A group of compounds called retinoids, related to vitamin A, are a cheap and powerful treatment for reversing signs of skin aging by blocking collagen breakdown and stimulating new collagen growth.

You can get a supply of prescription Tretinoin for as little as $20 without insurance, while over-the-counter Adapalene 0.1% is available for around $12.

Most commercial 'cosmeceutical' products containing retinol are not nearly as strong or effective as prescription Tretinoin or Adapalene, for which there is strong clinical evidence.

To minimize irritation like dryness and redness, start by applying a lower dose of retinoids only every third or fourth day and slowly build up as your skin adapts.

Although not standard practice due to a high risk of inflammation, the speaker combines retinoids with alpha and beta hydroxy acids like lactic and glycolic acid to enhance skin renewal.

The speaker supports their skin health by taking collagen peptides and 200 milligrams of hyaluronic acid in addition to their topical routine.

A 2018 head-to-head trial concluded that the newer, less-irritating retinoid Adapalene was just as effective as the older, well-studied Tretinoin for treating signs of skin aging.

Third-generation retinoids like Adapalene are designed to be more targeted, causing less skin irritation, redness, and dryness than older retinoids like Tretinoin.