The Internet Is Freaking Out Over This Young-Looking Grandma
This is what happens when you use retinol for 50 YEARS.
If I had a dime for every time I was too tired—or let's be honest, too damn lazy—to take five minutes to get up, wash my face, and slather on some moisturizer, I'd be a freakin' millionaire (and then I could pay someone to do all that for me, right?).
And though I'm admittedly bad about my skincare routine—especially my anti-aging efforts—my entire tune has changed after seeing this picture of a 78-year-old woman with incredibly smooth, bright, and practically wrinkle-free skin. If you needed proof that taking care of your skin is truly worth it, look no further.
Yesterday, Reddit user @ucancallmekt shared a photo of her grandma, writing "My 78-year-old grandmother is a poster child for Retin-A! She’s been using it since it was first released on the market." In the photo, a woman with great skin (and brows—I mean come on!) looks on, smiling.
In the post, the user wrote, "My friend just started Retin-A and is complaining about the side effects, so I snapped this photo at Mother’s Day Brunch to prove to her it works!" She continued, "My grandma started Retin-A for adult acne right when it was first released on the market. She was one of her dermatologist’s first patients to try it."
Retin-A is a retinoid (i.e. an umbrella term for all vitamin-A derivatives, including retinol) that's also FDA-approved for treating acne—though, technically, all retinoids will help treat acne. How? Retinoids sink into your skin and stimulate the production of new skin cells, which speeds up exfoliation, increases collagen production, brightens scars and dark marks, smooths fine lines and wrinkles, and, yes, destroys acne. Oh, and it can also make you look 60 years old when you're 78, apparently.
And clearly, I'm not the only one who's impressed. "She's glowing," writes one user; "I spent years in the medical field, so I treated a lot of elderly PTs (and I'd always know their exact age, unlike in a social situation)—you almost never see a 78-year-old looking like that. Amazing." Adds another, "Holy mother of cucumber! She sure is aging gracefully! I hope this would be me too when I am older."
So basically, every single person should be using a retinoid (so long as your skin isn't crazy sensitive, like anyone with rosacea) if you care about boosting your skin's health. Ideally, you'd talk to your dermatologist to find the best over-the-counter or prescription formula for you, but if you're looking for a quick fix, you can try Kim Kardashian's favorite $10 anti-aging serum, or the cult-favorite Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Facial Filler.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Of course, there's absolutely nothing wrong with wrinkles and fine lines—they're natural! Embrace them!—but if you're hoping to stave off the effects of aging for a little bit longer, try a retinol. Or, you can just defy the laws of science like this Reddit user's grandma. You know, whatever is easier.
RELATED STORY
I’m currently working at Dotdash Meredith as the Celeb & Entertainment E-Commerce Lead contributing affiliate content for People.com and InStyle.com. I’m basically like your personal shopper, from writing about that cozy loungewear set you didn’t know you needed to keeping tabs on the best sales and deals on the internet. I’m also a pro at finding affordable dupes for celebrity looks and I love to dig into the data to strategize content opportunities.
-
Six European Royals Wore a Tiara on the Same Day During Two Dazzling Events
Let's call it the tiara bowl.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
The Poignant Reason Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Armani Latimer Ditched Her Wig
Her performance shed light on a chronic condition at the team's most recent football game.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande Chanel-ify Their Red Carpet Uniforms
This duo looks ready for awards season.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
22 Luxury Beauty and Wellness Gifts for Your Pickiest Self-Care Obsessed Friends
Guaranteed to please even your pickiest friends and family.
By Hannah Baxter Published
-
10 Winter Hair Color Trends Fashionable Women Love This Season
The season's top hair color trends are painfully chic.
By Jamie Wilson Published
-
10 Winter Haircut Trends Stylish Women Are Wearing in 2024
It's time to get a little scissor happy.
By Jamie Wilson Published
-
Drunk Elephant Recalls Three Best-Selling Skincare Products Following an Ingredient Mix-Up
Here's how to know if yours were compromised.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Why Dyson's New Airstrait Ad Ignited a TikTok Controversy
"They said y'all can buy the product but it is not meant for you."
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
As A First-Time Marathon Runner, These Wellness Essentials Helped Enhance My Training and Recovery
From a hardworking deodorant to a soothing sauna blanket.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Hailey Bieber’s New Rhode Barrier Butter Is So Decadent, You’ll Want to Smear It Everywhere
Introducing the brand's yummiest product yet: Barrier Butter.
By Hanna Lustig Last updated
-
What Is Sugar Waxing? Everything to Know, According to Experts
It's also less painful than some alternatives.
By Iman Balagam Published