There is no denying that retinol is one of the best skincare ingredients to fight signs of ageing. But the wonder ingredient is also known to be a challenge to integrate into your existing skincare routine. Especially if you have very sensitive skin. That’s why the hype around a new natural alternative to retinol has us excited. Say hello to bakuchiol!
What is bakuchiol?
Derived from the leaves and seeds of the Indian babchi herb, bakuchiol (say ‘back-ooh-chee-al’) is a plant-based ingredient proven to be an incredible substitute for retinol. Retinol is famous for its ability to smoothen out skin, reduce signs of ageing and signs of acne. But it is also notorious for causing irritation. Therefore you need to be super careful about including it into your skincare routine.
The benefits
- Evens skin tone: by deeply penetrating the skin, bakuchiol helps to lessen the appearance of dark spots or hyperpigmentation.
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines: bakuchiol promotes skin cells to create collagen. This improves skin health and ‘plumps’ the skin reducing the signs of ageing, like fine lines.
- Soothes the skin: thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties it has been traditionally used in Indian Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to help heal, calm and soothe skin.
Bakuchiol vs retinol
A 2019 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology looked at bakuchiol compared to retinol after 12 weeks of application. The results? There was no difference in their ability to fight signs of ageing! Reduced wrinkles, better skin texture and fading age spots all occurred in equal measure despite which ingredient was used over the 12 weeks. This study revealed both bakuchiol and retinol to be powerful ingredients in attaining smoother, firmer and all-round more youthful skin.
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Although there was something that separated the two: those that used retinol in the study did experience more skin dryness and sensitivity. Bakuchiol has proven to be gentler than retinol. Therefore it has been found to cause less redness, stinging and flaking. This makes it a good anti-ageing alternative for those with sensitive skin. Plus easier to slot in to your existing routine. Retinol has also been known to make skin more sensitive to sunlight. On the other hand, bakuchiol can be used both day and night. While studies are still new, it has been touted as a safe option during pregnancy too.
Products and application
You’ll find bakuchiol as an ingredient in nourishing face oils, serums or lotions. Like retinol it should be used before your usual serums and creams, but because it is less harsh than retinol you can apply it twice a day. And you don’t have to be too cautious about mixing it with your regular skincare routine!
Try these wonderful products to start using bakuchiol today:
- Bioderma Sebium Global, R315 at Dermastore. The addition of soothing bakuchiol helps reduce breakouts and shine for oily and acne-prone skin.
- Avène DermAbsolu Defining Day Cream, R530 & Avène DermAbsolu Comforting Night Balm, R530 both at Dermastore. These hydrating and illuminating day and night creams will protect, nourish, soothe and strengthen mature ageing skin.
- L’abeille Phyto-Renewal Serum, R955 at Faithful to Nature. This facial oil will hydrate and rejuvenate your skin. Plus it is vegan and cruelty-free.
- Jorgobe Bakuchiol Face Oil, R780 at Arc. This light face oil’s unique combination of bakuchiol, vitamin C and the powerful antioxidants Q10 and astaxanthin will give you youthful skin and a glow.
Cover image by Ksenia Chernaya on Pexels.
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