Let me state here and now: I kinda won the skin lottery. My parents are genetically blessed in that department, with minimal fine lines and wrinkles and stellar bone structure, and thanks to the randomness of the universe, they passed those genes on to me. Still, any time someone compliments my skin, I make sure to both thank them and state that I put a lot of work into it. The epidermis you're born with can only get you so far, my friends. I’m out here doing the legwork to ensure that my skin legacy reaches its full, glowy, youthful potential. So, what is the secret to looking 25 when I’m actually 35? Well, there are a lot of factors, but if I had to pinpoint a singular product, I’d credit retinol.
You’ve likely heard of the buzzy ingredient somewhere on the internet by now. The vitamin A derivative is lauded by skincare influencers, beauty editors, and your dermatologist alike. It has the power to increase skin cell turnover, thereby minimizing the look of fine lines, dark spots, and rough skin texture, all of which can make you appear older. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with aging (I love being in my mid-thirties, thank you very much), but I don’t necessarily want the evidence of my years in the sun and polluted air of New York City to show up on my face when there are plenty of options to minimize them. In addition to regular laser treatments, facials, and healthy lifestyle choices (yes, drinking more water and less booze can make a difference in your skin quality), I highly recommend adding a retinoid product into your skincare routine. Here’s how I incorporate my favorite retinols without the flaking or irritation that sometimes accompanies the ingredient.
