Retinoids can help reduce wrinkles, improve skin tone and texture, fade dark spots, treat acne and rosacea and treat other medical conditions; but for some individuals retinoids can also be irritating.
If the irritation associated with retinol proves too much for you to handle, consider looking into alternative forms. Beauty publications have raved about bakuchiol extract as an all-natural, less irritating alternative that may provide similar benefits without animal testing.
1. Retinol
Retinol can be an extremely effective skincare ingredient that reduces wrinkles and fades dark spots, among other benefits. Unfortunately, however, not all skin types respond well to it and misuse can lead to irritation; that’s why it is crucial to find gentle alternatives that match up to your specific skincare needs and concerns.
These ingredients, like bakuchiol and azelaic acid, offer similar skin-renewing benefits as classic retinol without its irritating side effects. Dubbed phytoretinols, they may help stimulate collagen production while simultaneously increasing cell turnover to produce smoother skin according to dermatologist Anar Mikailov MD.
COSMOS and NATRUE certified, this serum with bakuchiol and apple stem cells offers firmer skin with less fine lines and brown spots, even skin tone, brightened blemishes, smoothed texture and soothed redness. In addition, collagen production for firmer, younger looking skin and targeted inflammation are promoted through its use.
2. Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol, commonly pronounced back-uh-heel, has made waves in the beauty world as an exciting new ingredient and gentler alternative to retinol. Derived from Psoralea corylifolia or Babchi plant seeds and used in traditional Eastern medicine to treat leukoderma or vitiligo as well as other skin ailments, Bakuchiol has proven itself an innovative solution.
Differing from its counterpart, Retinol works similarly in terms of increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen production, but with reduced redness and irritation. According to Penzi, it may help diminish fine lines and wrinkles while simultaneously improving skin elasticity and decreasing hyperpigmentation.
As it’s not a vitamin A derivative, this night cream may also be easier for those with ultra-sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea and eczema to tolerate. Formulated for maximum effectiveness during the hours when cell turnover rates are highest – sleep should also help ensure maximum results! This nourishing blend combines bakuchiol with niacinamide and ashwagandha to even out skin tone, boost firmness and diminish dark spots for effective dark spot reduction and even out skin tone even out skin tone even out tone, firmness boost firmness while simultaneously diminishing dark spots – perfect! This night cream was designed specifically designed to work its magic overnight!
3. Retinaldehyde
Retinaldehyde is a milder version of Vitamin A that’s ideal for sensitive skin types. It helps improve texture & elasticity by stimulating natural collagen production, as well as boost pigmentation to diminish sun spots & discolourations over time. Retinaldehyde also has pore-smoothing properties – increasing blood flow to the surface of the skin & stimulating cell turnover to unclog pores & decrease blackheads over time; plus its great for balancing oil production, discolourations & dull skin while diminishing fine lines & wrinkles over time!
Antibacterial activity of Retinols and specifically the Eye Brightener Retinol (EBR) has proven very successful at treating eye blemishes that first signal signs of ageing. Since all Retinols may cause irritation for some users, starting slowly with increasing dose gradually may help you gradually adjust. For sensitive skin users it may be best to apply in the evening time frame for maximum benefit.
4. Beta-carotene
Bakuchiol (pronounced buh-koo-chee-all) has quickly gained recognition as an alternative to retinol due to its similar functions and benefits, including stimulating collagen production and increasing cell turnover without irritation. Derived from seeds of Psoralea corylifolia plants (babchi), phytoretinol is converted to all-trans retinol via liver and enterocyte conversion processes but doesn’t bind with receptors for retinoic acid as retinol does.
Other natural ingredients with similar effects to retinol, like peptides and moth bean extract, may also help promote skin renewal without the typical redness and peeling that accompanies its use. You’ll find these in cleansers, toners and serums. Meanwhile, vitamin C–with its history of brightening skin tone while diminishing brown spots–is another effective retinol substitute that stimulates collagen production to diminish fine lines and wrinkles and can be found in cleansers, toners moisturizers and serums.
