This skin-renewing serum features a slow-release formula and less irritating form of retinol to target early signs of aging and hyperpigmentation. Furthermore, its ingredients such as niacinamide and olive-derived squalane strengthen skin strength.
Dermatologists advise applying retinol-free serum prior to moisturizing and other skincare products, particularly those targeted towards acne-prone skin. Our favorite for acne sufferers includes 3 botanical retinol alternatives plus prebiotics and hyaluronic acid for maximum efficacy.
1. Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol has made waves in beauty publications as a plant-based retinol alternative, similar to Retin A in terms of encouraging cell turnover and regeneration, thereby helping reduce fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, improve texture and tone while simultaneously decreasing fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.
Aloe vera is an anti-oxidant with incredible healing powers that protects against free radical damage – the kind responsible for wrinkles and age spots. Free radicals are unstable atoms which take electrons from healthy ones, unbalancing their structure and harming the skin in the process.
Bakuchiol stands out from retinol as it does not cause redness and peeling like its competitor does, making it an excellent solution for sensitive skin types. Plus, its vegan and cruelty-free!
2. Azelaic Acid
Though glycolic and salicylic acids are more often associated with exfoliation, azelaic acid has quickly become one of the go-to choices for unclogging pores and refining skin texture. Furthermore, its antibacterial and bacteriostatic properties help fight acne-causing bacteria.
Helps reduce dark patches by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase that produces melanin, making it an excellent option for people suffering from acne or melasma hyperpigmentation. Furthermore, this supplement acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps stop widening blood vessels which can often lead to redness in skin tone.
Acid can be applied once or twice daily depending on your skin’s tolerance and can be combined with other ingredients to address specific concerns, like clogged pores and discoloration, such as vitamin C or niacinamide.
3. Niacinamide
Niacinamide has become a highly sought-after skincare ingredient recently, and for good reason: the water-soluble nutrient can address various skin issues ranging from dark spots (post-acne marks) reduction to oiliness control for a more even skintone.
Niacinamide also works to soothe irritated skin conditions like redness associated with rosacea and eczema, as well as hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure, medications or age – helping you experience less pigmentation overall. For hyperpigmentation related to sun exposure, medications, aging or lifestyle reasons (i.e. sun damage or medications that transfer melanosomes from hair cells into skin cells), inhibiting melanosome transference from one source (hair cells to skin cells) for less pigmentation overall resulting in less pigmentation overall.
As it’s a B vitamin, B3 should be suitable for all skin types; however, as is often the case when trying something new it’s wise to perform a spot test first to be certain it won’t have adverse reactions on your complexion.
4. Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is an age-defying powerhouse with many skin benefits, from exfoliation and brightening to antiaging and reduced fine line appearance through increased natural collagen production.
Oily or blemished skin that’s prone to breakouts will benefit immensely from exfoliation as it helps prevent acne lesions and blackheads by dissolving dead cells, while it also fades hyperpigmentation (sun spots and melisma), improves rough skin appearance and controls dandruff.
As glycolic acid can lead to dryness and irritation, it’s essential that you select an appropriate product for your skin type. Look for one with soothing and hydrating ingredients like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid; products containing alcohol could further irritate. Also start slowly until your body gets used to it before increasing frequency as your tolerance builds up.
5. Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan) can be found naturally in skin, eyes and joints. It helps the body attract and retain moisture which contributes to plumping up and firming of skin by drawing in water molecules into cells that then slow their rate of evaporation from surface. Hyaluronic acid also serves as a powerful hydrator by slowing water loss from surface skin by slowing evaporation rate.
Hyaluronan is an innovative chain-like molecule with the capacity to attach itself to multiple other molecules and retain multiple times its weight in water. Hyaluronan can be found in eye vitreous humour to keep cornea hydrated, as well as used for its anti-ageing benefits in skin tissue.
Product labels will list sodium hyaluronate as an ingredient and display its concentration percentage as part of their formula.
