Retinol, a longtime dermatologist favorite, is having a major mainstream moment. It’s not only an anti-aging powerhouse, but also a powerful acne treatment. These five retinol alternatives do everything from plump skin to clear clogged pores.
Whether you have sensitive skin or would rather shop your own skin care stash than add a new product to the mix, discover five retinol alternatives that are anti-aging and acne-fighting below.Dr. Joshua Zeichner shared his favorite retinol alternatives that achieve similar results as the real thing, but with fewer of side effects. Whether you have sensitive skin or would rather shop your own skin care stash than add a new product to the mix. Retinol, an all-star anti-aging and anti-acne ingredient, is usually only available at dermatologists’ offices or specialty skin care counters. But these five retinol alternatives can be added to your routine at home without causing irritation.
Vitamin C is really the gift that keeps on giving, and can potentially serve as a gentler alternative to retinol
It is one of the most potent antioxidants for the skin, helping to combat damage caused by daily exposure to the sun and environmental pollutants. It is also a potent preventative and anti-aging ingredient.
If you’ve poked around beauty retail shelves, scrolled through skin care-centric, Insta channels, or have perused any beauty magazine in the last few months then you’ve probably noticed that retinol, a longtime dermatologist favorite, is having a major mainstream moment.
Retinol is a potent and effective ingredient, no doubt, but some sensitive skin types do not take it very well. The most common side effects are purulent acne, flaking, dry and scaly skin, redness, discomfort and increased sensitivity. Even people with robust skin may experience some of these negative reactions to retinol that cause them to stop using it.
That's why retinol alternatives, such as bakuchiol, are in vogue alongside the real thing. Below, we've outlined five retinol alternatives that compare to the real thing, from board-certified dermatologists.
Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is a phenol that’s found abundantly in the seeds and leaves of a plant called psoralea corylifolia. It’s arguably the buzziest and most akin retinol alternative, according to board-certified dermatologist Cheryl Burgess P.A.-C. Although it doesn’t have quite as much research backing it up as retinol, there are still lots of reasons why you should consider including it in your beauty routine. Bakuchiol has been proven to have antiaging benefits and promote collagen production, meaning it can reduce signs of aging like wrinkles, dark spots, and dull skin while improving overall skin health
(1). Like retinol, it also speeds up cell turnover, which only helps promote a youthful complexion
(2). And unlike retinol—which can sometimes cause adverse side effects like rashes and redness due to its strong potency—bakuchiol tends to be better tolerated by sensitive skin types.
That said, if you do use bakuchiol on acne-prone skin, make sure you apply it at night so that it doesn’t increase UV sensitivity
That said, if you do use bakuchiol on acne-prone skin, make sure you apply it at night so that it doesn’t increase UV sensitivity
Benzoyl peroxide
Retinol is a potent and effective ingredient, for sure, but some sensitive
skin types don’t handle it very well. The most common side effects are
purging-related acne, peeling, dry and flaky skin, redness, discomfort, and
increased sensitivity. Even people with robust skin may experience some of
these negative reactions to retinol that cause them to cease usage.
It is one of the most prescribed acne medications in the world, and for good reason: it is effective in a wide range of cases.
Benzoyl peroxide is an effective, over-the-counter acne treatment with little to no side effects. A natural alternative to retinol and vitamin A, it treats acne by reducing inflammation and killing off the bacteria responsible for causing blemishes. Is a powerful ingredient that has been proven to treat acne in two ways. For one thing, it reduces inflammation by reducing the acne-causing bacteria responsible for pimples. The second way benzoyl peroxide works is by sloughing off dead skin cells on your face and unclogging pores so that they can be free of oil, dirt and blackheads. In turn, this can help clear out breakouts before they begin.
Benzoyl peroxide can be used as an alternative or in combination with retinol.
Benzoyl peroxide has keratolytic effects and is used to treat acne. It also
has the ability to kill bacteria. Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite compare to
retinol for anti-aging effects because it has a completely different mechanism
of action at the cellular level.
Can be purchased in many over-the-counter preparations of various concentrations from 2% to 10%. Similar to retinoids, benzoyl peroxide has keratolytic effects, meaning it helps to shed the outer layer of the skin, giving a clean, refreshed sensation.
Azelaic acid
Retinol is a great option for your skin, but as we age, it can be too harsh. There are a few alternatives to help you get the same results without the irritation and flaking. Azelaic acid is one of them. It’s used to treat outbreaks of acne and to even skin tone.
The retinol alternatives you should try are azelaic acid, which is most often available in prescription form. There are a few over-the-counter treatments too, but although they contain lower concentrations and therefore aren’t quite as potent. Azelaic acid has some powerful antibacterial effects and helps prevent clogged pores. It also provides a more even skin tone appearance over time.
Alfa y beta defensinas
Alpha and beta defensins can also help with anti-aging and help your hair grow longer and stronger.
Alpha and beta defensins are natural immune proteins that have been shown to activate stem cells in the hair follicle (which typically helps with wound healing of the skin).
Alpha and beta defensins are two, naturally-occurring fatty acids that are derived from the human body. In the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, the researchers found that the application of alpha and beta defensins reduced brown spots, acne scars and wrinkles, but more clinical trials and long-term safety data are needed.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is truly the gift that keeps on giving, and it can potentially serve as a gentler alternative to retinol. Topical vitamin c not only brightens skin, but also protects it from oxidative stress. It has been shown to improve skin tone, texture and the look of signs of ageing by promoting collagen production and reducing inflammation.
Retinol can occasionally cause irritation and make skin red or flaky. Consider topical vitamin C. They may provide similar benefits without the side effects.
Vitamin C, while not a retinol, can be an ally in your search for the perfect skin care regimen.
After a long day at work, taking care of your skin with products containing vitamin C can help you get a more even skin tone and reduce wrinkles.
After a long day at work, taking care of your skin with products containing vitamin C can help you get a more even skin tone and reduce wrinkles.
If you prefer vitamin C to retinol, here is a favorite:
MisshaVita C Plus Spot Correcting & Firming Ampoule Vita C Plus Spot Correcting & Firming Ampoule | Jungla Beauty Honduras
Missha Vita C Plus Brightening Toner Vita C Plus Brightening Toner | Jungla Beauty Honduras
Neogen Real Vita C Serum Real Vita C Serum | Jungla Beauty Honduras
and then Add to Home Screen.