Retinol will always have a place in my routine; it’s a classic for a reason. But here’s the truth nobody talks about enough: Retinol isn’t the only path to slow-aging. And for many of us (especially over 40), it’s not always the best one for every season of life. There are ingredients that focus on repair instead of irritation, regeneration instead of peeling, and strengthening instead of stripping — and that’s where my glow philosophy lives. ✨ My Slow-Aging Essentials (Beyond Retinol) • PDRN (Salmon DNA): for collagen, repair, and that calm, lit-from-within glow. • Peptides: to firm, smooth, and support long-term skin structure. • NAD+: the cellular energy boost that keeps your skin acting young. • Exosomes: tiny messengers that enhance regeneration + refine texture. • Barrier builders: because youthful skin starts with resilience. Retinol is powerful but it’s not the whole anti-aging conversation. Your skin deserves a full toolkit, not just one hero ingredient. And when you learn to combine these technologies intentionally? That’s when you unlock the kind of slow-aging glow makeup can’t fake.