Bakuchiol offers numerous benefits for skin health and beauty, including reduced fine lines and wrinkles, improved tone and texture of the skin, even pigmentation out and help with acne. Furthermore, this anti-inflammatory agent also boasts antioxidant properties.
Bakuchiol works well when combined with most skincare ingredients and can be combined with retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, vitamin C serum, peptides and gentle exfoliants. To begin with it is advised to start slowly increasing frequency and strength over time.
Antioxidant
Bakuchiol is an effective antioxidant that works to neutralise free radicals – unstable molecules that damage cell tissues – helping reduce signs of premature aging such as dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles.
Bakuchiol also boasts antimicrobial properties and can help control skin infections by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause acne. It has even been demonstrated to stop this bacteria’s reproduction!
Bakuchiol has also been proven to relieve redness and inflammation, making it ideal for sensitive skin types. Furthermore, bakuchiol may boost collagen production* for tightening and toning results that result in firmer skin texture resulting in more youthful-looking complexion.
Bakuchiol is an ideal plant-based alternative to Retinol that’s suitable for all skin types, with minimal side effects. Best used alongside active ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, it should be introduced gradually into your skincare regime in order to see how your skin responds. As it contains plant-derived actives it should not be combined with products like Benzoyl Peroxide, Retinoids or AHA/BHA acids as this could lead to irritation.
Anti-inflammatory
Bakuchiol is an extremely gentle plant-based ingredient used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to treat leprosy and vitiligo, among other ailments. The component can be obtained from seeds and leaves of Psoralea corylifolia plant.
Reducing cell turnover, brightening skin tone and texture, and diminishing pigmentation spots is achieved with this treatment. Furthermore, firming up extracellular matrix leads to enhanced skin density and elasticity for greater results.
This extract showed significant effects against LPS-induced inflammation by inhibiting IL-6 and iNOS production, activating the Nrf2 pathway, increasing expression of its target genes such as NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 and glutathione S-transferase A3, thus dampening down inflammation responses and attenuating inflammation response.
“Unlike retinol, which increases cell turnover and may cause redness and peeling, bakuchiol tends to be better tolerated,” states dermatologist and cosmetic chemist Valerie George of The Beauty Brains podcast. However, she recommends proceeding with caution if any sensitivities exist or when combined with other active ingredients.
Anti-ageing
Bakuchiol is an all-natural alternative to retinoids that has been shown to effectively diminish fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin tone and texture. Furthermore, it stimulates collagen production and speeds up cell renewal processes for an anti-ageing boost in your skincare regime.
Though ceramide is widely considered safe and has no adverse side effects like retinol does, it’s always prudent to consult your ob-gyn or dermatologist prior to adding new skincare ingredients into your routine – particularly one so new as ceramide may not play well with other products or react with your specific skin type.
As for how to use it for anti-ageing benefits, the easiest way is by seeking out creams or serums with this powerful antioxidant. Make sure your choice fits with your skin type while being free from potentially harmful chemicals like phthalates and parabens.
Anti-acne
Bakuchiol is a natural alternative to the more popular vitamin A derivative retinol. It serves many of the same functions, such as encouraging cell turnover and stimulating collagen production, but with less irritation.
Bakuchiol also helps regulate sebum production and prevent clogging that could lead to acne by inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme responsible for excess oil production. Furthermore, its powerful anti-inflammatory properties help soothe irritation and redness – making it suitable for skin suffering from rosacea, psoriasis or cosmetic intolerance.
Recent research found that Bakuchiol significantly reduced fine lines and wrinkles, increased skin firmness/density, diminished sun-related discolorations and diminished sun discoloration. Furthermore, unlike retinol which may cause photosensitising effects; therefore it can be used both morning and night on even sensitive skin types.
