Here's why...
Retinol has earned its reputation as an enduring favorite ingredient in skin-care products for good reason, however... ...for all the powerful benefits of the vitamin A derivative, it can be tricky to use for those with sensitive skin. "The downside to retinol is that it can cause irritation of the skin, limiting its use. Until recently, the only alternative to the red, dry, irritated skin sometimes caused by retinol has been to overdose on moisturizer or pore clogging oils - which essentially cancels out some of the benefits of retinoids.
But a plant-based alternative is changing that now!
Introducing Bakuchiol, a plant extract that offers the same skin benefits of a retinol, without the irksome side effects. "Bakuchiol is an ingredient derived from the psoralea corylifolia plant," aka the "babchi" plant, Perry Romanowski, a cosmetic chemist, tells Allure Magazine.
The babchi plant has a long and impressive skin-care resume, starting with its use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Modern science has taken an interest, too. "Bakuchiol has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antibacterial properties," says Dr. Sejal Shah, board-certified dermatologist. That's exciting news for your skin-care routine, says Shah. "Bakuchiol functions similar to a retinol, increasing cell turnover thereby stimulating collagen production and diminishing signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, and overall photodamage," she says.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that not only did bakuchiol work as well as a retinol when it came to addressing signs of aging, but that it was also was less irritating.
A natural, non-irritating alternative to retinol that's just as powerful? Yes, please. (As a bonus, bakuchiol is also a vegan alternative to retinols, as some forms of it are derived from animal products.)
Why haven't you heard about bakuchiol? So, why haven't you heard of bakuchiol til now? The natural ingredient started to go mainstream in the skin-care world in the 1970s, Shah says, but it was only until recent research highlighted bakuchiol's effectiveness that it started to gain industry steam.
For proof, look no further than our latest product launch! Aloe Vera, Glycerin, Bakuchiol with 13 powerhouse botanicals.
What makes retinoids (and retinol alternatives) work so well as to be one of the gold star skincare ingredients? Retinoids work by prompting surface skin cells to turn over and die rapidly, making way for new cell growth underneath. They hamper the breakdown of collagen and thicken the deeper layer of skin where wrinkles get their start, according to Dr. Carolyn Jacob, Dermatologist.
It's a myth that retinoids “thin” the skin. They typically cause peeling and redness in the first few weeks of use -- but they actually thicken the skin. For brown spots that give the skin an uneven tone, retinoids slough them off and curb the production of melanin, a darker pigment.
“It’s like exfoliating without any labor!”
Prompting surface skin cells to turn over and die rapidly, making way for new cell growth underneath. They hamper the breakdown of collagen and thicken the deeper layer of skin where wrinkles get their start according to Dr. Jacobs.
Bakuchiol is a vegan skin care ingredient found in the leaves and seeds of the Babchi plant, native to India, where this herb has long been used in Ayurvedic practices. Bakuchiol also has roots in natural Chinese medicine. It is a potent antioxidant, visibly reduces skin discolorations from environmental exposure, and has a pronounced soothing effect on skin.
Bakuchiol can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The latest research shows topical application has unique benefits for all skin types.
Research has shown that amounts of Bakuchiol between 0.5-2% are ideal to get visible benefits. Read the label to find it’s one of the top 3 key ingredients in our new serum (aloe first, glycerin second - and you can’t beat that!).
Feel confident in the sourcing practices our chemists employ as sourcing the Babchi plant is the first step to making a Bakuchiol formula of highest quality and efficacy.
TIP: Choose a Bakuchiol serum if you want a lightweight formula that layers easily with other leave-on products in your routine. A Bakuchiol formula is great for dry, dehydrated skin and ALL SKIN TYPES. Avoid Bakuchiol oils or oil based formulas and opt for a hydrophilic option for best anti-aging results and for acne control. Retinoids vs Bakuchiol
PROS and CONS // Retinoids vs Bakuchiol:
Retinol and Vitamin C are not photo-stable and easily degrade when exposed to light.
Prevent skin damage from oxidative stress - in advance with retinoids and/or less irritating bakuchiol.
Reduce blemishes, acne with bakuchiol’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Retinol is irritating to most skin.
You must use it with great care and avoid daylight (isn’t life too complicated already?).
Bakuchiol may be safely layered with AHA or BHA, niacinamide and other powerful ingredients and is not light sensitive.
Bakuchiol is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Retinoids are not.
Bakuchiol is always vegan.
DID YOU KNOW our Bakuchiol formula has been successful in calming plaque psoriasis too? Yes. That’s big! If you know someone who suffers from psoriasis and would benefit from a safe, gentle formula, please put them in touch with me.
Dawn Dacquisto, Chief Confidence Builder
Confidence Beyond Cosmetics™
Phone/Text (949) 633-0410
#retinol #retinoid #retinoids #aloevera #skincare #antiaging #skincarespecialist #confidence #lbri #california #sandiego #carlsbad SOURCES: Paula Begoun, Macaela Mackenzie, Allure, Linda Kaminski, L’BRI, Allure Magazine, British Association of Dermatologists
