Any skincare addict knows how essential a well-structured skincare routine is. The ideal skincare regimen should boost your skin health while addressing concerns like hyperpigmentation, acne, wrinkles, and more.
Retinol, also known as tretinoin, retinol, or retinoic acid, is a vitamin A-based substance. It is the holy grail of many as it visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as improving other concerns. However, not everyone can use it because of how harsh it is.
If you tried retinol in the past and experienced redness or irritation, you probably have sensitive skin. But having sensitive skin doesn’t mean you can't combat the signs of ageing and other skin concerns.
Enter bakuchiol, a retinol alternative that's safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Consider elevating your skincare routine with this potent yet gentle ingredient.
Here’s what you need to know about it.
What Is Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol, also known as babchi or bakuchi, is a naturally derived anti-aging active ingredient. The seeds of the babchi plant, or the Psoralea corylifolia plant, are used to make serums or creams that fight against signs of aging.
Although the ingredient may seem new to modern-day skincare, the bakuchiol plant has been used in Indian and Chinese medicine for ages. It works like retinol but is gentler on the skin, making it a popular skincare ingredient, especially for those with sensitive skin. This century-old ingredient can do wonders for your skin without irritation, inflammation, and redness.
2019 Bakuchiol Vs. Retinol Study
A 2019 study compared bakuchiol before and after effects with the popular anti‐aging ingredient retinol. Experts gathered 44 volunteers, who were then asked to apply either 0.5% bakuchiol or 0.5% retinol cream twice daily to their faces for 12 weeks.
High-resolution photographs of the subjects were taken at the 0, 4, 8, and 12-week marks. This was done so evaluators could note the changes and other complications after application. Subjects undergoing the study also answered questions about any side effects like redness, pigmentation, and their experience.
To ensure everything was unbiased, the dermatologists weren’t made aware of which treatment each participant was using. At the end of the study, it was found that bakuchiol and retinol significantly decreased wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. While there were no statistical differences between the two compounds, participants from the retinol group experienced more skin scaling and stinging.
At week 12, about 59% of participants who used bakuchiol showed significant improvement in their hyperpigmentation. Meanwhile, only 44% of the participants who used retinol showed some improvement.
How Does Bakuchiol Work?
Bakuchiol, regarded as a natural alternative to retinol, is a must-have ingredient in your skincare arsenal. If you have sensitive skin or are trying to maintain an all-natural skincare regimen, it’s worth considering adding bakuchiol to your routine.
Here’s how the wonder plant works:
Retinol-Like Gene Expression
In 2022, a study took a closer look at the applications of bakuchiol in dermatology. It established that while bakuchiol and retinol have no structural resemblance, bakuchiol possesses a retinol-like regulation of gene expression. The miracle ingredient works alone and in combination with other products, visibly reducing photodamage, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and acne.
Contains Melatonin and Vitamin C Derivatives
Bakuchiol contains melatonin and vitamin C derivatives that regulate collagen and strengthen the skin barrier. Thanks to its retinol-like properties, it can also regulate dermal-epidermal function, preventing the early signs of aging.
It can be used frequently, creating an effective anti-aging treatment for people of all skin types.
However, it is best used by individuals who are sensitive to retinol and want to fight hyperpigmentation. Bakuchiol reduces oxidative stress caused by retinoids and stabilizes retinol under photo-oxidative environments.
Inhibits Epidermal Growth Factor
The same study demonstrated that bakuchiol inhibits the epidermal growth factor, which regulates the growth of cells. In addition, it normalizes keratinocyte activity and pigmentary disorders by inhibiting melanogenesis, the production of melanin or skin pigments.
These make it an ideal ingredient for fighting skin concerns. But beyond the typical range of skincare problems, bakuchiol can also be used for more serious conditions, including skin cancers, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis.
Contains Antimicrobial Agents
Bakuchiol is a great antimicrobial ingredient. A study extracted phytochemicals and found antimicrobial activity. Since natural compounds are much more accessible than synthetic ones, they can be used as the first line of treatment against most microbes in developing and developed countries. The plant's antimicrobial effects have been studied in oral supplements, showing potent antimicrobial activity.
While topical treatments have yet to be studied for antimicrobial activity, the properties remain the same. Hence, it is believed to provide significant protection while boosting skin health.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Bakuchiol contains a type of protein called kinases which can suppress inflammation. Studies have also found that it can reduce the production of insulin, which is directly related to chronic inflammatory diseases.
This powerhouse ingredient can thus control the severity of inflammatory diseases, including asthma, diabetes, and skin conditions like psoriasis and acne.
Antioxidative Effects
Bakuchiol shows significant antioxidant activities, indicating it has antioxidant compounds that fight against free radicals. Studies showed that the terpenoid chains in bakuchiol can prevent lipid peroxidation, a chemical process that leads to the oxidative degradation of lipids. In addition, it reduces cell death in the retinal ganglion cells. All of these help the skin and other conditions like liver fibrosis.
Why Choose Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is a powerful ingredient that can do wonders for all skin types, including oily, dry, combination, sensitive, and normal skin. It’s a gentle retinol alternative that can smooth fine lines and wrinkles while reducing discoloration, dark spots, and blemishes. With proper use, you’ll find your skin feeling smoother, softer, and more moisturized.
If you’re looking for an effective treatment in a bottle, look no further than Terrafique’s Bakuchiol Face Serum. With the goodness of aloe, vitamin C, and spirulina, this product packs a punch in strengthening your skin’s barrier and fighting against the signs of aging. It does all this without causing any irritation, inflammation, or hypersensitivity.
Additionally, its light scent disappears after a few seconds of application, ensuring it’s mild enough for everyone. Plus, the dropper makes application easy.
How To Apply Bakuchiol Face Serum
Apply 3 to 4 drops of the bakuchiol serum on clean and dry skin until the product is completely absorbed. Don’t forget to seal in its benefits with a moisturizer or facial oil. Use it during your evening routine, ideally before bedtime. You can also dab it on your skin in the morning followed by a strong sunscreen.
If you have sensitive skin and are looking for ways to fight signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, and acne while improving your skin barrier, choose the best bakuchiol serum from Terrafique.
Today, you’ll find the ingredient in many forms; however, Terrafique Beauty’s Bakuchiol Face Serum is one of the best bakuchiol products. This natural retinol alternative is packed with the goodness of aloe, vitamin C, and spirulina which can improve your skin’s overall health. Don’t believe us? See what our users have to say on our product page!
Start your journey to perfect skin with us. Check out our website for your skincare and haircare needs. Boldly reclaim your beauty with Terrafique’s quality skincare products.
