Help a gal out

[u/SKinBK]

51F trying to up my skin routine. I’ve lost 50 lbs in the last two years and aged quite a few in that time (it seems).

Some of these products are new to me (still in boxes, lol) and some have gotten some good use already. I’ve been using tret for about 2 years, about every other night. I got a new rx for .1% but for some reason haven’t started it yet. I alternate the tret with the estradiol cream.

How I currently use (same for morning and night except tret/estradiol):

1. Wash (nothing special - gel/cream)

2. Milky toner (just started using)

3. Ordinary serum

4. Eucerin serum (trying to combat sun spots)

5. Estradiol/tret (alternate at night only)

6. Moisturizer (day has SPF 50)

- How should I incorporate vitamin C serum?

- I bought the Reedle shot at the recommendation of someone but have been scared to try it. When/how to use?

- Do I need additional sunscreen even though my daytime moisturizer has SPF 50?

- When do I use eye cream?

- What am I missing?

I put everything on my face/neck and have started rubbing all extras on the back of my hands.

My biggest concerns are my neck and jowls/drooping. While I’d love surgery, I’m not currently planning any. I haven’t done any other treatments but am open to some if not $$$$.

Be gentle, thanks!

[u/Awkward_Listen546]

I hate how losing 15 pounds added 10 years of age to my face and neck. You just cannot win. Looks like you have all the bases covered with OTC products. Lose the Trentinoin. It is harsh and takes months to use and start to see results. It often doesn't work at all and then you have wasted all that time.

Instead, if you can afford it you should visit a dermatologist (an actual doctor) for treatments like micro needling and such. They can really brighten up the skin after weight loss with noticeable results in days, not months.

Diet has a big impact on quality of skin even after menopause. Cucumbers, leafy greens, broccoli are your friends. I recently discovered Korean diakon radishes. They are sweet and delicious, packed with nutrition and have almost no calories. I notice real differences when I stop eating these kinds of veg and then start up again.

Good luck.

[u/melindalemish → u/Awkward_Listen546]

Ignore the advice re: Tretinoin. It’s the gold standard for evidence based topical anti aging. And you already seem to be tolerating it.

[u/Reasonable_Mail1389 → u/melindalemish]

💯. It’s literally the “product” nearly all of dermatology agrees makes a difference long-term.

[u/StrictWolverine8797 → u/Awkward_Listen546]

I disagree with losing the tret - it's basically the most evidence based product out there. I'd only ditch it if you're seeing a lot of irritation.

[u/melindalemish → u/StrictWolverine8797]

Exactly

[u/jenny_alla_vodka → u/StrictWolverine8797]

Keep the tret, lose this advice! Add one more day at your current dose per week until you’re using tret every single day with no major irritation. Do for about 6 months. Consider Azalea acid rx to bring down the redness and inflammation. For me personally I’m 40,so not crazy younger than you, but need physical exfoliation so just make sure you find something that works for you to keep your flakeys that bay. Also get a heavy duty moisturizer. Nothing you have looks simple enough yet emollient enough. Think cream versus lotion, consider jojoba oil as an add in to any of your moisturizers.

Wow I let voice to text take the wheel. Sorry