What is better than retinol for anti-aging?

Author: Dr. Renee Batz MD  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Peptides. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that help boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity. They can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while hydrating and firming the skin. Peptides are gentle and suitable for all skin types, making them an excellent alternative to retinol.

What do Koreans use instead of retinol?

Bakuchiol is a plant-based retinol alternative with fewer side effects and is safer to be used for all skin types, making it easy for beginners. Formulated alongside with Hyaluronic Acid and ceramide, it works during your sleep so you can wake up to a visibly smoother, bouncier skin.

Which is better for aging skin, retinol or peptides?

Retinoids are still your best bet when it comes to anti-aging, although peptides have been shown to deliver benefits as well, it still needs a lot more robust research/studies.

What is an anti-aging product when you can t use retinol?

Some of the alternatives to retinol in skincare products include bakuchiol, a plant-based ingredient that has been shown to have similar anti-aging effects as retinol. Another option is vitamin C, which can help brighten and even out skin tone.

Why I stopped using retinol?

Because retinoids can be very irritating to the skin if not used properly. The higher the strength, the more skin irritation (redness and peeling), the lower the strength, the less skin irritation.

Retinoids or Peptides for Anti-aging?! | The Budget Derm Explains

Should 60 year olds use retinol?

Once you enter your 50s and 60s, you should still use retinol. Make sure you're taking care of not just your face but your neck, too. Your neck is a key spot that can show signs of aging, which is why you won't want to overlook it (the key is to start early and continue when you are in your 50s and beyond).

What are the side effects of long term use of retinol?

In addition to the 4 symptoms listed above, 10 other symptoms were classified as possibly related to retinol ingestion: alopecia, conjunctivitis, dysuria, epistaxis, exanthema, menstrual changes, musculoskeletal stiffness and pain, nausea or vomiting, peeling palms or soles, and skin infections.

What works 11 times faster than retinol?

Crystal Retinal contains retinAL; a next-generation vitamin A which acts 11x faster than standard retinOL. And, unlike others, our patented retinal stability system ensures unmatched retinal potency and effectiveness until the very last drop.

Can I use tretinoin forever?

Dr. Mohta says that tretinoin can be used long term, even your entire life, as tretinoin is commonly used for the treatment of acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Dr. Mohta, also says that it may be necessary to use tretinoin for a few weeks before you can notice changes in your skin.

What is the best anti-aging peptide?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Serum, $148.
  • Best for Expression Lines: BeautyStat Peptide Wrinkle Relaxing Moisturizer, $61.
  • Best for Mature Skin: Filorga Time-Filler 5XP, $98.
  • Best For Dry Skin: Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream, $54.

Which is better for deep wrinkles retinol or hyaluronic acid?

If your primary concern is ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone, retinol is likely your best bet. However, if you're looking to boost hydration, improve skin plumpness and maintain overall skin health, hyaluronic acid is the way to go.

Which is better for sagging skin retinol or collagen?

If you're looking for immediate hydration and plumpness, collagen is your go-to. For long-term improvements in texture and firmness, retinol takes the lead.

What is the best alternative for retinol?

Peptides

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that help boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity. They can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while hydrating and firming the skin. Peptides are gentle and suitable for all skin types, making them an excellent alternative to retinol.

How do Koreans have no wrinkles?

The Korean approach to avoiding wrinkles is holistic, combining diet, disciplined skincare routines, and cultural practices that prioritise long-term skin health. By adopting some of these practices, even non-Koreans can benefit from the age-defying techniques that are rooted deep in Korean culture.

What ingredient is better than retinol?

Bakuchiol: Nature's Answer To Retinol

Bakuchiol, for instance, is regarded as one of the most effective natural retinol alternatives out in the market today.

What is the 123 rule of retinol?

We recommend following the 1-2-3 rule: apply retinol once a week for one week, twice a week for two weeks, three times for three weeks, then move towards every second night if there are no side effects happening. If you do experience flaking, redness or sensitivity, simply move back to a lower frequency for a week.

Can I use vitamin C with retinol?

It's perfectly safe and very effective to incorporate both retinol and vitamin C into your skincare routine, as long as you use them at different times of the day.

How long does it take for retinol 24 to work?

my experience with the olay retinol24 products

Any time I want to try a new skincare product, I've learned that it typically takes 4-6weeks of consistent use to see results. So for any skincare newbies out there, it's best to give a product a month or two before you can truly see if it works.

Why does my skin look older after retinol?

Going overboard on the potent ingredient (known to cause irritation and dryness at high concentrations) can dry out your skin and make your wrinkles look more noticeable, says Rebecca Kazin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington, D.C. Avoid this side ...

What is the best moisturizer for aging skin?

SkinCeuticals' Triple Lipid Restore is our top pick because it absorbs well and promises deep hydration while providing skin a youthful glow. Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream is a close second because it can moisturize and plump skin intensely. Aging is a beautiful thing, but change isn't always easy.

Is vitamin C serum better than retinol?

If you want to target wrinkles, uneven texture, or acne, retinol is your best bet. If you're looking for brighter skin and protection from environmental damage, vitamin C is the way to go.

What brand of retinol is the most effective?

  • Best Retinol Cream: SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3.
  • Best Tretinoin: Nurx Tretinoin Cream.
  • Best Adapalene: Differin Adapalene 0.1%
  • Best Retinol Serum: Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum.
  • Best for Acne-Prone Skin: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum.

What is the sandwich method in skincare?

The sandwich method is a layering technique designed to lock in hydration and maximize the efficacy of your skincare products. It involves alternating between layers of hydration (think toners, essences, or mists) and retinol layers (like creams or oils) to create a "sandwich" of moisture.

What age should not use retinol?

There are no set rules on how old you should be to use retinol. For its skin aging benefits, you can start to use it in your 20s as a preventive step. If you're using it for mild acne, you can use it even younger.

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