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 about the ingredient that finally got me to ditch retinoic acid after decades of using it. I’ve used prescription tretinoin (and yes, it can deliver amazing results) because it speeds up cellular turnover, improves texture and thickness, and helps strengthen elastin while encouraging collagen. But I also explain the tradeoff: retinoic acid works by creating trauma that can break your skin barrier, and a lot of people simply don’t tolerate the irritation, redness, dryness, and flakiness—sometimes for months. And for me, it’s been a hard “no” on areas like the neck and upper chest where the skin is thinner and dryness becomes a real problem. What replaced it for me is bakuchiol—an all-natural plant extract that’s now backed by clinical studies and, just as important, real-world results. I share why I threw away my tretinoin and switched to a bakuchiol-based formula I’ve used for the last six months, including on my face, neck, chest, and even hands. The big win: I’m getting retinol-like benefits without barrier damage, without an acclimation period, and without the limitation of retinoic acid breaking down in sunlight. I also walk you through how I use First Row Deep Renewal Serum at night and why the supporting oils in the formula make it feel rich, but still absorb completely.