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evie100
New Member
Joined: 08 Jan 2014
Posts: 2
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Wed Jan 08, 2014 1:06 pm |
Hi!
I've read in Dr Lowes book (and elsewhere) that Retin-A (tretinoin) is the only real proven anti-aging treatment so at 33 I am ready to start!
I know that in it's best form its prescription only.
However getting it seems to be a nightmare in the UK.
At first I thought my problem would be getting a prescription from a gp as I dont have acne (usually given for acne), so I'd have to go to a private derm but then I realised that not all private derm's may want to prescribe it (I went to one who just tried to sell me botox & skin peels!!) and now after some internet research it seems that it's no longer available in the uk or for the NHS (I'm not sure).
Does anyone know a good (not too expensive) dermatologist in London that prescribes it and can actually get it??
I know there are similar-ish things available online but I'm very nervous of doing that as it could be anything in there.
I've heard Isotrex mentioned as a replacement for ppl with acne but I'm not sure if it's the exact same active ingredient (which is proven to work), also If it is then I'm back to the same problem of where do I get it from??
The only definite option I know is to see the author of the book I read- Dr Nick Lowe but his consultations are an eyewatering Ł400!!!
Help please!
Thanks in advance x |
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Thu Jan 09, 2014 3:25 am |
Its interesting what he says, because there is some truth to it in that tretinoin has more studies than any other topical out there in relation to delivering antiaging benefits, but it is tricky to get in the UK for sure. I’m lucky in that I have been going to a derm for the last 30 plus years and so always get my prescription from him, but many derms in the UK do not prescribe it because of the side effects that people get when they abuse it and themselves (i.e. one derm told me that some people came back to them after they got their prescription and had been applying it several times a day – no lie seriously!).
I don’t know if GPs can prescribe Retin A. Many private derms have their own cosmetics lines too that they sell. You could always email Nick Lowe’s surgery and ask them where they would recommend getting Retin A as you would like to after reading his book and I’m sure they’d make a recommendation. |
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Thu Jan 09, 2014 3:56 am |
Honestly, if it is such a big deal (and you'd have to do it again and again for each tube) I would switch to the next best thing which is retinol. Skinceuticals sells a good product available in several strengths (0.3, 0.5 and 1.0). The 0.5 is available in the UK. I am not sure about the 1.0 but if not it can be ordered from the US. |
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evie100
New Member
Joined: 08 Jan 2014
Posts: 2
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Thu Jan 09, 2014 9:05 am |
Hi, thank you both for the replies. I did try asking Nick Lowe's office on the phone but they said they couldn't advise without a consult- but it's a good idea to try emailing- which I have done.
TheresaMary- I don't suppose your derm is in London?
Chiqui65- yes thats a good idea & I have another retinol over the counter product in mind by Medik8 but of course would love to get the proven tretinoin/ retin-a stuff if possible.
Also I think I'd probably like to have a derm's input to begin with to be on the safe side...
Just one with more reasonable consult costs!!
Thanks again |
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Thu Jan 09, 2014 9:41 pm |
As far as I know Retin A gel is no longer available in the UK and getting Isotrex is difficult also and that is with a prescription. I used both as given to me by an NHS dermatologist however in the past year I have only been able to get Differin which is a similer medication to retin a with similer effects.
I am not sure how you can get this without having some form of acne, my GP could not give me retin a, as it is a more expensive medication so it had to be okayed by the derm and even then I only got retin a because I had severe non inflammed acne I think they use other medication for inflammed, active acne. So yes very difficult to get, I always worry they will take the differin away from me.
If someone here can let you know of a good online seller then perhaps try that, if not there are actually some good cosmetic retinoid type creams on the market such as la roche posey redermic R (available in boots) even rosehip seed oil is a good product with some benefits that you also have with retin a.
A medical strength retin a is great but it is not the only think you can do for your skin. Azelic acid is also good and can be bought over the counter in australia if you visit there or have friends who do perhaps they can get you some? |
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