What is Bakuchiol? And what are its benefits for skin care?
Bakuchiol is a powerful antioxidant that can help with a variety of skin issues. It has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine and is finding its way into Western skincare, but what exactly is this mysterious ingredient? And what benefits can we expect from it? Today we’ll explore Bakuchiol and hopefully learn more.
What is Bakuchiol made of?
Found in the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea corylifolia plant, Bakuchiol is widely used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties to treat a variety of ailments, especially those related to skin problems.
Although Bakuchiol may seem to have only recently risen to become a popular ingredient in skincare, a number of scientific studies since 2014 have proven it to be a highly effective and safe alternative to retinol.
What does Bakuchiol do for the skin?
Many studies have shown that Bakuchiol is just as effective for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also less irritating than other products. It is also a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin and its natural barrier from environmental aggressors like the sun, pollution, climate, and other skin stressors.
A full list of skin benefits you’ll find when using Bakuchiol:
Helps fight uneven skin tone
May help reduce signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles
Can speed up skin cell regeneration for radiant, younger-looking skin
Contains anti-inflammatory properties
Contains anti-acne properties
Helps restore firmness by boosting collagen production in the skin
Improves skin texture for a smoother complexion
Helps soothe skin, a good choice for those prone to sensitivity
A lesser-known ingredient in the beauty industry that delivers impressive results. Since it’s often compared to retinol, it’s great for those who find retinoids too strong for their skin and cause frequent irritation. Bakuchiol now gives you the chance to get the same skin benefits without the skin reaction.
How to Use Bakuchiol Oil?
When using Bakuchiol oil, you also need to use a “carrier oil” like coconut oil to make it more emollient and allow it to be better distributed on the face, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the skin and into the lower layers of the epidermis.
Take a few drops of Bakuchiol oil (as many as needed)
Add an equal amount of coconut oil and stir well
Apply it to the desired areas, 4-5 times a day
You will also find that Bakuchiol is also available in serum form, which can be used after thoroughly cleansing the skin and before applying moisturizer. The formula and way Bakuchiol is made are not much different, but the benefits to the skin are just as effective.
Unlike Retinol, which needs to be introduced slowly into your skincare routine to give your skin enough time to build up tolerance to the concentrate, Bakuchiol is safe and gentle to use. You will also find that certain ingredients that do not work well with Retinol will have little or no effect on the effectiveness of Bakuchiol.
How long does it take for Bakuchiol to work?
With regular use in your skincare routine, you will see results in around 12 weeks. Use twice daily to restore elasticity, wrinkles, and pigmentation for a smoother, firmer, more radiant complexion.
Can Bakuchiol be used during the day?
Unlike retinol, which loses its effectiveness when exposed to UV rays, bakuchiol can be used during the day due to the anti-inflammatory properties of its formula. It is still recommended to use an SPF 30 or higher to ensure that damage is not caused by excessive sun exposure.
Is Bakuchiol as good as retinol?
Strictly speaking, bakuchiol and retinol are not structurally identical, but their effects on the skin are comparable in that they can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging, and actually work well together.
When used together, there is a strong overlapping effect on the skin that causes any effective retinol to be neutralized due to bakuchiol’s ability to stabilize vitamin A. Its soothing properties can improve the skin’s tolerance for different strengths of retinol.
You will also find that bakuchiol is more stable in the sun, making it a great retinol alternative for all-day use. Remember to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on your skin to protect it from damage and bring the best results to your entire complexion.
Why is Bakuchiol so popular right now?
It’s probably because natural and vegan alternatives to other traditional ingredients are becoming more popular. In recent years, they have become more mainstream and used in a variety of skincare products as people’s general awareness and attention to skincare ingredients have increased. More and more people are paying attention to the products they put on their faces, choosing ingredients that are highly effective and bring results.
Here comes a strong and powerful alternative to retinol. For some people who are prone to allergies, just the word retinol can cause a rash. But luckily, you now know a great alternative that can help you simplify your skincare routine and easily solve all your skin problems.
