Last update: 11 Mar 2023

Recently, I started using Retinoid products. It was first introduced by Ali Abdaal, one of my favourite YouTubers who mainly discusses Productivity. He presented an evidence-based productive skincare routine, it "wows" me. Given that the skincare industry produces loads of different skincare products for you to make your skincare routine more comprehensive, I got headaches when it comes to skincare, I piled up many skincare products at home and just failed to use all of them. Ali introduced a minimal but effective skincare routine that just contains a few steps. With his explanation given, I am confident that I will not buy any unnecessary items anytime soon. But, he introduced a new concept to me, using retinoids. Retinoids in my world are called "A酸", which are prescribed by a dermatologist for treating severe acne, they are usually taken orally for better results. However, I never heard of it can be used topically. 

However, other than treating acne, retinoid is good for antiaging as well. I just can't believe it. 

Anyway, that is why I am using Skin & Me right now. As retinoid needs to be prescribed, it is not easy to get them in the UK. Ali suggested Dermatica for retinoids, but I saw the advertisement for Skin & Me. Plus, my cousin actually using it as well! That forced me to order it now instead of finishing up the skincare products that I am currently using. I did some comparisons before I went for Skin&Me instead of Dermatica. In conclusion, I went for Skin & Me just because of its customer experience tailor-made. Dermatica costs you £19.99 monthly, while Skin&Me costs you £24.99 monthly. It is £5 more, but what I have seen is that Skin&Me is eco-friendly, they used a fake parcel label (everything printed on a recyclable paper box), they used minimal packaging which you can recycle easily, they use an aluminium tube for the product, of which is recyclable everywhere. But surprisingly, they put my concerns and my name on everything. The unboxing of Dermatica didn't satisfy me that much, it is less adorable, it likes a professional brand, but it is normal, you can't tell any difference from buying this from a traditional shop. The packaging is not that considerable either. It had a plastic bag covered, plus a paper box highly suspected was plastic coated. 







In terms of my prescription, it is as follows:

1. Tretinoin 0.006%, Clindamycin 1%, Azelaic Acid 4%

2. Tretinoin 0.009%, Clindamycin 1%, Azelaic Acid 4%

3. Tretinoin 0.012%, Clindamycin 1%, Azelaic Acid 4%

4. Tretinoin 0.015%, Niacinamide 4%, Azelaic Acid 4%

5. Tretinoin 0.015%, Niacinamide 4%, Azelaic Acid 4%

It is a lot weaker than what I have seen others being prescribed, but I am satisfied with it. Stronger means stronger side effects, I would rather give my skin some time to tolerate it. But interestingly, my husband got the same prescription even though our prescribers are different. The only thing that we are the same, is our priority, clean up the spot, maybe that is why. 

I finished signing up on 07 Mar 2023, being billed on 08 Mar 2023, they shipped on 09 Mar 2023 via Royal Mail, and I received it on 12 Mar 2023. It is so satisfying and straightforward. I'm happy to see the changes to my face afterwards, and hopefully, I can share it here. 

If you are lucky enough to see this blog post and you live in the UK, feel free to use my PROMO CODE: VICKYS5DAF, I can get £10 reward and you can get a FREE TRIAL for the first month (£3.5 postage fee subjected).


References:

The Battle of Online Dermatology Subscriptions | Acne Treatment with Dermatica and Skin +Me

  •  His first dose: 0.015% Tretinoin, 1% Clindamycin, 4% Acelaic Acid
  • He goes for Skin & Me