I tried a retinol cream and had the same experience you did.  My dermatologist switched me to a low-strength retinol made for sensitive skin (''Afirm 1x''; it also comes in stronger 2x and 3x formulas but they're not as gentle).  The 1x has been great for me; I use it at bedtime along with my regular nighttime moisturizers.  You might also ask your dermo if using a reinoid rather than a retinol might work better for you.

I'm 51, look about 40, and get a lot of compliments on my complexion.  I've always taken good care of my skin. Here's me about 2 weeks prior to my 50th birthday:

Here's what I've found works for me;

1.  Plenty of sleep

2.  Plenty of water

3.  Moisturize twice a day (I use a serum first followed by a moisturizer with 30 SPF sunscreen) even if you have oily skin (in that case, you just use an oily skin formula)

4.  Use the right products for your skin type. If you have dry skin, use dry skin formulas. If you have oily skin, do not over-dry it.  You'll cause a rebound effect and your skin will produce more oil than ever. (I use Olay sensitive skin products; I've been using Olay all my life and my dermos tell me it's best for my particular skin type [fair, dry, sensitive]).

5.  Speaking of sunscreen....  I like Olay Complete Defense (not to be confused with Olay Complete) SPF 30, sensitive skin formula.  It's very sheer and non-greasy, soaks in like a regular facial moisturizer.  I like it so much I use it as an overall sunscreen -- arms, legs, whatever.

6.  Never use body or hand soap on your face; they are too harsh.  Use a product specifically made for the face, such as a foaming facial cleanser.

7.  Do a weekly at-home facial to keep skin soft and clean.  You can buy a facial steamer for about $25.  I have this one by Conair; it also has a smaller blue insert that you can use to open up sinuses if you have a cold or sinus infection.  No need to pay $80+/pop at the salon, just get your own gentle exfoliator, steamer, clay or other mask, toner, serum, and deep moisturizer.  Takes roughly an hour depending on how quickly your specific type of mask dries.

8.  Avoid direct sun exposure -- hats are your friends!

9.  Use sunglasses whenever you're in bright light (not just direct sunlight) to avoid wrinkles caused by squinting.  Even cloudy days can produce glare that may cause you to squint.

10.  Lighten up!  Unfurl that brow.  Smile.  ; )

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Oh, yeah, one more thing: Always remove your makeup before bed! Never keep it on overnight. ~i&b

ingyandbert..Thanks SO much for all this helpful information..You have gorgeous skin! For me, as I said I am 44 and to this day I never sat out in the sun and never will. I remember working in the beauty salon when I was in my mid 20's and I used to see these women (my age now) with wrinkles on/all over their face..most would spend their days in the sun (some in Florida for the summer) and I knew that is not what I wanted for me. I have the irish skin and truly blessed that I stayed out of the sun. After losing all the weight I did I needed to focus more on my skin. sorry to go on and on..thanks again for all this great information!! I know you helped me!!../Angela

ingyandbert..BTW..that cream Tx systems can you buy in the stores? thanks../Angela

I'm glad that was helpful to you. I'm living proof that good skin care is worth the effort. If you decide to do at-home facials, you'll notice an improvement after just one time. By the one-month mark, you won't believe the change in your skin. If you use a faster drying mask you may be able to get the time down to as little as 30 minutes. Some people experience a minor breakout after the first facial or two. That's normal; it's impurities coming through your pores to the surface of your skin. It will pass pretty quickly so don't let that discourage you. ~i&b

Angela, I'm not sure. I get mine from my doctor. It's convenient because her office is near my home. If you do a google, you can probably find out where to get it. ~i&b

thanks! I went to Walmart, Target, Bed,Bath and Beyond, Walgreens, and Duane Reede..none of those places sells the facial steamer..Lol I will try to order online now..who knew this was such a hot item..it was a gorgeous day and I was off..thanks again../Angela

We bought the exact one at BBB a year ago for MIL so maybe they are just out. Check their website and see. Amazon should have it, too. ~i&b

I tried online but they are out of stock! Ugh..LOL ... Oh boy..Lol there is a different brand that Walmart is selling in stock (HoMedics Facial Sauna) it got pretty good reviews..I am thinking of ordering it../Angela

I saw one at WalMart, I didn't buy it, you can do the same thing with a saucepan of water and a towel over your head. /goldie

Thanks goldie!!!!! what a great idea!!/Angela

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Posted by: Cinnamon Girl
Date posted: Wed Feb 1 3:02:36 2012
Message:

I have sensitive skin too and have a tendacy toward rosacea. I use Neutrogena moisture for sensitive skin, drink lots of water and stay out of the sun. I'm English/Irish and have fair skin so I have to do what I can to take care of it. Good luck, I hope you find something that works for you.

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Cinnamon Girl..Thanks so much for all this helpful information..I have the irish skin too..I am so lucky to have such great people to help here..thanks so much!!!/Angela

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Posted by: goldie
Date posted: Tue Jan 31 22:10:26 2012
Message:
My Dermatologist told me years ago that there are no miracle creams no matter how much you pay for them. He told me to always use a good sun screen, wash your face and use moisterizer every night. He said the only real wrinkle remover is a facelift. :) I use Aveeno tinted moisterizer with sunscreen during the day, I love it because it is so light and is not like makeup. I am 65 and have never worn a lot of makeup. I have really good skin and not a lot of wrinkles. I am also lucky, I got my father's German complexion.

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Thanks goldie.I really am grateful for all this information...I am so blessed that I have my friends here..thanks again! /Angela

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Posted by: vh
Date posted: Tue Jan 31 21:50:13 2012
Message:

Hey, Angela, I also have very sensitive skin. I am 41. I have only used  Clinique, Cetaphil and Dove for sensitive skin moisturizers over the last ten years. Lately I've been told that I look about late 20s to early 30s by various people. Since I can't see myself, can't say for sure.

I avoid anything that inflames my skin (most of the anti wrinkle products)

My mother had gorgeous skin until she hit about sixty-five and then all the years spent in her garden without any sun protection hit her.

not too bad, really-I'm sure she wouldn't trade a single moment in her garden to get rid of a single wrinkle!

 

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thanks vh for all this helpful information! I really appreciate it!!!../Angela

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Posted by: leolover
Date posted: Tue Jan 31 19:49:13 2012
Message:
I'm about your age and have sensitive skin too. I use an alpha hydroxy cream (which is probably similar to what you are using) but I only use it a few times a week. I think it really helps with my complexion. I would try just cutting back and see if that helps.

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Thanks leolover for all this information! Is that cream you mentioned here sold in stores? Is that the brand name? I really appreciate all your feedback!! It really means a lot!!

My name got cut off..( sorry)..: Angela

see inside

thanks leolover..yes, it sure did help!! Thanks again!../Angela

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Posted by: Miss Harold
Date posted: Tue Jan 31 19:33:05 2012
Message:
I have the same problem. I have sensitive skin too. There are no miracle creams out there (and I've tried some expensive ones). The best you can do is stay out of the sun, drink a lot of water, and use a moisturizer for sensitive skin (no fragrance). I like Neutrogena moisturizer for sensitive skin. It's about $10 and works as well as the expensive brands. The moisturizer will not reverse the aging process, but it will make your skin feel softer and make wrinkles less noticeable.  

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I forgot to mention: I have found any product with Retinol to be too harsh for my skin. _Miss H

Thanks Miss H. I am glad that works for you and I will try it. There so many creams out there and as we know they go from cheap to so expensive. Thanks again for all your helpful feedback../ Angela

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Posted by: CaroleA
Date posted: Tue Jan 31 19:07:42 2012
Message:

I do not ever listen to Dr. Oz because of his Oprah connecton, so I'll just tell you what I have learned from my daughter, the esthetician. 

Moisture needs to come in the form of drinking water.  Most creams people slather on their faces never do a thing because the molecules are too large to penetrate. 

I am 68, have an almost flawless complexion and only use Dove soap.  Why?  Genetics, my dear.  I got lucky.  I don't use any foundation or powder.  I use a minimum of cheek color and if I really want to get fancy, I use eye shadow and mascara on the upper lashes only. 

I recommend you see a professional who can monitor your condition. 

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CaroleA., thanks so much for all your helpful information, I really appreciate it. When i see my dr. for my physical i will ask her questions ( great idea thanks!)../ AngelaAngela

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