At the age of 52, my skin seemed to be acquiring new wrinkles almost overnight.

If that wasn't bad enough, I noticed a couple of my friends seemed to be getting younger and fresher by the day.

While I was out there spending money I didn’t have on lotions and potions that promised to banish my lines, it was as if these friends had discovered the fountain of youth.

Okay, not quite, but there was definitely something different...

Well, after some mild interrogation (ie. TELL ME ALL YOUR SECRETS) it turned out the one thing they had in common is that they were using retinoids--in their cases a gentler form of retinoid called retinol.

At last! I thought I could stop throwing money I didn’t have at lotions that promised the earth but did absolutely nothing for my skin other than moisturize!

Retinoids, I discovered, are a form of vitamin C scientifically proven to have anti-aging properties.

In fact, according to a 2007 study from the University of Michigan, Retinoids are the only topical treatment available for long-term reduction in wrinkles, as well as other types of sun damage (so much for all those promises made by the sales assistants pushing their latest and greatest skin creams!)

While I did initially try a high strength retinoid prescribed by my doctor, I gave up after a few weeks because my skin hated it.

I knew going in that there is a period of a few weeks where your skin purges--once you get past that, the retinoid starts doing its job, but for me the burning and itching were too much to ask.

The prescription tube went in the trash after a month or so. It was just too strong.

But... 

I was thrilled when my doctor told me that a more natural form of retinoid works just as well, without the side-effects. It's called Retinol.

I was thrilled when my doctor told me to stick with Retinol. It works just as well as an anti-aging agent--maybe even better on my sensitive skin.

The most important factor, she said, is CONSISTENCY.

Stick with it and you will see results. Simple.

Now for the science-y bit, but don’t worry--this will be quick and painless!

Let’s talk about aging.

As we age past 25 years old, our skin’s production of collagen dwindles. This isn't good because collagen is the protein that keeps everything nice and tight on the face (plus the reason why young people have that envious glow!).

The sun has a lot to do with why collagen breaks down, but our body’s own enzymes also disintegrate collagen over time, leading to fine lines and wrinkles and a loss in fullness and elasticity.

Enter the skin saviors that are retinoids!

These nifty skin-transformers increase cell turnover and actually encourage the production of more collagen.

This in turn improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other sun damage, as well as enlarged pores, acne, scars, skin laxity, and dark spots.

In other words, you’re left with skin that is smoother, tighter, and a heck of a lot fresher looking, just as I’d witnessed in my friends!

A word of warning: retinol is NOT the latest marketing gimmick--they don't erase 100% of the effects of time on your face. I'm quite okay with this. As I age, the lines on my face tells the story of a life well lived, but I will admit. I want to look the best version of myself at the age I am, and, thanks to retinol, I can finally say that I do.

While there are many over-the-counter creams that contain retinol, I decided to go all skincare detective and track down the number one cream that would give me the most bang for my buck!

I wanted a wonder cream packed full of not just a decent percentage of retinol, but also other proven skin-loving ingredients like antioxidants and vitamins.

What I found was more than I’d hoped for!

This glorious product contains vitamins and antioxidants galore, but on top of that it contains a topical form of collagen plus beauty-boosting hyaluronic acid, both of which I knew would further plump out my skin and soften the effects of my pesky fine lines.

Also, and I think perhaps most important to me, is the fact that this cream is natural (without any harmful and unnecessary additions).

After applying the Retinol + Collagen cream at night, I was surprised by the results.

These days, I use less makeup and I feel...well...good about myself. Plus, I’m receiving more compliments than I have in decades!

Of course, I’m happy to share my secret with my friends that approach me asking why I’m looking so well-rested these days (don’t I wish!), and I always make sure to send them to Earths Cure to get their own pot of my very favorite wonder cream!

That's why I've included a link to the "Retinol + Collagen" cream below. I suggest ordering while supplies last. They are hand-made in the USA in very small batches.