early weeks as your skin adapts.....the dreaded 'Retin-A Uglies'!

Today I'm super excited to share with you 5 affordable products that are helping me through this initial phase of peeling, redness, dryness and flaking. I've tried and tested these products and they're hard working, effective and a complete bargain too!

And I've also vlogged a little video of these hero products, for surviving the Retin-A Uglies:

Top 5 Affordable Skincare Products For Surviving The Retin-A Uglies

And here they are, in order of how I'd typically use them:

Cerave Hydrating Cleanser £10

This product is such is a gorgeously hydrating cleanser for normal to dry skin, perfect for those experiencing the side effects of Retinol and Retin-A. Developed by dermatologists, it delivers a boost of 3 ceramides to protect the skin's natural barrier function, essential for stressed and dry skin, along with the hydrating properties of hyaluronic acid. I use it after removing my make up and my skin feel super clean without the tightness usually associated with cleansers. Available in 2 huge sizes, the Cerave Hydrating Cleanser is great value, no wonder it's a cult classic!

Soap and Glory Silicone Face Brush £5

One of the main side effects I've experienced with Retin-A is flaking and peeling, so gentle exfoliation has been essential! This fab little facial brush is amazing. It's gorgeously soft and used with the Cerave cleanser really cleans the skin and removes surface dead cells. The hundreds of soft silicone bristles get into every nook and cranny and it's a fabulously invigorating massage for the face, yet totally gentle. Skin feels polished and ready to accept all those lovely serums and moisturisers which come next.

Hada Labo Lotion No 1 Hyaluronic Acid £18

So once my skin is clean and prepped, I like to give it a hit of hydration with hyaluronic acid. HA is a mega hydrator holding many times it's own weight in water, drawing it in from the surrounding atmosphere and delivering it directly to your skin. Hada Labo is a new brand to me and was recommended by a friend, and I initially thought it was an expensive option for me until I realised how big this bottle is! 150ml is a huge size for hyaluronic acid which normally comes in small serum type bottles. The Hada Labo Lotion No.1 is amazingly moisturising with 3 types of HA, and has really helped to hydrate and soothe the dryness I've experienced with Retin-A.

BYBI Bakuchiol Booster £12

If you've visited my blog before, you'll know I'm a huge fan of the BYBI Bakuchiol Booster facial oil, I even did a whole blog post dedicated to this little miracle in a bottle.

Bakuchiol is a plant based alternative which mimics the effects of Retinol without any of the side effects. I've been getting great results from the Bakuchiol Booster before I began

Retin-A and I've now incorporated both into my regime, using a couple of
drops mixed with my usual moisturiser on my Retin-A free days. Yes the bottle is small, but you only need a couple of drops of this super concentrated serum to get all those wonderful benefits. I love it so much I double ordered and have a spare ready to go when this one runs out, always an indicator that a product is fabulous!

Revolution Conceal and Hydrate Radiant Foundation £9

And last on my list of 5 hero products for Retin-A users is the Revolution Conceal and Hydrate Foundation, another product I have loved for a few months now and has really come into it's own dealing with my Retin-A side effects. Peeling skin plays havoc with foundation and on my 'flakiest' days my beloved Estee Lauder Double Wear just exaggerates the problem. The only foundation I've been able to wear on these days has been the Revolution Conceal and Hydrate Foundation, and the clue is in the name, this foundation is super hydrating thanks to our old friend hyaluronic acid and gives great coverage with a glowy smooth finish. It's probably not for you if you have oily skin, but for dry, stressed, dehydrated skin this is an amazing foundation and affordable too.

I hope you've found this post helpful, I've tried and tested these products and they give great results regardless of their low price point. In addition, all these items are suitable even if you're not using Retin-A and Retinols, but just love hardworking, affordable and effective skincare!

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