Retinol is a commonly used and much-loved ingredient for its anti-ageing benefits. It helps cell turnover in your skin, keeping it free of fine lines and wrinkles. It is accessible but the biggest qualm many have with retinol is that it can make your skin very dry and irritated. Plus, people with sensitive skin are frankly better without it. But suppose you still need an anti-ageing action to be a part of your routine, in that case, there is a natural (and vegan) ingredient that can give retinol a run for its money: Bakuchiol.
What Is Bakuchiol?
A mouthful to say, bakuchiol is derived from the seeds and leaves of the Babchi (Psoralea Corylifolia) plant. For centuries, the herb had roots in Indian Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, treating leukoderma, vitiligo, eczema and psoriasis. It helps target fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. It works by signalling your skin to produce more collagen, which in turn keeps it looking plump and wrinkle-free. Unlike retinol, bakuchiol doesn’t minimize the oil glands, avoiding instances of dryness and inflamed skin.
Benefits Of Bakuchiol
The most coveted benefits of this ingredient are –
1. Unlike retinol which makes your skin super photosensitive, bakuchiol makes it less sensitive to the sun. It heals photodamage over time (but that doesn’t mean you can skip your sunblock).
2. This is a miraculous ingredient for sensitive and acne-prone skin. It prompts your cells to regenerate collagen production, healing it inside out.
3. It can infiltrate deep into your skin and reduce dark spots, pigmentation and improve elasticity.
4. You can use it in the morning and at night, as it’s not sensitive to the sun and not drying like retinol, giving you optimum results.
5. Along with having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it’s vegan and all-natural, so if you’re a clean beauty junkie, this ingredient is best for you.
How To Use Bakuchiol For Skin
You can apply the ingredient topically in the form of serums or creams. A concentration of 0.5-2% is ideal to see any results. It also doesn’t interfere with any other skincare ingredients in your regime, contrary to the properties of retinol, as it’s natural. So, you can pair it with whatever you want. It’s also completely okay to use both retinol and bakuchiol together in a product. Having said that, it’s always better to consult your dermatologist before incorporating a new product into your routine.
Here are some of our top favourites for 2021 –
1. The INKEY List Bakuchiol Moisturizer
2. Dot and Key PHA + Bakuchiol Daily Peel Resurfacing Milk Serum
3. Daughter Earth Bakuchiol Serum Absolut
4. Isdin Melatonik Overnight Recovery Serum
Photos: Instagram, Pexels
