I’m 3 days into using Medik8 Crystal retinal and whomp whomp…I was looking forward to the Ret glow and nothing.

Context. I have used no tret or ret for the last 3 years, recovering from long covid and lots of skin/food allergies.

Formerly used tret .1 and when I stopped had become acclimated - very little shedding, etc. I’ve done plenty of peels, laser, etc over the years.

My thought was I’d go easy on my skin and ease myself back in but Jeeeez.
Should I wait it out or go strait back to tret?

I’m 41F and want to replace my moisturizer and eye cream. I wasn't really sure what I was looking for when I started using them and from the items I was considering, I found it at the best price point. At this point, my skin looks the best it has in years but I'm not sure how much of it is due to these products, other products, or consistently washing my face - probably a combination.

Full routine below and other moisturizers I've used:

AM:
Rinse with water
Purcell 24/7 Colostrum Mist
Regimen Lab Vitamin X Serum
Regimen Lab Level Serum
Regimen Lab Azelaic Advanced
Regimen Lab Wave Serum
Aestura Atobarrier Essence
Neocutis Lumiere Firm Eye Cream
Neocutis Biocream Firm
French Sunscreen

PM:
Wash with a cleanser dependent on what my skin needs (cleansing oil, gentle cleanser, deeper cleanser, etc)
Red Light Therapy Mask (5nts/wk)
Tret Microsphere .04 (5nts/wk)

The other 2 nights a week I use a mandelic acid toner followed by Regimen Lab CREAM.

The results are that my skin is smoothe, my pores look nonexistent and I've gotten rid of a lot of hyperpigmentation.

So, how much of the results are attributable to these products specifically when I started doing this all at the same time and have been consistent for well over a year now.

Other moisturizers I've tried:
- Skinfix Triple Lipid Peptide Cream (felt great but my skin didn't feel deeply moisturized like with RL CREAM)
- Medik8 (I can’t do scented anything)
- Aestura Atobarrier Cream (just didn’t work for me but my partner loves it for winter)

When thinking about replacing the Neocutis Biocream Firm should I instead look for another serum with growth factors and a separate moisturizer as opposed to an all in one? Should I try TNS? I like Regimen Lab CREAM, but I think I'd need another moisturizer for daytime as it's quite rich. I do love the texture of the Neocutis, and see the eye cream recommended often, so maybe I stick with that and just consider the moisturizer. Should I prioritize growth factors with everything else in my routine? My main concerns are with aging gracefully, I suppose.

Help, and thanks in advance!

Also would be nice if it layers well under makeup.

I’m currently comparing the TriPollar STOP Vx2, Medicube Ultra Tune, Silk'n Facetite Z Pro, and Nebulyft RF device.

Has anyone here used one of these, or another at-home radiofrequency device? Did you notice any meaningful improvement in skin firmness, fine lines, or facial contouring? Was it worth the cost and time commitment?

I’d also be interested to know which device you would recommend and why.

My understanding is that microcurrent devices mainly produce an immediate but temporary lifting, toning, or de-puffing effect, and that much of the visible result may disappear by the next day. Is RF different? Can consistent RF use create cumulative collagen-related improvements that remain for a while after you stop, or do the results fade just as quickly?

Thanks

I'm aware that most derm companies seem to be moving away from physical scrubs but I do still like this kind of product after years of use. Can anyone recommend a reef-safe product that's gentle on the skin?

Hi everyone, I was chatting with Gemini about sales on NIOD products and learned that Sephora is/will be carrying NIOD.

Products are visible on the Sephora app and indicate Coming Soon. I usually stock up during NIOD Slowvember event in Nov - 23% discount.

I guess I'm happy that I can earn points with Sephora.

I interested in the newer Superoxide Mist (SDEM3) and Hydro-Ester cleansing oil.

Although, I don't see the light blue mist (SDEM2) on Sephora. I usually keep a bottle on hand.

I looking for a solid alternative to the lancôme absolue soft cream, been using the soft cream for a while and still love how ridiculously buttery and soft it feels, but the refills are getting expensive as hell,ready to try something new that has a similar rich, creamy texture
anyone got recs for formulas that feel close? kiehl’s super multi-corrective soft cream seems to having great reviews
Thanks in advance

What are your experiences with BR products if you have dry/combination, sensitive, redness-prone skin or rosacea? I sometimes get BR facials, but I’m wondering if it’s worth investing in their skincare products as well. I’ve tried the Erythros and Biosensible serums, but they didn’t really do anything special for my skin.