What is the one skincare ingredient that everyone thinks is magical? The answer is, Retinol. Retinol is a form of vitamin A. Unfortunately, Retinol has its downside. For one thing, retinol has unpleasant side effects. As a result, retinol is not for everyone. The most exciting news is now there is an alternative to retinol, called Bakuchiol, and it works.
What is Bakuchiol?
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To begin with,Bakuchiol is an Ayurvedic herbal medicine. Ayurveda is the 5,000 year old ancient healing practice that originated in India. In fact, today India’s primary health care is Ayurvedic medicine.
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Moreover, Bakuchiol, pronounced “back-uh-heel,” or “buh-koo-chee-all,” comes from the seeds and leaves of the Babchi plant.
Bakuchiol , described as “the natural version of retinol” or as the “herbal Botox!” today. Above all, Bakuchiol gives you all of the benefits of retinol, without the downside.
Why Bakuchiol? Because Retinol has a Downside
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The Downside of Retinol
The main function of the top layer of your skin is to protect you, and to keep environmental factors out. Retinol weakens the barrier function. Therefore, the more retinol you put on , the poorer the skin’s barrier function becomes. As a result, your skin will become sensitive. Thus, your skin will flake, peel and become irritated.
Additionally, most people who begin to use Retinol go through an uncomfortable adjustment period. Retinol is a synthetic that can be really harsh on the skin. Furthermore, there are some people can’t tolerate retinol at all.
Also, the new, rapidly produced, skin cells don’t function well. As a result, these new cells lack the necessary adhesion and lipid production that will protect your skin.
Another side effect of retinol is your skin becomes sensitive to UV light. Anyone who uses Retinol must, must, must use an SPF at all times.
Furthermore, Retinol is not photo stable. As a result, it doesn’t remain active when in direct sunlight.
Furthermore, if you are pregnant, or breast feeding, you must avoid retinoids.
Finally, some people prefer natural plant-based skincare products. Bakuchiol , a plant-derived powerful extract, is found in the seeds and leaves of the babchi plant. On the other hand, retinoids are synthetic vitamin A derivatives.
Why Bakuchiol?
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To begin with, Bakuchiol has been studied and is the only Retinol Alternative to mimic the activity and benefits of Retinol. Therefore, scientifically shown , it is the only alternative to retinol to work, in a similar way.
Next, plant-derived, Bakuchiol has shown to have auto-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. As a result, these properties are similar to the retinol properties.
Also, like retinol, it works to turn over skin cells, helping to make room for newer, fresher cells to come to the surface.
Furthermore, the retinol alternative pushes collagen to the surface, creating more elastic- looking skin.
Moreover, Bakuchiol has photo-stability. This means Bakuchiol, unlike retinol, remains active even in direct sunlight.
12 Week Study Comparing Bakuchiol to Retinol
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The twelve week study is found in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, compares Bakuchiol to Retinol. The results of the study showed that the Bakuchiol users had significant improvement in lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity and firmness. Furthermore, they had an overall reduction of photo-damage. All of these results occurred without retinol’s undesirable effects, dryness and irritation! Moreover, the study found that it stimulates collagen production, strengthens the skin’s foundation, and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, it reduced the look of open pores.
Also, Bakuchiol is great if your skin is dry because it is an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant.
In addition, it is great if your skin is oily . In fact, Bakuchiolr clears up acne. This is because it has properties that are anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory.
Finally, you can use Bakuchiol in conjunction with your retinol when you use it in a cream-based serum.
Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Last But Not Least…..
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It is inevitable that our skin is going to change as we age. By the time we turn 25 , we begin to notice the first sign of aging First, comes the fine lines and shallow wrinkles. In general, laugh lines, also called crows feet, can appear around our eyes. At first, these wrinkles occur because our skin moves with our facial expressions. Eventually, they will become permanent. To explain, there are three main visible signs that our skin is aging. They are: wrinkles, the loss of volume, and the loss of elasticity and deep wrinkles.
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We are getting closer and closer to finding the fountain of youth! First, Retin A was the ultimate acne treatment. Now, retin A and retinol are the magical anti-aging treatment. However, Retin A and retinol have their downside. Therefore, Bakuchiol has proven to be superior to retinol. First, it is gentle . Second, it soothes your skin. Finally you can use it safely if you are pregnant or nursing. And, it won’t destroy your natural skin barrier.
You can find products that include Bakuchial in their ingredients , such as AO Skincare#5 Repair Rejuvenating Night Treatment ($44.99
Ole Henrikson Goodnight Glow Retin-Alt Sleeping Cream ($55) and Ole Henrikson Glow Cycle Alt Power Serum($58)
BIOSSANCESQUALINE, PHYTO-RETINOL SERUM($78)
OMOROVICZA MIRACLE FACE OIL ($120)
IMGN DERMATOLOGY BEYOND RETINOL SERUM ($17.97)
XOXOXOXO
