Using retinol – Can Ayurveda provide natural alternatives for skin aging and acne? - #16839

I have been using retinol for a while now to help with acne scars, fine lines, and uneven skin tone, but I have mixed feelings about it. While it does make my skin look smoother, I have also noticed that it sometimes makes my skin red, flaky, and irritated, especially when I use it too often. I’ve also heard that retinol makes the skin more sensitive to the sun, which worries me because I live in a hot climate. I recently started looking into Ayurvedic skincare, and I’m wondering if there are natural alternatives to retinol that offer the same benefits but without the harsh side effects. Ayurveda seems to focus on internal healing as well as external treatments, which makes sense to me because I believe skincare should be more than just applying products on the surface. I have read that Ayurveda classifies skin types based on doshas—Vata (dry, aging-prone skin), Pitta (sensitive, acne-prone skin), and Kapha (oily, congested skin). I think I have a combination of Pitta and Vata skin, because I get breakouts sometimes but also experience dryness and fine lines. Would Ayurvedic treatments be able to address both acne and skin aging at the same time? I have heard that Bakuchiol is known as the “natural retinol” and is used in Ayurveda for anti-aging. Is this true, and does it work as well as retinol? I have also read that herbs like Manjistha, Neem, and Aloe Vera help with acne and skin renewal. Could these be good replacements for retinol in my skincare routine? Another thing I am curious about is whether Ayurveda recommends internal detoxification for better skin health. I have heard that poor digestion and excess heat in the body (Pitta imbalance) can lead to breakouts, pigmentation, and premature aging. Would taking herbal teas, Triphala, or specific cooling foods help clear my skin from within? I also read that Ayurvedic face oils, ubtans (herbal face packs), and natural plant extracts can work just as well as chemical-based skincare products. Is there a particular Ayurvedic anti-aging or acne-fighting oil that works like retinol? Some people say Kumkumadi oil is excellent for brightening skin—would that be a good alternative? I want to take a more holistic and gentle approach to skincare instead of relying on synthetic chemicals that might harm my skin over time. If anyone has successfully switched from retinol to Ayurveda, I would love to hear what worked for them. How long did it take to see results, and what herbs or oils made the biggest difference?