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.
-
Selena Gomez Is the Cropped Blazer Trend's Final Boss
This style simply works on her.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
The Most Striking Beauty Moments in Met Gala History
Elaborate and extraordinary.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Princess Madeleine Can't Use Royal Title to Promote Skincare Line
"I will use my name Madeleine Bernadotte in my work with MinLen."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
People Always Compliment My Flawless Skin—These 6 Steps Are Why
From sunscreen and essences to moisturizers, it's all here.
By Hannah Baxter Published
-
The 11 Best Spring Makeup Trends Are Sexy, Sensual, and Perfectly Luminous
It's dew or die time.
By Jamie Wilson Published
-
Simone Ashley’s Indie Sleaze Glam Is a Cool-Toned Dream
The actor was spotted in New York City looking like the epitome of cool-toned beauty.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Sulwhasoo’s New Concentrated Ginseng Cream Is a Wrinkle-Erasing Time Machine for My Skin
This Seoul-based brand is the key to plump skin.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
The 10 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2025, Tested by Editors
Expensive and healthy-looking hair on lock.
By Marisa Petrarca Published
-
New York Fashion Week’s Fall/Winter 2025 Best Beauty Moments Are a Lesson in Juxtaposition
The week's best beauty looks were a maximalism master class.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Nécessaire's Extra-Strength Deodorant Outlasts an Editor's Sweatiest Test: Fashion Week
Even with my hectic schedule, I've never smelled better.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Lily-Rose Depp’s Cool-Toned Makeup Is So ‘90s Coded
Clean girl meets grunge.
By Ariel Baker Published