If you’re in your late 30s, 40s, 50s, or 60s like me and you’re starting to see the signs of aging, this video is the honest update you probably didn’t expect: I’m tossing my retinol. For the last 30 years, retinoic acid has been the gold standard for reversing visible aging, building back collagen, and strengthening elastin—so yes, this is a major change for me, especially because I wasn’t even using a mild over-the-counter retinol. I was using prescription-strength tretinoin. Here’s why I’m done with it: retinoic acid works by creating trauma in the skin. It breaks the barrier and aggravates cells into a healing mode, which is why you can see those impressive results—faster cellular turnover, smoother texture, thicker-looking skin, and that collagen/elastin support. But for me, the barrier stress and irritation risk just aren’t worth it anymore. Instead, I’ve replaced tretinoin with bakuchiol, a plant extract that’s able to deliver similar anti-aging benefits without all that irritation. I’ve been using it successfully for the last six months, and I’m now using it as part of my nighttime routine on my face, neck, chest—anywhere I want the benefits without the backlash.