Experts agree that retinoids can help smooth skin, reduce wrinkles and combat acne; however, some individuals may experience irritation as a side effect of using these medicines.
Luckily, there are alternatives that can give similar results without irritation – one such alternative is Bakuchiol – an organic form of Retinol increasingly utilized by beauty product companies.
1. Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol, an increasingly popular plant-based ingredient, offers similar effects as retinol without its associated redness, irritation and dryness. This phytoretinol works to boost collagen production, increase cell turnover and even out skin tone for an ideal complexion.
Bakuchiol, extracted from the seeds of the babchi plant (Psoralea corylifolia), has long been recognized for its anti-aging and health benefits, including soothing and restorative effects on all skin types. Recently, however, its usage in clean skincare products such as restorative serums is also growing steadily.
Valerie George of The Beauty Brains recommends pairing bakuchiol with products containing sunscreen to avoid overexposure and sun damage, and says adding other plant-based ingredients like kombucha which contains probiotics may increase its effectiveness.
2. Retinal
Retinal is one of the strongest over-the-counter forms of vitamin A available, and can help even out skin tone and texture, reduce hyperpigmentation, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as stimulate collagen and can even clear mild acne; however, its effectiveness takes longer to see results than with other retinoids. Therefore it’s recommended that users begin with low concentration products combining it with soothing ingredients like heartleaf and perilla leaf extract such as this overnight serum that includes both.
Retinal works similarly to bakuchiol but requires two metabolic steps for conversion to retinoic acid, making it more effective than its counterpart but it still can cause redness and flaking if overused or applied too early. Products like those from Peach and Lily that pair retinal with naturally-derived emollient ectoin help reduce inflammation while ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides work to bolster your skin barrier function.
3. Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
While most retinoids exist on an inverted scale of efficacy and irritation, this ingredient lies lower down. A cosmetic grade ester of ATRA contains inherent retinoic acid activity which allows it to directly interact with vitamin A receptors without needing further conversion in skin for maximum efficiency and reduced irritation. As a result, this formulation produces more effective products with minimal skin reactions.
HPR stimulates collagen to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce pigmentation marks, blemishes and oil production while refining pores to minimize their size and reduce redness. Furthermore, this treatment may even help with sun damage repair.
HPR (high potency retinoic acid) was recently demonstrated to outshone both retinol and retinyl palmitate at similar concentrations, yet with reduced irritation. NEOVA products that include HPR include Dual Matrix Serum, Cell Renewal Serum, and 5-Second Daily Peel for maximum benefit from this cutting-edge ingredient.
4. Retinol Complex
Retinol is one of the most potent anti-aging ingredients you can add to your routine, helping reduce fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin texture, promote cell turnover and enhance beauty overall.
Over-the-counter retinols can be found at most drugstores and department stores, while prescription strength retinoids are available from dermatologists. While stronger formulations have a higher risk of side effects, they also tend to provide more dramatic results – particularly for specific skin conditions like psoriasis and stretch marks.
For optimal results, apply a pea-sized amount of your chosen retinol each evening before bedtime to clean skin. If your skin is particularly sensitive, seek out formulas containing other anti-ageing ingredients like hyaluronic acid to counteract any potential drying effect of retinol use. Consistent use could take two to six months before significant results begin showing themselves; be sure to wear sunscreen every day when using retinol as it makes skin more susceptible to sunburn so it is vitally important.
