Beauties, retinol is known as the gold standard for positive ageing in the beauty industry. It helps to stimulate the turnover of the cells on the surface of the skin, helping new cells and collagen to develop, thus improving the appearance of the skin. We’ve talked about retinol on our website here and here before.
But for many people, it can be too strong on the skin, not everyone can (or wants) to tolerate it. So we’ve found an alternative that’s gentler and gives a similar effect – Bakuchiol.
Here’s our new ingredients index feature from our lovely intern Julie all about the benefits of what we like to call, the gentler little sister to retinol.
What is Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is an alternative to retinol for those with more sensitive skin and it can be used in the daytime.
Bakuchiol is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in the seeds of Psoralea Corylifolia – a plant called ‘babchi’ found in Eastern Asia. It has been a traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese skin-healing treatment for centuries.
It is very similar to retinol however it is a natural, gentler alternative and has a very similar effect on the skin. Bakuchiol helps instruct normal cell behaviour, encouraging natural shedding of the skin and boosting collagen and elastin production without the harsher side effects of retinol.
Skin Benefits:
- Reduces depth and appearance of fines lines and wrinkles
- Improve elasticity and firmness of skin
- Boost production of skin’s building blocks, collagen and elastin
- Acts as an antioxidant, protecting skin from free radical damage
- A natural alternative to retinol, great for sensitive skin
- Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties reduce the appearance of breakouts
- Who is it for?
Bakuchiol is suitable for all skin types including dry, oily, combination, sensitive and normal. However, it works best for anyone looking to tackle these skin concerns:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Pigmentation and age spots
- Loss of elasticity
- Loss of firmness
- Acne and blemishes
What’s also great about it is…
- It’s also perfectly safe to use while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, which is something that’s not advisable with all retinol products.
- Also unlike retinol, this does not make the skin more sensitive to the light, so can be used in the daytime (although you should be wearing an SPF either way…).
How it’s used in skincare:
BYBI 1% Bakuchiol Booster
This booster is used to maximise my existing night time routine so it works nicely combined with other products. At night, I add a couple of drops to my moisturiser (you can also add to your serums or balms) and apply to my face and neck. Sometimes I apply the booster straight onto my face. It works well either way but it just comes down to preference. After my skin feels very hydrated and soft the following morning. I usually would massage the oil deeply into my face and neck in circular motions, this helps keeps my skin looking youthful and tight overnight. This booster also uses squalene that will soften and boost the skin.
I suggest using this booster if you feel your skin is a little dull or dry as it will give you the best result in boosting your skin from dry to radiant. Much more suitable for sensitive skin.
If you’re looking for something that will give you the more intense effects of retinol, you will most likely not get the results you’re looking for here. But if you want something that’ll do great things for your skin without being too harsh, you’ll enjoy using this ingredient in your skincare routine.
Julie xx
REN Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate Oil
This is a lovely product for those of you who like to use oils. This one also contains Rosehip Oil, another positive ageing super ingredient – so together, these ingredients work to make a gorgeously hydrating product that works away at fine lines and wrinkles.
This is something that is recommended to be used during the day as it will not make you more sensitive to the sunlight… love this! (Of course, you should always be wearing an SPF no matter what, just saying) You won’t be left with peeling skin, but it works hard at exfoliating and renewing the skin. As an oil, this also helps to give the skin an instant glow.
The oil base also helps to stop the product from being too strong on the skin. It’s a great one if you find that Bakuchi sometimes dries your skin out… or even if you’re just an oil addict!
Jess x
Ole Henriksen Glow Cycle Retin-ALT Power Serum
Love this serum to give me that glow! This complex serum features Bakuchiol as one of the key ingredients but also has a star cast of other ingredients that all work together to make this beautiful serum.
I found that after using it for a few days (I used it in the evening) that when I woke up in the morning and looked in the mirror, my skin was absolutely glowing! Before washing my face, I find that my skin looks almost oily the day after using it (I don’t have oily skin) due to the regenerating of the skin revealing the radiance underneath. It’s quite a thin consistency, so sinks in beautifully with a gorgeous lavender tint to it and has a lovely scent. It’s not thick like a night cream, so I don’t feel like I’m smothering my skin if I add something else on top.
This product also contains glycolic and lactic acids, which add to the exfoliating effect on the skin (and also makes your skin sensitive to the sun… which is why I prefer to use it in the evening!), along with other skin-loving ingredients to soothe and calm the skin.
(*PR gift/sample)
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