Retinols are known skincare ingredients that turn the clock back in time. It has astounding anti-aging properties that decrease the depth of wrinkles, fine lines, smoothen skin’s surface, increase skin firmness, and evens out skin tone. It has been scientifically proven over the years.
But there’s a risk, not everyone can tolerate retinol. It may cause skin sensitivity, flaking, dryness, redness, irritation and makes you more susceptible to sun damage. Retinol’s ingredient is so potent, that some people may have some alarming adverse reactions to it.
But know this, very irritating retinoids are those that are prescribed by doctors. They may be addressing a skin concern and it needs treatment right away. Some retinoids, including low-strength retinol, can be bought over the counter (OTC), without a doctor’s prescription. Others, such as tretinoin, are more powerful and can only be prescribed by a doctor. The other retinoids are cosmeceuticals and may not be as strong as prescribed by doctors but can be drying when you’re not used to it
Retinols are great for skin cell turnovers. This creates a lag time before new, healthy cells come to the surface of your skin. You still need retinoids depending on your skin type and the skin concern you are addressing. So, don’t be afraid of using it over time.
Rosehip Oil with Retinol
Some people attempt to use ingredients like rosehip oil with retinol because of the Vitamin A content, but the rosehip oil is different from retinol. Rosehip Oil contains — beta carotene, which is the same kind as Vitamin A. Retinol, on the other hand, naturally occurs in animal sources such as dairy, meat, eggs, fish, and poultry. And so, they behave in the body somewhat differently.
Bakuchiol as a Trendy Ingredient in Skincare: Recent Evidence
The mildest option to start is using bakuchiol. It’s natural too! It’s not the same as retinol but it displays retinol-like effects or function when applied to the skin.
Bakuchiol is a plan extract and antioxidant compound found in the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea corylifolia plant. Psoralea corylifolia plant is traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat diseases of the skin. It’s not the same as retinol, rather, it has a retinol-like functionality when applied to the skin. While retinol can make your face burn and peel off if you are not careful, bakuchiol does not show any of this irritation. Studies have shown functional similarities to retinoids without the limiting side effects, such as erythema, burning, and stinging
Can it help acne, like retinol?
According to a study, bakuchiol has widely been marketed to treat acne, melasma, photoaging, and hyperpigmentation. Bakuchiol has strong antibacterial and antioxidant effects. A pilot clinical study showed that 1% bakuchiol reduced acne by a score of about 57%, whereas 2% salicylic acid only reduced acne by about 48%. Unlike retinol, bakuchiol helps to make skin less sensitive to the sun´s rays. It is also reported that bakuchiol has chemo-preventive properties. Bakuchiol might be used as an alternative agent for sun protection, but more research is necessary.
You should try to check out Bakuchiol Complete Plant Based-Retinol Alternative Serum from Cosmedix. I have stocks available at my store, so, you could message me.
It’s a limited edition skincare product that is a perfect addition to your daily skincare routine. It’s formulated with the following:
— Bakuchiol. A botanical ingredient that helps brighten the skin’s appearance and visibly improve skin tone and clarity
— Squalane. Deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin
— Jojoba Seed and Moringa Seed Oil. Help restore balance to dry skin and nourish the complexion with radiance-boosting vitamins and fatty acids
P.S. Don’t take retinoids for granted. You still need these fellas. You just need to start and introduce your skin with a milder option, and I can recommend using bakuchiol. In the long run, you need to upgrade your skincare routine. Why? your skin is a living organ that evolves. This means that age, climate, hormones, stress, and any number of reasons that we may never even know, which can all greatly contribute to a change in how your skincare products might behave.
Bakuchiol products are worth trying. If you are running out of your current retinol, would like a break from retinol, would like to introduce a retinol-like product into your routine, or just love new skincare, it is worth seeing how your skin reacts to it.
Spread love and information,
Mary
Sources: Wang, Jordan & Schoenberg, Elizabeth & Saedi, Nazanin. (2019). Bakuchiol as a Trendy Ingredient in Skincare: Recent Evidence. Skinmed. 17. 188-189. Chaudhuri, Ratan & Marchio, Francois. (2011). Bakuchiol in the management of acne-affected Skin. Cosmet. Toilet.. 126. 502-510.