Bakuchiol: The Natural Retinol Alternative Your Skin Will Love
Bakuchiol: Your Skin’s New Best Friend
Today’s focus: Bakuchiol, the safe alternative to retinol. If you’re tired of skin irritation and sun sensitivity from using retinol, it’s time to make the switch. Bakuchiol is a safe, natural, gentle, highly effective alternative. When applied to the skin, it mimics the action of retinol without the side effects.
What is Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol, an ancient ingredient used for centuries in India and Traditional Chinese Medicine, comes from the Psoralea corylifolia plant. This powerful antioxidant boasts antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that make it ideal for treating various skin concerns. Not only does bakuchiol stimulate collagen-producing fibroblast cells, but it also helps to fight aging, treat acne, calm rosacea, and reduce skin inflammation.
Fun Fact: We lose 1% of collagen every year in our skin beginning around the age of 25. This decline leads to wrinkles, sagging skin, and visible signs of aging. While it’s impossible to create new collagen, we can strengthen the collagen we already have. This is where bakuchiol comes in – it helps maintain and fortify fibroblast cells responsible for collagen production.
Bakuchiol vs. Retinol: Which is Right for You?
Anyone who has used retinol knows the common side effects – peeling, redness, irritation, and sun sensitivity. While retinol is effective, it can cause discomfort, especially during the initial stages of use. To prevent side effects, we start clients out by applying retinol 2-3 times a week, gradually increasing use until daily application is possible. However, bakuchiol is a much gentler alternative, providing the same anti-aging benefits without causing micropeeling or making your skin more sensitive to the sun. According to PubMed, “Bakuchiol and retinol both significantly decreased wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation,” aka, dark spots, “with no statistical difference between the compounds. The retinol users reported more facial skin scaling and stinging.”
The bottom line? If you want to avoid the irritating side effects of retinol, bakuchiol is an excellent choice.
Are There Side Effects?
Like all skincare ingredients, bakuchiol can have side effects, though generally mild. While it is well-tolerated by most skin types, those with extremely sensitive skin or a compromised skin barrier may experience some redness or irritation. This is because both ingredients promote cell turnover. If you have sensitive skin, it’s important to start with small amounts and monitor your skin’s reaction. Overall, it is safe and effective, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin looking for anti-aging benefits.
Bakuchiol and Acne
Anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for those with acne-prone skin. A study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology revealed, “Bakuchiol’s ability to modulate levels of inflammatory mediators makes it an appealing option for the treatment of acne.”
Safe During Pregnancy?
For those who are pregnant or nursing, this is considered a safe option. While more research is needed, according to the Journal of Integrative Dermatology, “While concrete clinical evidence is insufficient to make definitive claims on pregnancy safety, bakuchiol can be considered a safer option for those who are pregnant, nursing, and trying to conceive based on mechanism of action.”
Can You Use Daily?
Yes! Bakuchiol is safe for daily use and is best applied at night. This allows your skin to repair while you sleep, maximizing the benefits of this powerful ingredient.
How Long Does It Take To See Results?
While you may notice some improvement in your skin within a few weeks, it typically takes about 4-6 weeks to see visible results. Remember, your skin undergoes a full cell cycle every 28-30 days, meaning patience is key.
When To Use
We recommend using in the evening, ideally in a serum form. Apply after cleansing, then follow up with moisturizer.
Combining Bakuchiol With Other Active Ingredients
While it works great on its own, it can be even more powerful when paired with other active ingredients. Here are some great combinations:
🔹Hyaluronic Acid: Start with hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin, then layer bakuchiol on top to lock in moisture and promote collagen production.
🔹Vitamin C: Vitamin C brightens dark spots and fights oxidative stress. If you have sensitive skin, use Vitamin C in the morning and bakuchiol at night.
🔹Peptides: Peptides help strengthen your skin’s structure and keep it youthful. Use peptides in the morning and bakuchiol at night for maximum effect.
🔹Niacinamide: Niacinamide helps soothe and hydrate the skin. This can be combined with bakuchiol in a serum form for optimal results. We offer a product that combines bakuchiol, retinol, and niacinamide for non-irritating skincare.
Ready to get started?
Looking to incorporate bakuchiol into your skincare routine? We’d love to help you find the perfect product for your skin type. Please visit our website to check out our recommended skincare products or schedule a consultation to create a customized skincare plan tailored to your needs.
Got Questions? Drop them in the comments below – we LOVE to help!
