We all want it: dewy, tight and luminous skin that seems to have made an ungodly pact to forever retain its youth. We go to radical measures to make sure our pretty mug is (almost always) on top of its game. We laser it, peel it, needle it, poke and squeeze it.

With all of our whacky procedures to banish unruly blemishes and micro signs of aging, it’s important to be as gentle as we can throughout the rollercoaster process of skin care. What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of anti-aging products? Retinol. Many women are familiar with this popular ingredient in beauty products; if you are not, here is what you need to know:

Retinol is a natural form of vitamin A, and can be found in some animal products such as milk and eggs. When manipulated into a topical product, it develops an affinity for skin cells. If applied to skin, it can prevent and even reduce already visible signs of aging, such as fine lines and uneven skin tone. Yet, as with every product that has gone through the processing of product development, there are still some side effects such as peeling, redness and irritation.

If you are reading this and are bent on transforming the health of your skin, but you are sensitive to harsher products and peel easily, here are some natural and holistic retinol alternatives you might want to try:

Rosehip Seed Oil: Some claim that this dry oil helps treat premature aging and wrinkles when absorbed into the skin. It is known to also treat scars and to hydrate weathered, flaky skin.

Moth Bean Extract: Derived from Pakistan and India, a protein taken from the seedpod of one of these beans can help stimulate collagen production and cell renewal, which slows down the aging of our skin.

Food Alternatives: Many fruits and vegetables are high in vitamin A and when consumed, can help you maintain youthful and glowing skin from the inside out. Try incorporating these foods into your diet: sweet potato, dark leafy greens, carrots, apricots, cantaloupe and butternut squash.

Where can you find these alternatives? For starters, moth bean extract can be found in Jurliques Herbal Night Cream and other organic products. It is commonly referred to as Vigna Aconitifolia, so scan the ingredient list for this ngredient. You can buy rosehip seed oil in its pure form, or you can find it in Pais BioRegenerate oil blend.

Always remember to discuss any skin care regimen changes with your dermatologist so that you have professional supervision when using new or alternative treatments.