Routine Help

Hinarushi user profile picture

Hinarushi

Dry/Sensitive

12 February, 2023

dot305 Views

Help! How to use Geek & Gorgeous Retinal serum?

Hi Pickies! I have recently purchased the Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 retinal serum. I have watched Dr. Shereene Idriss' retinol beginner guide to familiarize myself with retinols. My question is, since this retinal comes in a serum form, would it be better to apply on bone dry skin then follow in with a moisturizer or should I still use the moisturizer sandwich method? Meaning applying moisturizer->retinal serum in this case->moisturizer. I would like to use this with the CeraVe Cream for Dry Skin but being a serum, I wonder if it will absorb through the thick moisturizer barrier. Alternatively, I plan on using the Aveeno Calm +Restore Re-Hydrating Night Cream which is lighter in consistency and in this case I would apply a light layer before my retinal serum then follow in with the more occlusive CeraVe. I am aware that retinal is an advanced retinoid and I plan on using it on the most non-sensitive areas of my face at first, as well as on the neck and chest area where I have scars and sun damage. I'm asking for help since I want to begin my retinoid anti-aging journey but I have sensitive skin and I've done some faux pas in the past. I don't want that kind or PTSD again. πŸ˜΅β€πŸ’« What is your experience with this product? 😊
A-Game 5

Geek & Gorgeous
A-Game 5

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Moisturizing Cream - Dry to Very Dry Skin

CeraVe
Moisturizing Cream - Dry to Very Dry Skin

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4.6

(187)

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181

Calm+Restore Re-Hydrating Night Cream

Aveeno
Calm+Restore Re-Hydrating Night Cream

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4.5

(11)

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7

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41

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5 Comments

Beautywithhunnie user profile picture

Beautywithhunnie

Oily/Resilient

12 February, 2023

Never tried this one before, but when I use a new retinol product, I usually use the sandwich method until i know for sure it doesn't irritate my skin πŸ˜…
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Hinarushi user profile picture

Hinarushi

Dry/Sensitive

12 February, 2023

I have tried it today with the sandwich method as well! I used a layer of the Aveeno moisturizer, then the serum and I finished with the CeraVe cream. I used less than a peasize amount and distributed it evenly on my face and throat. Hoping I will not get irritation this way. 🀞🏻 What retinol products have you used so far? 😊
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Doossa user profile picture

Doossa

Dry/Sensitive

12 February, 2023

I also use the sandwich method with this one. I was scared the first time I tried it so I applied it just on my forehead. I've been using it for more than 4 months now and still haven't tried it on bare skin. So to answer your question, it does work over a moisturizer but it will probably take longer to show results. I personally don't mind that since this is my first retinoid. Having less irritation is my priority and I'm not in a hurry.
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Hinarushi user profile picture

Hinarushi

Dry/Sensitive

12 February, 2023

Thanks for your input. 😊 Less irritation is my goal too! The first night using the retinal has passed and so far I experienced no irritation. I will continue using the serum on top or a layer of the Aveeno moisturizer, since the cream is light and not too occlusive (ie the CeraVe one). I have however, applied teeny tiny dots on bone dry skin on my throat then folowed in with my moisturizer. All seems well, I will give plenty of time to get used to the retinal.
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Theskincarebartender user profile picture

Theskincarebartender

Oily/Resilient

13 February, 2023

I never use a moisturizer before a retinol use a hyaluronic acid serum or collagen serum first but not a moisturizer. it’s a relatively soft retinol so it won’t be harsh enough like Tretinoin for you to have to use moisturizer first plus you waste your retinol. do this cleanse toner essence hyaluronic acid serum collagen serum or any serum with peptides THEN USE RETINOL THEN MOISTURIZER THEN FACE OIL. that’s the perfect layering. trust me I’ve been doing this for years and tried many products. I have an Instagram page all about the skincare I use and reviews and dos and donts @theskincarebartender
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randomdaniela user profile picture

randomdaniela

Dry/Resilient

13 February, 2023

i have used the a-game 5 retinal serum, it has a very creamy consistency and it did not irritate my skin at all, but i also saw no effects from it. retinal is known to be less irritating than retinol but i would still apply it after moisturizer or hydrating products to see your reaction, and due to its creamy instead of watery consistency i think it could penetrate through the layer of moisturizer 😊
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Hinarushi user profile picture

Hinarushi

Dry/Sensitive

13 February, 2023

Hey, for how long have you used the product? :)
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MayoAna user profile picture

MayoAna

Dry/Resilient

20 March, 2023

For me, A Game IT is very good, no iritation, i use every night.Claeser- toner Skin House- Game A 0.05%-lotion Hada Labo -cream BΓ’lea Med Allatoina. I wait 10min before every step. Next i will go to Game 10 πŸ€—
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