Retinol Alternatives

Retinol is considered the gold standard anti-aging ingredient and its skin perfecting benefits can’t be denied. It works by speeding up cell turnover which reduces visible aging, dark spots, pigmentary irregularities, and acne. 

Although the benefits of retinol are undeniable, it does have some drawbacks due to its potency and ability to induce photo-sensitivity. Even the most steadfast sunscreen users should proceed with caution when using this powerhouse ingredient during the summer months or, consider using retinol alternatives.

Retinol alternatives can provide tremendous skin health benefits with little to no peeling or irritation making them the perfect option for your summer skincare regimen. Pairing them with a high potency antioxidant serum, emollient moisturizer, and SPF protection will keep your skin smooth and glowing all summer long!

Below is a list of our favorite retinol alternatives, what they do, and why we love them.

Glycolic Acid

This popular ingredient is widely known for its ability to gently exfoliate surface skin cells and smooth uneven texture. Glycolic acid stimulates cell turnover, reduces pigmentation irregularities, and treats acne lesions by helping to dislodge follicular debris trapped inside the pore. AHA’s also stimulate the production of collagen but not to the same degree as retinol. Be cautious when using glycolic acid with other exfoliating ingredients as overuse can lead to irritation and increase photo-sensitivity.

Rosehip Oil

Although not an exfoliant, this ingredient is chock full of antioxidants making it a fantastic option in your anti-aging arsenal. It’s loaded with omega and linolenic acids as well as vitamins A, C, and E, which are imperative for proper skin barrier function and remodeling of collagen. Due to its molecular size, rosehip oil is able to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin stimulating collagen growth and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, rosehip oil is composed of over 80% fatty acids making it an incredible occlusive agent preventing dryness and dehydration.

Niacinamide

One of our favorite ingredients in skincare, niacinamide (vitamin B3) has been shown to be highly effective in smoothing the skin's surface and decreasing the appearance of larger pores. It provides similar results to retinol but without the flaking, redness, and irritation. It’s a gentle, multifunctional, skin-restoring ingredient that also increases skin hydration and helps to maintain barrier function.

Vitamin C

We lovingly refer to this ingredient as the “BLT” of skincare for its brightening, lightening, and tightening abilities. It boosts collagen production and protects against UV induced and environmental skin aging. It lightens existing pigmentation and prevents new pigment from forming. Vitamin C doesn’t regulate cell turnover, nor does it prevent acne, but it helps speed up wound healing and skin tissue regeneration.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic Acid is most widely known for its ability to treat and prevent acne lesions but it also provides anti-aging benefits. It exfoliates surface skin cells and penetrates into the follicle helping to dislodge debris and prevent impactions from forming. In addition to the immediate purifying results salicylic provides, it’s also a stellar anti-aging ingredient that diminishes fine lines and wrinkles by promoting collagen synthesis.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol, a plant-based compound found in berries, peanuts, and most notably, grapes has become a fan-favorite in skincare products. It’s an antioxidant that helps neutralize free radical damage, stimulate healthy cell turnover, and protect against environmental skin aging. Resveratrol also stimulates collagen production helping to maintain a more youthful appearance. Need more reasons to love resveratrol? It reduces irritation, redness, hydrates, and brightens overall skin tone!

Lactic acid

Lactic acid is a gentle AHA used to treat acne, rosacea, and skin aging. It is less irritating than salicylic and glycolic acids but is incredibly useful in stimulating skin cell proliferation. This skin-boosting ingredient has been popular for centuries for its hydrating, exfoliating, and brightening benefits. Additionally, lactic acid can be combined with other powerful ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to treat and prevent hyperpigmentation.

EGF’s

Epidermal-growth-factors are known as retinol mimickers that offer the same age-defying benefits without the common side effects. EGF’s are a gentle alternative that provide many skin benefits such as increasing hydration, preventing pigmentation, improving skin elasticity, supporting cell regeneration, and inducing collagen production. Because EFG’s repair skin by stimulating the growth of new cells, they also help to enhance barrier function helping to create a smoother, softer, suppler complexion. 

Not sure which retinol alternatives are right for your skin? Want a custom skincare regimen and consult with our Aesthetician? Book yours here!

Learn more about our skincare services here or contact our San Francisco office and call us at 415.409.6500.