Vitamin C and bakuchiol are two of today’s most popular skincare ingredients and it’s easy to see why. Vitamin C has earned its rightful place because of its ability to protect the skin against oxidative stress and boost collagen production. Bakuchiol, on the other hand, has been drawing interest for its retinol-like effects without the harshness.
If you’ve been thinking of introducing some much-needed changes to your skincare routine, why not harness the powerful benefits of both?
Individually, they infuse skin-loving benefits. Together, they work like a dream team that fights premature aging and promotes skin wellness. Having this dynamic duo in your corner can give you the upper hand in combating rapid skin aging and other skin issues.
Let’s take a closer look at how these two benefit the skin on their own and when combined.
Vitamin C: The Hardworking Antioxidant
Vitamin C is a naturally occurring antioxidant in the body that neutralizes free radicals. Also known as reactive oxygen species (ROS), these unstable molecules are generated by UV exposure and damage cells.
While we have vitamin C fighting these nasties for us, overexposure to ultraviolet light reduces its availability in our skin. And if there’s not enough of it to combat ROS, the skin becomes more prone to collagen breakdown, dark spots, and uneven skin tone—all signs of premature skin aging that we want to keep at bay.
Benefits of Vitamin C to the Skin
Check out vitamin C’s impressive benefits:
Photoprotection
Vitamin C protects the skin against UVB and UVA. UVB affects the epidermis and can cause sunburn, oxidative stress, and cancer while UVA penetrates deeper and destroys dermal cellular structures like collagen and elastin. Both are skin disruptors that vitamin C battles daily.
Collagen Boost
The presence of vitamin C and its derivatives in the skin boosts collagen biosynthesis. Its three-pronged approach includes increasing collagen deposits, maintaining optimal collagenic density in the dermis, and strengthening the collagen network.
Depigmenting Effect
Vitamin C also helps reduce age spots by inhibiting tyrosinase. This results in less melanin, giving the skin an even complexion.
Anti-Inflammatory
It also inhibits the activation of inflammatory cytokines, making it valuable in treating skin conditions like acne and rosacea. Vitamin C also actively promotes wound healing and minimizes hyperpigmentation caused by skin inflammation.
Bakuchiol: Retinol’s Effects Without the Harshness
Bakuchiol may be a newbie in the beauty industry but it’s proving to be anti-skin aging gold. It’s a powerful retinol alternative without the skin irritation or stinging that some people experience with retinol.
This skincare ingredient (pronounced as buh-koo-chee-all) is a natural compound extracted from the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea corylifolia (commonly known as “babchi”). The plant is native to India and is used extensively in Indian Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine.
It has since gone mainstream and has become a game-changing ingredient that has found its way to skincare products in various forms—from face creams to serums and lotions. What’s great about bakuchiol is it’s powerful yet gentle on the skin, making it suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin.
Benefits of Bakuchiol
Like vitamin C, bakuchiol has risen in the ranks as a star ingredient with several notable advantages:
Collagen Boost
The mechanism of bakuchiol is similar to retinol. It stimulates cells that are responsible for generating skin proteins like collagen and elastin. These building blocks promote skin firmness and elasticity.
Skin Renewal
Bakuchiol also speeds up skin repair by promoting skin turnover and new collagen fiber formation, resulting in improved skin texture. This contributes to the skin’s youthful appearance as it minimizes fine lines and wrinkles.
Calms Inflammation
Inflammation is often the result of collagen degradation. Bakuchiol neutralizes inflammation which enables the skin to keep collagen at optimum levels.
Antioxidant Properties
Similar to vitamin C, bakuchiol is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from UVA and UVB discoloration and dullness. It has a soothing effect on the skin as it fights oxidative stress caused by ultraviolet light and pollution.
Gentle and Versatile
Because bakuchiol is gentle on the skin, you can use it any time of the day. It also has a longer shelf-life compared to retinol and is gentle enough to work with other skincare ingredients. You can use it under your sunscreen, peptide, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid moisturizer. And yes, it pairs well with vitamin C serums.
How To Use Vitamin C and Bakuchiol Together
Using vitamin C and bakuchiol together is a potent combination because they supercharge skin protection, support, and renewal. Vitamin C and bakuchiol benefits support each other so your skin gets twice the advantage.
Here are a few ways you can combine them:
As a Day and Night Routine
Can I use bakuchiol in the morning? Use the duo in the morning and evening. Vitamin C primarily protects the skin from UV and free radicals so it’s recommended to apply it in the morning. This will protect your skin from the daily onslaught of UV, pollution, and stress.
At night, apply bakuchiol, using a thin layer if it’s a serum or a thicker application if it’s cream-based. Apply it after washing your face to get rid of oils and dirt that could block penetration. You can then layer your moisturizer on top of your bakuchiol skincare product to boost skin hydration and regeneration.
Morning Application
Bakuchiol is gentle enough to be used twice a day. So, if your skin reacts well to it, apply it during the day.
Should you use bakuchiol or vitamin C first? We recommend using vitamin C first because it gets free radicals out of the way, enhancing the work of bakuchiol on the skin.
Follow this order if you’re applying bakuchiol serum in the morning:
- Vitamin C
- Bakuchiol Serum
- Sunscreen
This way, you keep oxidative stress at bay while maximizing bakuchiol’s ability to stimulate collagen and renew the skin. By using both in your skincare regimen, you synergize their defensive and offensive properties against premature skin aging.
Don’t Forget To Do a Patch Test
Whenever you’re using a new skincare product, always do a patch test first. Apply a small amount to a hidden part of your skin. Monitor how your skin reacts to avoid irritation and ensure compatibility.
It’s worth mentioning that vitamin C and bakuchiol are considered mild ingredients that generally don’t result in adverse reactions.
Get all the benefits of bakuchiol and other potent plant-based skincare ingredients with Terrafique Bakuchiol Face Serum. Combine it with the antioxidant benefits of the Terrafique Vitamin C + Ferulic Acid Facial Serum.
Instead of debating bakuchiol vs vitamin C, use them together. This dynamic duo will help take years off your skin.
