Touted as the gold standard for skin care ingredients,retinol is prized by experts and beauty aficionadosalike.
According to board-certified dermatologistDr.
Ekama Carlson, retinol’s glowing reputation is well-earned.
How can one little ingredient do so much?
But before slathering on this popular skin food, there are some caveats to consider.
For one, retinol can be quite intense especially during the first few weeks of treatment.
Dryness, burning, stinging, and redness are a fewcommon side effects of retinol.
However, even with a cautious approach, retinol won’t be suitable for some faces.
We asked skin care experts for the scoop on their favorite retinol alternatives.
Bakuchiol
For skin care benefits and anti-aging results, bakuchiol could easily go toe-to-toe with retinol.
Best of all, it’s gentle enough for all skin types.
Bakuchiol is a natural ingredient made from babchi plant extract.
It is less expensive than retinol and provides long-term benefits.
And unlike retinol which causes photosensitivity bakuchiol won’t leave your skin irritated by sun exposure.
AsByrdienotes, this skin care powerhouse is suitable for twice-daily system.
Peptides
Peptides are another heavy-hitter in the skin care game.
These compounds occur naturally in the body, and they help generate the proteins that build healthy skin.
Like other retinol alternatives, peptides don’t perform quite as well as retinol in the anti-aging department.
As Methil explained to us, this is because nothing else measures up to the potency of retinol.
That said, some people can tolerate retinol better when combining it with a gentler ingredient like peptides.
This way, it’s possible for you to get the best of both worlds," Methil suggested.
But it’s also nourishing for your skin.
According toHealthline, niacinamide helps promote the formation of new proteins and lipids, which increases firmness and hydration.
Like retinol, niacinamide is effective at shrinking pores, reducing hyperpigmentation, and softening fine lines and wrinkles.
To boost your skin’s resilience, U.K. board-certified dermatologistDr.
Ahmad Chaudhryrecommends this supercharged ingredient.
“One of the main benefits of using niacinamide is its ability to improve the skin’s barrier function.
Plus, it’s suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
According to board-certified dermatologistDr.
Alpana Mohta, niacinamide is beneficial for people with conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema.
When it comes to anti-aging, niacinamide works differently than retinol.
There are several different types of AHAs, and each of these naturally-derived compounds varies in origin and strength.
AHAs are best known as powerful exfoliants.
These ingredients work by gently dissolving dead skin cells, which promotes a smooth, luminous complexion.
For some individuals, AHAs can cause irritation.
Additionally,Medical News Todaycautions that those with darker skin tones may experience pigment changes when using AHAs.
Like retinol, AHAs can effectively treat hyperpigmentation and repair sun damage.
“They can also ‘peel away’ the fine lines and uneven pigmentation associated with the aging process.”
Rosehip oil contains a variety of nutrients that rival the skin-refining and anti-aging benefits of retinol.
It’s also mild enough for all skin types.
Unlike retinol, which can cause dryness, rosehip oil contains essential fatty acids that hydrate the skin.
This superstar ingredient also contains vitamin C, which helps minimize skin damage and early signs of aging.
AsByrdienotes, rosehip oil has even been shown to reduce the appearance of scars.
Rosehip oil also contains vitamin A the same age-reversing compound that constitutes retinol.
Still, as Aparovich explained, rosehip oil delivers a bevy of other hype-worthy benefits.
“Its healthful ingredients will increase skin hydration levels, firmness, elasticity, radiance, and brightness.
Growth factors
They say that beauty comes from within.
Growth factors are proteins that signal messages from one cell to another.
They instruct the cells to perform specific functions, including growth, collagen production, and much more.
However, some beauty brands bioengineer their growth factors in laboratories.
And because they don’t cause dryness, they’re ideal for sensitive skin.
Sea buckthorn oil comes from the berries of sea buckthorn, a throw in of shrub.
According to an expert forByrdie, this powerhouse ingredient is 10 times richer in vitamin C than an orange.
Plus, it’s rich in vitamin A the same vitamin that gives retinol its age-defying power.
Sea buckthorn oil delivers a hydrating bounty of skin nourishment.
And it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin.
However, those with acne-prone skin should test a small amount before fully committing to this ingredient.
Additionally, sea buckthorn oil is not recommended for use prior to surgeries or facial treatments.
Vitamin C isn’t only good for your insides it can also help you achieve healthy, radiant outsides.
Like retinol, vitamin C helps even out skin tone and reduce dark spots.
With the added bonus of skin-revitalizing antioxidant power, this gentle ingredient packs a punch.
Vitamin C also promotes collagen synthesis, which can aid in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.
Well, it isn’t carrots themselves that promote good health rather, it’s what’s in them.
“It’s rich in beta-carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A.
This makes it a better alternative for sensitive skin.”
We know it’s a struggle out there.
Fortunately, azelaic acid can be a game-changer for troublesome skin.
This ingredient is favored by experts likeDr.
Usama Syed, a board-certified dermatologist.
Azelaic acid encourages the growth of new skin cells, which can help soften fine lines and wrinkles.
However, the effects aren’t as powerful or as immediate when compared to retinol.
Still, the skin-soothing benefits of azelaic acid are too good to pass up.
That’s why it’s recommended by experts like Josh Sim, the founder of skin care brandMonteceuticals.
Squalane is a hydrogenated, plant-derived oil with powerful defensive and hydrating properties.
As Chacon explained, squalane can help refresh your skin’s vital oil supply.
“It stops transepidermal moisture loss and aids in restoring theskin’s natural barrier function.
That’s why hydration is a top priority in the quest for healthier, ageless skin.
Plus, this ingredient is gentle enough for use with rosacea and eczema.
If you’re looking to tackle dark spots, this gentle moisturizer can be paired with vitamin C.
