Retinol has a multitude of benefits including wrinkle reduction, cellular turnover, pigmentation correction, and acne prevention, but not all of us can use it. What should you use if your skin gets too irritated or flaky from retinol but you still want antiaging benefits?
Try serums and creams with growth factors. Growth factors are proteins that regulate cell growth and play a role in maintaining healthy skin structure and function. They promote the formation of collagen, which is a protein that gives skin structure and support, and elastin, which is a protein that keeps skin tight and allows it to snap back. Moisturizers and serums containing growth factors reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin tone, texture, and firmness. My personal favorite is Neocutis Biocream.
Another ingredient to consider is bakuchiol, a natural ingredient derived from the babchi seed. In addition to its antiaging benefits, it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Like retinol, it reduces wrinkles, fades dark spots, and improves firmness of the skin. My personal favorite is Isdin Melatonik, which contains vitamin C in addition to bakuchiol.
(Note: I am not paid by Neocutis or Isdin, I just really love these products)
