Having the necessary knowledge when it comes to your skincare, is crucial for maintaining healthy and glowing skin. We live in a world where we are constantly being bombarded with new skincare products and trends, without explicitly knowing where and what to look for ourselves.
Retinol is an example of a highly praised trend, undoubtedly a favorite of the skincare industry – both by dermatologists and the general public. Yet there have been many debates around the use of retinol and its harmful effects like “retinoid reaction” which manifests as irritation, dryness, peeling, erythema, and a sensation of burning on the skin. Many of these reactions are a result of not enough caution with usage.
Without expert advice and overall knowledge of the product, it is not possible to adequately fit it into your routine. It can easily cause more problems than it can do helping to strengthen and beautify the skin.
For those who find retinol to be too irritating to their skin, we have great news as there is all this excitement for the new trendy botanical alternative of retinol named bakuchiol.
Bakuchiol has regenerative and purifying properties and deserves its special place in a skincare routine.
By no means it’s not a new invention, however, it may be less known than retinol. Bakuchiol has been used in ancient China, Japan, and Korea, especially in Ayurvedic medicine, used for the treatment of a broad array of disorders. Among many benefits it acts as an antioxidant, it is also anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.
However, the true magnificence of Bakuchiol is that it targets several cellular pathways similar to those targeted by retinoids, including the key anti-aging genes and proteins resulting in numerous beneficial effects. This beautiful purple flower gained popularity with claims that it works like retinol, but without the drying and irritating effect.
What should we use? Bakuchiol or retinol?
Of course, there is no clear answer. By our expert advice, bakuchiol is recommended for people with dry or more sensitive skin. It is a natural, vegan alternative to retinol and yet it is just as powerful as retinol. On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with using retinoids, if your skin can tolerate them. They are extensively studied effective ingredients that deliver the promised anti-aging benefits, including stimulating collagen, strengthening the skin foundation, and minimizing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Nonetheless, it is important to be aware of products, which have a high concentration of retinol. Some people love to mix both as well, and again there is nothing wrong with that. For more mature skin, this mix is the best solution for faster and more visible results. If you’re in your 20s and 30s, it’s not necessary to use such an intensive regenerative routine.
Furthermore, Bakuchiol can be safely used alongside your other chosen products, including niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C. In principle, bakuchiol should be an excellent stabilizer of retinol that may prolong its effectiveness and enables the skin to tolerate it in higher amounts due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
It always depends on what works best for each individual. Both ingredients have theirown place in the skincare world, but be aware of the reach of both ingredients.
