Retinol is an outstanding addition to skincare regimens, providing impressive results in terms of reducing fine lines and wrinkles, evening out skin tone and suppressing breakouts. But newcomers may experience dryness or sensitivities from using it too much too quickly.
There are gentler retinol substitutes that can provide you with its benefits without irritation, and here are a few to keep in mind.
Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol (pronounced buh-koo-chee-all) is a natural terpenolphenol similar to retinol that acts similarly by stimulating collagen production and helping diminish fine lines for anti-aging purposes, stimulating cell turnover and evening out skin tone, as well as providing antioxidant protection against oxidative stress and free radical damage to the skin.
This plant-based ingredient is made from seeds of Psoralea corylifolia, commonly referred to as the babchi plant, and has long been utilized in traditional and ayurvedic herbal medicine practices for centuries.
Studies conducted in vitro have shown that it can prevent influenza A virus growth as well as inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity – an enzyme responsible for breaking down choline in the brain – as well as activating Nrf2 and two of its induced genes such as NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 and glutathione S-transferase A3. Additionally, activation of Nrf2 activated two of its induced genes such as NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 and glutathione S-transferase A3 respectively.
Note that while research on bakuchiol may be promising, more high-quality trials – particularly ones conducted on human skin – need to take place before making decisions regarding use on our face. When testing any product before applying to skin it’s also wise to perform a patch test first – although bakuchiol tends to have less severe side effects than retinol it still may cause irritation in some people.
Sea Buckthorn Oil
Contrary to retinol, which can cause irritation and redness, sea buckthorn oil is soothing and well tolerated by your skin. Not only can this multitasking ingredient even out skin tone by fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and strengthening barrier function while reducing fine lines and wrinkles – but its added bonus of strengthening barrier function means fine lines and wrinkles may also fade faster!
As an anti-ageing remedy, coconut oil provides powerful protection from UVA rays and free radicals – two factors known to accelerate skin aging. Packed with vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids, coconut oil protects, corrects, nourishes and soothes your skin all at the same time while minimising fine lines and wrinkles.
Hippophae rhamnoides seed oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic, palmitoleic and vaccenic acids (which is similar to linolenic acid), as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids like gamma-linolenic and linoleic acids that give its fruit and seed oils their signature light buttery aroma and cold temperature solidifying ability. These nutrients give this oil its unique characteristic scent which also allows it to solidify in cold temperatures.
Rosehip Seed Oil
Rosehip seed oil stands in stark contrast to synthetic retinoids, which may cause dryness and irritation for all skin types. Rosehip seed oil has been shown to effectively reduce fine lines around the eyes (crow’s feet), plus is filled with antioxidants and essential fatty acids for added antioxidant benefits.
Due to its ability to help balance sebum production, turmeric can be extremely helpful for those suffering from acne-prone skin. Furthermore, turmeric may help heal scars while stimulating collagen production – all qualities essential for improving aging skin appearance.
Rosehip oil is cold pressed and offers nongreasy, lightweight hydration to dry skin immediately upon application, which can make this unique oil an invaluable ally in skincare products intended for mature or dry skin types.
This gentle and nutrient-rich oil can be applied directly to the skin for facial massage and to aid lymphatic drainage, making an excellent addition to any cleansing ritual or routine.
Green Tea EGCG Concentrate Serum
Green tea’s primary catechin, EGCG, has numerous health advantages. It can suppress cancer cell proliferation as well as anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering properties; yet its consumption may negatively impact folate levels in the body.
In solution, EGCG can produce H2O2 through autoxidation and semiquinone intermediate formation (Figs 3A & B). Furthermore, it acts as a pro-degrader on 5-MTHF by competing against PCFT for folate uptake resulting in its concentration decrease (see below).
However, researchers discovered that when combined together, EGCG and AA prevented H2O2 production while neutralizing its pro-degradation effect on 5-MTHF. This finding was further confirmed in serum, where interactions between folates and EGCG could potentially be affected by other factors like proteins and enzymes.
