Retinol may be familiar to you as an all-encompassing skincare solution that addresses everything from acne to fine lines and wrinkles, but its harsh chemical ingredients may not be appropriate for everyone – particularly those with sensitive skin as well as pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.
Enter bakuchiol: an effective alternative that offers similar benefits as retinol without its side effects. Find it in Eminence Organics bamboo firming fluid, neroli eye serum and mood-elevating hydrating mist products.
1. Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol (pronounced “bah-kuh-chee-ol”) is the plant-derived equivalent of retinol. A naturally-sourced phytochemical ingredient derived from leaves and seeds of Psoralea corylifolia plants – commonly referred to as cute little “babchis,” this phytochemical has long been employed in Indian Ayurvedic and Chinese medical practices in order to heal, calm and soothe skin conditions.
Retinoids boost collagen production, reduce pore size and help with hyperpigmentation just like any regular retinol treatment would – without the irritation or peeling associated with regular retinol treatments. Furthermore, many creams come with niacin for additional sun sensitivity prevention and protection from sun damage and hyperpigmentation.
Studies conducted by the British Journal of Dermatology on Bakuchiol demonstrated its equal effectiveness to topical retinol in terms of erasing fine lines and improving skin tone, but with significantly less peeling, redness, sun sensitivity increase or peeling and redness than either treatment! No wonder its popularity among beauty professionals!
2. Carrot Seed Oil
Carrot seed oil, commonly referred to as Daucus carota oil, is extracted through steam distillation from the seeds of Daucus carota plant and commonly used in skin and hair care products due to its anti-ageing, rejuvenating and hydrating benefits.
Addition of this oil to a facial cleanser can help brighten and even out skin tone, as well as be used in masks and treatments designed for mature skin. It has become an increasingly popular product choice.
Carrot seed oil’s natural sunblocking abilities make it a useful remedy for treating sunburns. It contains an absorber for UVB rays that helps prevent skin cancer by protecting from sun damage and UV radiation exposure.
As a natural stimulant, carrot seed oil promotes circulation and energy levels while increasing overall wellbeing. Unfortunately, however, its use can be an irritant for people living with epilepsy or asthma; furthermore it could stimulate menstruation or induce uterine contractions during pregnancy or nursing women should therefore refrain from its use; additionally it is advised that patch testing any essential oils before fully incorporating them into your skincare regime.
3. Rose Petals
Rose petals have long been revered for both their exquisite beauty and soothing fragrance, as well as their aesthetic and healing properties. When used in bath water, facial toner, or mask ingredients, rose petals offer an ideal natural alternative to retinol for soothing skin conditions while creating radiant radiance.
Rose petals contain antioxidants which can neutralize free radicals caused by UV radiation and pollution, protecting skin cells from damage while slowing the aging process. In addition, their sugars and natural oils work as moisturizers that keep skin soft and supple.
Rose petals provide the added advantage of fighting off signs of aging before they even occur, by increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen production. When combined with other anti-ageing ingredients such as chicory root oligosaccharides or tara tree extract (both featured in Miranda Kerr’s Kora Organics serum), they make for an extremely powerful combination.
4. Frankincense Oil
An ancient resin with many healing benefits, this essential oil reigns supreme among essential oils. A natural alternative to retinol, it increases cell turnover to decrease fine lines and wrinkles while strengthening skin strength while soothing redness, irritation or blemishes.
Frankincense comes from the Boswellia sacra tree, found throughout Africa, India and the Middle East. This tree produces aromatic hardened gum resins which can be harvested and processed into an oil. This oil contains boswellic acid – an anti-inflammatory and cancer prevention compound proven to decrease inflammation levels as well as tumour development.
Lab research demonstrated that the combination of frankincense and myrrh oil significantly inhibits certain forms of cancer cell growth, making it an excellent natural retinol alternative for those living with skin cancer or receiving chemotherapy treatment. Furthermore, this remedy has also been utilized for treating infections and colds; its antimicrobial properties help ensure its safety as an antiseptic remedy.
