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Sometimes your skincare goal is simple: address sagging skin and look more refreshed. But the solution isn’t at all simple, nor does it provide the same relatively speedy results as, say, a laser that minimizes or removes dark spots or a great topical salicylic acid serum that helps with acne. When you add sensitive skin to the equation, things get even more complicated. It’s a well-known fact in skincare that not many topical ingredients are designed to address sagging skin, but retinol and prescription-based Retin-A are among the very few that have shown proven results over time and with continued use. And while this would normally be a reason to celebrate with a trip to the dermatologist and a request for a ‘script, those of us with sensitive skin know the Vitamin A derivative isn’t always kind to all skin types.
If you’ve tried retinol and your skin has said “no thanks,” or you simply prefer gentler ingredients, don’t throw in the towel just yet. Skincare experts share with us the best gentle anti-aging ingredients to tighten sagging skin that they say really work.
Bakuchiol As a Retinol Alternative
First up: bakuchiol, an increasingly popular skincare ingredient that is derived from seeds of the Psoralea corlifolia plant, says Cosmetic Doctor & Skincare Expert Bita Farrell, a board certified physician who is the founder of Natural Aesthetics Center (NAC) in California. “It has been used for centuries in both Indian Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese medicine,” Dr. Farrell reveals. “It is a potent antioxidant which helps repair oxidative damage. Bakuchiol is a popular retinol alternative that helps rejuvenate the skin by encouraging cell turnover and collagen production. It restores skin elasticity and firmness to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. It also brightens, and improves texture and tone to boost a glow.”
The big difference between retinol and bakuchiol is that bakuchiol is much more gentle, and better tolerated by most skin types without the sensitizing side effects of retinol, according to Dr. Farrell. “Clinical studies are promising and found no significant difference in the efficacy of Bakuchiol versus Retinol, they did however find significantly less irritation with Bakuchiol versus Retinol,” Dr. Farrell says.
Dr. Farrell shares that her favorite product is ISDIN Melatonik Recovery Night Serum ($165 for 1 oz), which she says combines Bakuchiol with vitamin C and melatonin, making it a perfect hydrating night serum. A more economic choice that she also highlights is Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum, which retails for $54 for 1 oz.
Gentle Anti-Sagging Cleaners & Moisturizers
Cleansers and moisturizers are not going to be a valid replacement for more potent bakuchiol or retinol when it comes to your anti-aging skincare goals, but that doesn’t mean you can’t support your skincare routine with gentle ingredients that help strengthen your skin barrier, retain moisture, and promote firmer, tighter skin.
Dr. Enrizza P. Factor, a clinical dermatologist and researcher with myeczemateam.com, says these five natural ingredients are fabulous cleansers, moisturizers, and masks that are gentle on skin:
Coconut Oil
“Coconut oil is a natural emollient that promotes soft skin, while vitamin E oil supports the generation of the cells, thus, preventing sagged skin,” Dr. Factor says. It doesn’t hurt that coconut oil is also an amazingly effective makeup remover than can even handle stubborn foundation and waterproof eye makeup.
Olive Oil
Rich in antioxidants, olive oil also has high vitamins E and A, which Dr. Factor says provide nourishment and hydration to the skin. “Regular use of olive oil firms up and reduces the sagging of skin,” she adds.
Honey
“Honey helps in hydrating dry skin, fighting the action of free radicals, keeping the skin clean due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties, and reducing redness with its anti-inflammatory properties,” Dr. Factor says. “These benefits can help delay the sagging of skin, making it smoother and younger.”
Aloe Vera
If you haven’t followed your mother’s advice to keep an aloe vera plant in your home, there’s no better time than now. “Aloe Vera works wonders on the skin, particularly for firming and tightening because of its malic acid, which improves the skin's elasticity,” Dr. Factor says. {It’s also a fantastic ingredient to reach for if you accidentally burn your skin while baking).
Cucumber
Not only does cucumber have an ultra-high water content that allows it to hydrate, but Dr. Factor says it also contains a pancreatic enzyme called elastase, which keeps the elastin healthy and tightens skin, and promotes cell renewal and collagen buildup. Feel free to create your own homemade cucumber mask or let someone else do the work for you — Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask is safe for all skin types and offers a soothing, cooling treatment that hydrates dry skin.
