For years, retinol cream has been the leader in anti-aging products. Retinol creams contain large amounts of vitamin A and work to keep you looking young. Many people use retinol cream to repair damaged skin, increase their body’s production of collagen, reduce the appearance of dark spots and acne scars, and to fight against wrinkles. It is a popular product in the beauty world. However, it can cause some severe issues if you aren’t careful. If you have sensitive skin or apply too much retinol cream, you can be left with dry, red, and peeling skin. Some people have even experienced burning. Retinol cream isn’t your only solution when it comes to anti-aging products. Below are four alternatives to retinol cream you can try if you are second-guessing the benefits of traditional retinol creams.
Bakuchiol
Many dermatologists will agree that the best natural substitute for your traditional retinol cream is bakuchiol. Bakuchiol is derived from the babchi plant and has been used for years in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines to treat skin problems. Bakuchiol works a lot like traditional retinal creams: it reduces the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots, softens and firms your skin, and helps with the skin’s elasticity. Bakuchiol is different because it does not irritate the skin the same way that traditional retinol cream can. If you have sensitive skins, bakuchiol might be the product for you! You can buy this product on its own or as an ingredient in different creams and serums.
Natural Oils
Another alternative to retinol creams is natural oils. Like the bakuchiol, natural oils typically don’t have any added ingredients, and they can still give you the same benefits of using a retinol cream without any of the potentially harsh side effects. Popular oils include primrose oil, rosehip seed oil, carrot seed oil, and sunflower seed oil. These oils all help keep your skin moisturized and soft. Use Primrose oil if you have any acne spots, wrinkles, or loose skin that you would like to treat. Rosehip oil works well if you have dry and damaged skin. Carrot and sunflower seed oils contain ingredients that the body makes into vitamin A, which helps with aging.
Increase Your Vitamin A
One of the main ingredients in traditional retinol creams that makes it useful is vitamin A. Vitamin A helps promote skin repair and collagen production. If you want to stay away from retinol creams but still want the benefits, try increasing your vitamin A intake by taking vitamin supplements or changing your diet. Foods like spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, liver, and salmon all have high levels of vitamin A. Be careful with your diet. Too much vitamin A can cause hair loss, jaundice, and disturbances in your mood.
Collagen Powder or Pills
Another alternative to traditional retinol creams is collagen powder or pills. Research has shown that our skin stops producing collagen sometime in our twenties, causing the skin to sag and get wrinkles and fine line. This alternative directly gives you collagen as a way to help your skin repair itself. By directly taking collagen, you are helping your skin get firm and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
You can get collagen powders to mix into your favorite drink, or you can take collagen pills.
