Best antiaging ingredients if retinol irritates your skin
- Anjana Rajbhandary
- Jul 11, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 19
I love retinol, and I can't stop raving about its benefits, but there are many people whose skin can't tolerate it. Retinol is the best anti-aging ingredient because it's the only scientifically proven ingredient to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is a protein abundant in the body and responsible for making your skin look plump and "youthful." As we age, we start losing collagen, and many believe it happens in our late 30s or early 40s, but we start losing collagen in our 20s.
Antiaging is a controversial term, as many believe it promotes society's obsession with youth and makes aging seem like a bad thing. There are no skincare ingredients or in-office treatments that can stop aging by any means, but some ingredients can help keep your skin smoother, tighter, and "appear fuller" while helping prevent "premature" aging.
If retinol isn't your friend because it feels too harsh on your skin, also, medical professionals don't recommend it if you're planning on getting pregnant, are pregnant, or are nursing. Retinol can cause dry, itchy skin, some flaking, or slight redness, and that's because it increases skin cell turnover, and it's called retinization. It often goes away once your skin gets used to it, but it's best not to use it if it's too much.
Before you lose all hope, other skincare ingredients can help you:
Peptides
Peptides are building blocks of protein, and collagen is a protein, so peptides are great for your skin. Studies have shown that the use of peptides does help your skin. It's one of the best anti-aging ingredients if retinol irritates your skin.
However, there are many peptides, so if you're looking for a specific kind to give you younger-looking skin- try Matrixyl as it can promote collagen production that can lead to your skin looking bouncier, leading to fewer fine lines.
I use The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA, and I love it. Plus, it's so affordable. Another one I love is Beekman 1802 Collagen Booster Electric Daisy & Peptide Firming Face Serum.
Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is often called a natural retinol, which is safe for use during pregnancy and nursing and doesn't typically cause irritation like retinol, but studies say it has similar effects.
It's derived from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant. It can help stimulate collagen production, making your skin appear firmer and less saggy with diminished fine lines. If you have sensitive skin, this is an effective antiaging ingredients as retinol can irritate skin.
Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum is an excellent investment for those looking for (almost the same) benefits of retinol without the side effects.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps your skin against oxidative stress, makes your sunscreen work better (as it protects your skin against UV damage, but you still need sunscreen), and can help build collagen and brighten your skin.
You can use it any time of the day, but often, most dermatologists recommend using it during the day when you're also using sunscreen. There are various kinds of Vitamin C, and L-ascorbic acid is the purest and most potent form, but it can go bad quickly. Youth To The People 15% Vitamin C + Caffeine Energy Face Serum is my favorite. Another popular one is TruSkin Vitamin C Serum.
Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid, a great chemical exfoliant that removes dead skin cells, revealing super-smooth skin. It's commonly used in chemical peels, or you can get it in an exfoliator or serum.
Studies have shown that glycolic acid can improve skin elasticity, so you see fewer wrinkles, but be careful as it can also irritate your skin. Another AHA is milder lactic acid.
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is a popular choice. If you want something stronger, try Medicube Zero Exosome Shot "Microneedling" Serum.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a kind of Vitamin B3, as research has shown that it can improve skin elasticity by fading fine lines. It can also help fade dark spots and strengthen your skin barrier by locking in moisture.
You'll love Paula's Choice CLINICAL 20% Niacinamide Vitamin B3 Concentrated Face Serum, as you can use it on its own or mix it with other products, plus it has Vitamin C.
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