Is retinol safe for skin, or is there a better Ayurvedic alternative? - #16736

I’ve been struggling with my skin for a long time, mainly dullness, uneven tone, and some fine lines starting to show. A few months ago, I heard about retinol uses for skin, and it seemed like a miracle ingredient that everyone was raving about. I decided to give it a try and bought a retinol serum. Initially, my skin felt smoother, but within two weeks, I started noticing irritation. My face became red, dry, and started peeling in certain areas, especially around my nose and mouth. I thought this was just part of the "purging" process, but even after a month, my skin felt more sensitive than before. I stopped using it for a while, and my skin calmed down, but now I am confused. I know retinol uses for skin include improving collagen production, reducing acne, and evening out pigmentation, but if it comes with so much irritation, is it even worth it? I also read that retinol increases sensitivity to the sun, so does that mean I have to use sunscreen all the time? Since my skin is sensitive, I started wondering if Ayurveda has natural alternatives to retinol uses for skin that give similar results without the harsh effects. Are there Ayurvedic herbs or oils that work like retinol but in a gentler way? I’ve heard of bakuchi oil and kumkumadi tailam, but do they actually help with anti-aging and skin renewal like retinol? Also, is there a specific diet that supports skin health in Ayurveda? My eating habits are not great—I eat a lot of fried and processed foods, and I know that affects my skin. Can diet alone improve skin texture and elasticity? I want to know if there is a safer, long-term approach rather than using chemical-based products. Would love to hear if anyone has replaced retinol uses for skin with an Ayurvedic regimen and what worked for them.