Bakuchiol

The Natural Retinol Alternative For Summer Skincare

As we approach the warmer months ahead, many of us spend more time outdoors and become more mindful of the sun. Now, many also cut back on retinol usage to prevent skin sensitivity resulting in potential sun damage, but the number one question clients ask is what can I use instead? This is why I love bakuchiol because this incredible ingredient works like retinol without the side effects or sun damage. This is my go-to ingredient for the spring and summer months. Today we are going to talk about its benefits, why it’s a great retinol alternative, and what skin type benefits the most.

What is Bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol, an ingredient that has been used for centuries in India and Traditional Chinese Medicine, comes from the Psoralea corylifolia plant. It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that make it ideal for treating various skin concerns.

What Does Bakuchiol Do for the Skin?

Bakuchiol stimulates collagen-producing fibroblast cells, which makes it a great ingredient to fight aging and treat acne. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties, making it great to calm rosacea, and reduce skin inflammation.

Here are a few key benefits:

Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Stimulates collagen production and increases cell turnover.
Improves Skin Texture and Tone: Targets melanin cells, which are the cells responsible for our skin’s color by decreasing inflammation.
Antioxidant Properties: Fights free radicals which cause premature aging.
Acne Reduction: Reduces inflammation and acne bacteria on the skin.

Is Bakuchiol a Natural Retinol Alternative?

Yes. If you want to avoid the irritating side effects of retinol, bakuchiol is a great natural retinol alternative! It provides the same anti-aging benefits without causing micropeeling or sun sensitivity of the skin. While it does increase cell turnover, it is not as rapid as retinol.

Can Bakuchiol and Retinol Be Used Together?

Used together are a powerful combination. Bakuchiol stabilizes retinol and can reduce skin sensitivity, irritation, redness, and peeling effects. If you are combining these ingredients, also make sure you wear sunscreen, especially during the spring and summer months to prevent sun damage. Our Retinal Advanced serum contains both ingredients and is a great way to introduce your skin to retinol.

Does It Help with Wrinkles and Fine Lines?

Yes, it increases collagen production by stimulating fibroblast cells, which are the cells responsible for keeping collagen strong and healthy. It also fights free radicals from sun damage, aggressive skincare products, and a weakened skin barrier which accelerate aging.

Is It Safe for Sensitive Skin?

Yes, if you have sensitive skin, but it’s important to start slowly. Bakuchiol is safe and effective for sensitive skin, making it a great retinol alternative to those looking for the anti-aging benefits. PubMed says, “This higher tolerability allows bakuchiol to be an effective anti-aging treatment for people of all skin types.”

Does Bakuchiol Help with Acne or Dark Spots?

Yes, the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties make it ideal for those with acne-prone skin. Bakuchiol can decrease dark spots by normalizing melanin production, and increasing cell turnover. Studies done on the effectiveness on dark spots, but also on sun damaged skin, also known as photodamaged skin. PubMed says, “When formulated into a skincare product, regularly applied, and tested under clinical settings for 12 weeks, significant improvement in facial fine lines and wrinkles were observed, along with improvements in skin elasticity, firmness, and pigmentation, as well as a reduction in photodamage.”

Can You Use It Everyday?

Yes! Bakuchiol is safe for daily use and best applied as part of your nighttime skincare routine. This allows your skin to repair while you sleep, but also maximizing the benefits of this powerful ingredient. We recommend the ISDIN Bakuchiol serum which is a favorite of our clients’. Serums must be used on clean skin underneath your moisturizer.