I can't use Retinol. What should I do?

If you have sensitive skin or are pregnant or breastfeeding, skip the retinol and reach for one of these gentle alternatives.

Retinol is one of the world's most recognised anti-aging preventative and corrective skin care products. 

Retinol is essential in most anti-aging skincare routines because of its ability to increase cellular turnover, create new collagen proteins, fade pigmentation, and soften rough patches of skin.

It all began in 1971 when Dr. Albert M Kligman, a famous Dermatologist at the University of Pennsylvania, USA, discovered Tretinoin (Retinoic Acid) for the treatment of acne. It was marketed by Johnson & Johnson with the brand name Retin-A and it was an extremely effective acne treatment and is still on the market 35 years later.


Dr. Kligman’s older patients who were prescribed Retin-A noticed that their skins became smoother, their wrinkles became less and their pigmentation lighter.

Retinol is a pre-cursor of Retinoic Acid i.e. when Retinol is applied to the skin it is metabolized to Retinoic Acid. It has been found that topical Retinol is less irritating on the skin than Tretinoin but this does depend upon the concentration of the Retinol. The usual concentrations of Retinol in cosmeceuticals range from 0.1% to 1.0%. Retinol has become more popular as it is generally better tolerated by the skin and it does not need to be prescribed by a medical professional.

Retinol addresses everything from wrinkles to uneven tone to acne and pore size, making it a must‐have in every skincare routine. 

Why Is Retinol not suitable for everyone? 



Retinol is a powerful tool against aging but unfortunately is not suitable for everyone. Retinol might not be a fit for those with overly sensitive or hypersensitive skin, those who have food intolerances or high allergic reactions, young skin, and pregnant and breastfeeding women. 

If you fall in any of the categories with high sensitivity to Retinoic Acid, you might want to try skincare products with alternative anti-aging or skin-clearing ingredients.

The top 3 Esthetician recommended Retinol Alternatives.


1. REGENERATION BOOSTER by Jan Marini Skin Research 

Regeneration Booster

This patented formulation combines advanced growth factors, peptides, and antioxidants to hydrate skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve the appearance of texture and overall skin tone. Regeneration Booster is a patented growth factor and peptide solution shown to significantly improve the appearance of aging skin. Maximum results are delivered through a combination of advanced ingredients including cycloastragenol, multiple beneficial growth factors and peptides, coenzyme Q10, antioxidants, and advanced hydration. A 3-month independent physician study using exclusively Regeneration Booster (published in the Journal of Drugs & Dermatology) showed significant improvement in the appearance of wrinkles, texture, pore size, elasticity, skin clarity/uniformity, hydration, and overall satisfaction. Regeneration Booster brightens skin and reduces the appearance of under-eye circles, crepey skin, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Amplify your results with this peptide face moisturizer for immediately smoother, more polished skin with reduced appearance of pores, fine lines & wrinkles. 

Independent Study Results:

A 3-month independent physician study using exclusively Regeneration Booster, a gentle cleanser, and sunscreen on 20 subjects ages 35-75. Conducted by Robert Weiss, MD, FAAD, FACPh, Board Certified Dermatologist, Past-President of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, and President-Elect of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

Study results noted statistically significant improvement in the appearance of wrinkles, texture, pore size, elasticity, skin clarity/uniformity, hydration, and overall satisfaction with:

100% of subjects noted improvement in at least 3 or more of the above-stated categories
94% of subjects noted superior satisfaction in overall skin quality
100% of subjects noted improvement from baseline
100% of subjects noted positive user experience
Zero reported sensitivity, acclimation, or irritation.


2. YOUTH BEAUTY FACE OIL by The Golden Secrets 

Youth Beauty Face Oil

A powerful, nutrient-dense, multitasking, luxurious, organic facial oil that instantly revitalizes the skin, unveiling a youthful golden glow. Restores the delicate balance of your skin’s natural protective barrier, boosts collagen production, and empowers cell regeneration.

YOUR FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH - Ten high-performance plant botanicals rapidly adapt to your own skin’s needs. Formulated with natural trans-retinoic acid, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more to provide complete skin nourishment and graceful aging with each application. Plumps, firms, and smooths skin texture within days of use. 

100% of our customers saw an overall improvement in their skin's appearance, enhanced glow, and radiance- with continued results each week.

Hydrating Oil Capsules

Environ’s Intensive Hydrating Oil Capsules contain antioxidants and vitamin A in an easily absorbable oil-based formula.

  • -Contains antioxidants and vitamin A. 

  • (Retinyl Palmitate - The Mildest Form of Retinol)

    Retinyl Palmitate is the most gentle form of retinol synthesised from vitamin A that is perfect for people with sensitive skin.

HOW TO USE

Pre-cleanse, cleanse and tone the skin with your preferred Environ products. Apply the contents of one capsule to the face and neck area either before or after applying your preferred Environ moisturizer. Hydrating Oil Capsules can also be used on their own. May be used morning and/or evening. Suitable for all skin types, especially those with dry or thin, fragile skin.

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