This is available OTC online.

My DH is a longtime family practice doc, and he agrees with the Retin A use. He also recommends always using a good sunscreen, drinking lots of water and not smoking to help your skin look fresh and youthful. I've never smoked, water has always been my go-to favorite drink, and I've been using a good sunscreen since we married 35 years ago . . . and it's worked! I look much younger than my actual age. Now for a little jump start with some Retin A!

My FIL was family practice doctor-small town & often payed with fresh eggs or freshly baked pies!!

Yes, totally agree with sleep, sunscreen, water, and no smoking!

I have always loved outdoors & being tan:( I think I always thought I'd be young & at 46 I could see changes in the brightness/fine lines/pore size. I do think this regimen is helping. Also allows your moisturizer to get past all the dead skin/crap on your skin.

Also, vitamin C serum to help retain moisture.

Totally agree with Retin-A use. I have been using it for somewhere around 25 years. I don’t get blemishes but once in a great while anymore but still use it a few times a week. There is also a .025% strength that is good to start out with. Good to know many doctors are onboard.

I'm using the .025 Retin A that I bought in Spain. I have a tube of .50 for when the first one is gone. I love the texture of my skin with the Retin A. I think I would need a blow torch to get rid of my spots, which started out as freckles, but I do notice a bit of fading. I remember a dermatologist once gave me Neostrata but I think I did not stick with it. I have very fair, thin skin, and I've had to lay off the Retin A because I was getting so flaky in the cold dry weather.

I used to use Retin A years ago and then life got busy and I didn't get back to the doc to renew my prescription. Boy my skin needs help badly. What is NeoStrata.?Will it help? I am an older and have mild Rosacea, fair and dry skin.

Which goes on first, vitamin C serum or face creams, Retin A or Retinol? My mom would also get her Retin A in Mexico.

The order that I read and follow is this: cleanse, essence/toner, Vit C serum, moisturizer, sunscreen. Evening- cleanse, essence, retin A, moisturizer if needed.

I use vitamin C serum in the morning, before moisturizer.

I use Retin A at night, after cleansing. Then moisturizer.

I had a prescription for Retin A years ago for adult acne, and only recently started using it again. An anesthetician once told me that OTC creams with Retin A are more effective than straight Retin A, but I’m pretty sure she said that because she wanted me to buy products from her...

I’ve been getting vitamin C peels and microdermabrasion every 6 weeks or so. Honestly not sure it’s doing much. Maybe too little too late!

Thank you peppapoodle for the specifics. I have aged normally and suddenly the last two years "pow" I feel like I'm aging on speed. Can you recommend a good day time and a night time moisturizer? I just bought Cerve Daytime Moisturizer with 30 SPF but it is awful. I'm returning it, thick, grainy and I look ghostly sort of dried out and my skin feels like that after I put it on.

Im currently using the rodan & fields line & I do like it. Bonus points--it's shipped to my house. But, I don't know if it's worth the $$.

Ive also heard wonderful things about Obaji systems.

And the good ole yellow bottle of Clinique-hypoallergenic & no added fragrances, if you have sensitive skin.

Im sure there are drug store moisturizers that are just as good. I've also heard of putting Vaseline on at night when skin is really dry. Good for removing eye makeup, as well.

Peppa, thanks for the tip about Neostrata. Another friend also suggested argan oil.

Hmorton, I really like Cerave. You do have to rub it in, though.

Hmorton, I'm using the classic Oil of Olay moisturizer and I really like it. It's light and quickly absorbs into the skin. My skin is normal but gets a bit dry in the winter.

Peppa, you are so right about consulting a skin care specialist about treatments that are specific to your skin type and condition. The RN at my plastic surgeons office recommended chemical peels for me, but that might not be what everyone needs. I get one about every 3 months.

Hmorton, I tried the Cerave eye cream based on some recommendations on these forums. I didn’t care for it. It seemed drying to me too. I was just experimenting, looking for something a little cheaper than what I am currently using, which is Revision DEJ. Bobbi Brown is my go-to moisturizer, Vitamin Enriched Face Base for day, Night Cream for night.

Oakley I have been using Oil of Olay with 15 spf for years and it works for me, but I thought the 30 spf in Cerave would be better and maybe the moisturizer would be better for my getting older drier skin, nope.

Oustide Playing I have been using Bobbie Brown makeup for a long time (now just the eye makeup and blush) but none of the skincare products. I find the BB foundation isn't as good as much cheaper Loreal BB cream. The first time I used it two or three different people at work even commented that I looked great, and very well rested. Maybe I'll try Bobbie Brown and the Loreal and see what I like best. I have to accept the fact that my attempt at suntanning my fair skin as a teen/young adult is catching up with me. And it isn't just my face everything is much drier. I just had a pedicure today and the tech said I was getting calluses and very dry skin on my feet, something I have never experienced. I'm going to see the derm in a few weeks for my yearly skin exam and ask her for her advice.

hmorton, which L'Oreal BB cream do you use?

Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream Light. I may try Fair next time as Light seems slightly darker than my skin, but I'm not sure. after a few minutes it seems just right. I get it at Bed Bath and Beyoned with a 20% off coupon. It is usually $11.99 at CVS and I think I payed $7.50 at BB&B. The little tube last a long time.

NeoStrata products are my favorite; they are much recommended by my dermatologist. I have used them for years. I now buy via Amazon and the cost savings is great. My sister in law picks up Retin A for me in Mexico- such a deal.