is it better to start with a retinol serum and then move on to a retinoid serum after your skin grows tolerance?

those two are kind of like cousins - retinol is a type of retinoid. of course it may differ for everyone, but my doctor has given me prescription retinoid which is much more concentrated. honestly I started using it once a week, and then twice a week, and I have no more irritation (make sure to moisturize a lot) with just a pea size amount of the cream. I don’t think it would be a bad idea to do a retinol serum first, but it is less concentrated so personally I think getting a prescription for retinoid cream would benefit you if your skin needs it. sorry if that doesn’t answer your question lol

to clarify, a lot of retinols that are available contain a very teeny amount of the product so that’s why I suggest a prescription one instead! ^

@teamedward sadly i can't go to to an actual doctor right now so i can only go to the stores to find a good one

I see! try out a serum and see how you like it. if it helps, I get mine online from a subscription service where you make a virtual appointment and it’s shipped to you. look into that if you want a prescription one!

@teamedward thank you so much for the help honestly!!