There are few ingredients in the cosmetics industry as highly regarded as retinol. Its miraculous anti-aging properties keep it the favorite choice of all women. But, due to some adverse effects, it can also impose periods of rest. There is, however, a natural alternative to retinol that has similar benefits, namely bakuchiol. In this article you will discover the basics about retinol, retinoids, retinol alternatives and which one is best for you.
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a synthetic derivative of vitamin A and is part of the larger category of retinoids. The difference is that retinol is a "weaker" version of retinoids. Retinoids generally have higher concentrations and are available by prescription.
Retinol is applied topically and the substance turns into retinoic acid with the help of specialized enzymes found in the skin (See the full article on retinol and retinoids here).
To understand the properties of retinol and retinoids, you need to understand the benefits of vitamin A. This is an essential nutrient for eye and skin health, but it also contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system.
The chemical formula of retinol has chosen to be used in cosmetics because it helps fight acne , fade wrinkles, and maintain the youthful appearance of the skin. The best known role of vitamin A and its derivatives is to slow down the aging process. Vitamin A can also have substantial effects on the skin, helping to even out skin tone and reduce enlarged pores. There are impressive academic studies showing the proven benefits of retinol and its impressive impact on the skin.
Benefits of Retinol
The small molecules that make up retinol work deep under the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) to the dermis. Once in this middle layer of the skin, retinol helps neutralize free radicals. This helps to increase the production of elastin and collagen, which helps to reduce:
Products with Retinol
- Retinol serum -ANTI-WRINKLE AND REGENERATING RETINOL SERUM
- Retinol cream - RETINOL CREAM FOR THE EYE AREA
- Toner with retinol - TONER WITH RETINOL FOR REGENERATION
Side Effects of Retinol
Although the retinol formula found in over-the-counter cosmetic ingredients is safe for daily use, retinol also has side effects.
Regular use of retinol can leave skin excessively dry, irritated, flaky and constantly inflamed. This extreme irritation may only be temporary, but it is important to stop using retinol for a while. If the effects are serious, you can contact a dermatologist.
What is Bakuchiol?
The difference between retinol and bakuchiol is very easy to understand. Bakuchiol is a natural alternative to retinol. It is found in the leaves and seeds of the plant Psoralea corylifolia, also known as babchi.
Bakuchiol has long been known in traditional Indian Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to help heal and soothe the skin, as well as treat or soothe rashes. In skin care, bakuchiol has recently been used, as it is known to act similarly to retinol. This natural ingredient regulates and stimulates collagen, but also works as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It is also regarded as an anti-aging ingredient as it helps reduce wrinkles and improve skin firmness. Like retinoids, bakuchiol also works to treat acne by reducing the appearance of enlarged pores.
In general, bakuchiol can be used on all skin types, oily or dry, and is recommended to be used twice a day, morning and evening. Studies have shown that for visible effects, bakuchiol must be used for a minimum of 12 weeks. Those who experienced this, could notice at the end of the period the significant improvement of lines and wrinkles, the evenness of the skin tone, as well as the improvement of the elasticity and firmness of the skin.
Bakuchiol can be used twice a day, morning and evening. It is also recommended to combine it with niacinamides and hyaluronic acid for an instant hydration and fine line reduction effect. To begin with, you can try applying the morning bakuchiol mask in the morning , an extremely effective product for hydrated skin throughout the day. This mask set is ideal when you have limited time for your skincare routine and want a glowing complexion. What's more, after this facial, your makeup will look flawless.
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fine lines
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WRINKLES
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dilated pores
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sunspots and other signs caused by the sun
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uneven skin texture
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skin melasma and other types of hyperpigmentation
To have the desired effects, retinol should be used in the evening routine, after the skin has been thoroughly cleansed, without applying any other type of product before. If you apply a retinol serum, be sure to hydrate your face very well.
While retinol is sometimes used to help treat acne as well as associated scarring, severe acne is usually treated with a prescription retinoid along with other medications that fight inflammation and bacteria. This is necessary because retinol is a lower-strength formula and may not have as obvious and rapid effects as stronger retinoids.
To get the best results from your skin care product containing retinol, it should be used daily, even in the summer, along with a sunscreen. Being lower in intensity, it may take a few weeks before you see significant improvements. You can opt for a retinol serum for the eye area, such as Dr. Hedison's Retinol Eye Wrinkle which has the optimal percentage of retinol that gives the skin time to adjust to this ingredient. Gradually, you can try for the rest of the face and higher concentrations.
Bakuchiol. Benefits on the Skin
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Evens skin tone
Bakuchiol contributes to reducing the risk of the appearance of pigment spots, caused by factors such as age or prolonged exposure to the sun.
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It helps to soothe and heal the skin
Bakuchiol supports cell renewal and helps soothe and heal the skin by acting deeply.
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It is gentler on the skin
If rethion can cause skin irritation, bakuchiol is the milder version and offers very similar results.
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Reduces signs of aging
According to studies on this ingredient, bakuchiol has been shown to stimulate collagen production, helping to reduce the visible signs of aging.
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Bakuchiol helps fight acne
Bakuchiol can also help treat acne. Being a natural product, it is better tolerated than retinoids, which have strong intensities and can damage the skin.
Difference Between Retinol VS Bakuchiol
Considering that Bakuchiol is a natural ingredient, it seems that the choice between the two cosmetics is very easy. Surely anyone would opt for Bakuchiol to be sure that they will not face the possible negative effects caused by retinol. It is true that numerous studies have confirmed that bakuchiol is very well tolerated, it is gentle on the skin, especially when we are talking about sensitive skin prone to various irritations.
Also, bakuchiol has exactly the same effects when it comes to treating the signs of aging, being a very effective anti-aging ingredient, just like retinol. But the benefit of Bakuchiol is that it doesn't dry out the skin as much and it doesn't sting.
It is known that the effectiveness of retinol is influenced by light, while bakuchiol is photostable, that is, it retains its stable properties even under the influence of UV sunlight. However, just as it is recommended in the case of retinol, after applying products containing bakuchiol it is good to apply cream with a sun protection factor.
This news about the existence of a natural substitute for retinol seems unbelievable, especially since such similar results are obtained. However, you must not forget that bakuchiol, like any other natural ingredient, can cause allergies. Although studies have shown that it is very well tolerated by all skin types, it is recommended that you test it the first time to see if you have any adverse reactions. It can cause the most serious problems to those who have eczema.
Beyond an extremely low likelihood of causing side effects, bakuchiol products remain a safe alternative if you want to try something other than retinol, and enjoy the same amazing effects. But as long as you don't have sensitive skin and feel very comfortable using retinol, you can confidently continue with this powerful anti-aging ingredient.
In conclusion, the effectiveness of the two products - retinol and bakuchiol - is undeniable. Both have proven remarkable results in treating the signs of aging and remain, without excluding each other, among the most effective anti-aging ingredients. It is important to know your skin type, its needs and to offer it the solution it needs for increased comfort and a flawless appearance every day.