Bakuchiol is an all-natural ingredient made of plants that has proven its ability to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone and texture and soothe any inflammation on irritated skin.
Vitamin E serum can be applied alone or combined with vitamin C serum and should be applied morning and evening prior to moisturizer or other serums being applied.
Benefits
Bakuchiol has earned itself the moniker “nature’s retinol.” However, unlike its more well-known counterpart, retinol, it is a plant-based ingredient which is gentler on sensitive skin and therefore offers an ideal alternative for daily skincare regimens. Plus it serves as an antioxidant to guard against free radical damage!
Erythrocin can serve as an excellent alternative to retinoids and can easily replace your current product in your routine day and night. To start out slowly and see how your skin reacts, introduce it once or twice weekly before gradually increasing usage.
Bakuchiol works well when combined with other skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and ceramides; however, we advise against mixing it with products containing benzoyl peroxide, vitamin A or strong peptides as it could lead to irritation. When testing new ingredients such as this one it’s advisable to first do a patch test first and always consider conducting an allergy test prior to use in conjunction with skincare products such as AHAs (glycolic and lactic acids) or salicylic acid exfoliants as it might aggravate conditions while making other skincare ingredients less likely.
Side effects
Bakuchiol works through similar receptors as retinol, yet doesn’t cause redness, flaking or irritation – making it an excellent option for sensitive skin types. This oil extract comes from seeds and leaves of Psoralea corylifolia plant; an Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese remedy known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Bakuchiol can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture, and even out skin tone. Furthermore, its antioxidant action may help mitigate photoaging signs, as it has been known to upregulate collagen and inhibit processes which deteriorate ECM and DEJ layers, thereby increasing elasticity, firmness, and decreasing sagging.
While bakuchiol may be less harsh than retinol, Hollmig warns that more research needs to be conducted before its safety can be determined during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As an interim step, she suggests obtaining advice from your ob-gyn before using this ingredient if you’re expecting or breastfeeding.
Interactions
Bakuchiol has quickly become one of the trendiest new ingredients on the beauty scene, often being touted as an effective vitamin A/retinol alternative for its ability to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, reduce dark spots, brighten skin tone and boost hydration. But as with any new skincare ingredient, it should be introduced slowly into your routine, especially if other actives could potentially cause irritation.
Bakuchiol should not be combined with essential oils as this could lead to irritation. Furthermore, as a general guideline it would be best not to combine bakuchiol with any prescription skincare medications or retinoids as this could result in significant irritation and peeling of your skin.
Overuse
Bakuchiol has been found to stimulate collagen, helping reduce fine lines and wrinkles while decongesting pores, regulating oil production, and increasing skin radiance. Furthermore, it’s proven effective against body acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and ability to unclog pores.
Bakuchiol offers another benefit in that, unlike retinol, it does not increase birth defect risks in babies – making it a safer choice for pregnant women. Still, for your own safety it would be prudent to consult your physician prior to starting any new skincare products during gestation.
As with any ingredient, it’s wise to start off slowly and build your dose up as tolerated. Most products offer recommended amounts that should work as your dance partners for this endeavor; think slow waltz rather than fast dance to maximize results without irritating or upsetting skin.
