The alternative to retinol, a natural form of botox… the ingredient bakuchiol has many benefits. But what exactly is this relatively new ingredient? What is the effect of bakuchiol and how do you apply it in your skin care routine?
What is Bakuchiol? Bakuchiol is a substance from the psoralea corylifolia, a plant also known as babchi or cuticle pea. The plant is rich in bakuchiol; an extract that is considered by many dermatologists and researchers as the natural and at least as powerful alternative to retinol. The antioxidant from the seeds and leaves of the babchi has already been used in Eastern medicine, but in recent years bakuchiol has come under closer scrutiny. The anti-aging ingredient is now widely acclaimed for its promising results and is increasingly being added to skin care products with anti-aging properties. Do you like pure, "green" beauty products? Bakuchiol is also a good choice, because the ingredient is 100% vegetable.
How does bakuchiol work? A 2017 US study shows that bakuchiol is effective against wrinkles, fine lines and hyperpigmentation. The antioxidant protects against free radicals, so that signs of skin aging can be prevented and skin damage caused by the sun can be reduced. Bakuchiol is also known to slow down the enzyme activity that breaks down collagen and elastin. Both skin substances are necessary for a supple, firm skin. The more of it in the skin, the firmer and smoother the skin. Finally, bakuchiol can soothe and soften the skin.
Bakuchiol against various skin problems Since bakuchiol is a mild ingredient, it can be applied to almost all skin types. Even the most sensitive skin types will be able to tolerate bakuchiol well. Bakuchiol is powerful against fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation and is therefore a good choice when you want to work on anti-aging or suffer from pigmentation spots. Because bakuchiol also has a calming and anti-inflammatory effect, the substance has also been proven effective on blemished skin.
Bakuchiol vs. retinol Most studies on bakuchiol have focused on showing the differences and similarities between bakuchiol and retinol. British researchers previously concluded: “Bakuchiol is promising as a more tolerable alternative to retinol ”, which is to say as much as: bakuchiol shows promise as a more skin-friendly alternative to retinol. A study in which 22 participants smeared with 0.5% retinol for 12 weeks and 22 with 0.5% bakuchiol in 2018 showed that both ingredients contribute to the reduction of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. The big difference? The 22 respondents who used retinol mentioned a stinging sensation and scaling. This in contrast to the bakuchiol users. From this it can be concluded that bakuchiol has the same anti-aging properties as retinol, minus the skin irritation.
Choosing between retinol and bakuchiol? There is no need to choose between these two powerful ingredients, as long as your skin is not sensitive to the skin irritation that retinol can cause. In that case, bakuchiol and retinol can be used together perfectly. They reinforce and complement each other. There is also evidence that bakuchiol can help stabilize retinol. The effect of retinol breaks down quickly under the influence of light and air - a process that is slowed down by the addition of bakuchiol.
When is Bakuchiol Effective? The effect of bakuchiol has therefore been proven, but one bakuchiol product is not the other. Is there bakuchiol on the label? Then this says nothing about the amount of the ingredient in it. Bakuchiol is only effective from 0.5%. Below half a percent, the ingredient is also effective, but it does not provide the optimal anti-aging benefits that bakuchiol is known for.
Bakuchiol in pregnancy Is bakuchiol suitable or not for pregnant or breastfeeding women? Bakuchiol is said to be so mild that it is harmless to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, too little research has been done on bakuchiol in pregnancy to endorse this. Do you want to use bakuchiol while you are pregnant or breastfeeding? Consult a doctor or opt for a proven safe substance, such as hyaluronic acid.
Have you already added bakuchiol to your skincare routine?
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