5 Reasons to Add Bakuchiol into Your Skincare Routine

There is a new retinol alternative in the neighborhood and her name is Bakuchiol. The ever-so-popular Retinol is known for its great results to the skin, but there is no denying it can also cause irritation and adverse reactions on many skin types. 

That’s where Bakuchiol comes in. The plant-based retinol alternative ingredient feeds your skin retinol-like benefits in more gentle dosages and can also be used in Ayurvedic medicine for its reparative anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits. Many people who have used retinol have often experienced dryness, sensitivity and irritation. Bakuchiol is a non-irritating alternative that gives many different benefits and increases overall skin health. 

What is Bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol is not retinol. Derived from the seeds of the Babchi plant, the singular compound, Bakuchiol has a vastly different chemical composition. Even with a different chemical structure, Bakuchiol can work in a similar function to retinol. Once absorbed into the skin, Bakuchiol can target the same retinoic acid receptors in our cells as retinol without needing to go through multiple metabolic changes the way retinol does. The conversion process that retinol must go through in order to trigger cell function is what often causes negative effects on the skin. 

Why should you add Bakuchiol into your skincare routine?

One positive upside to using Bakuchiol-based products is that you can benefit from it with both daily and nightly use. Unlike retinol, Bakuchiol is non-photo sensitizing. Meaning, it will not cause any excess burning or sensitivity to sun exposure. The purity of the compound, Bakuchiol, has removed any photo-toxic phytocompounds making it safe for both daily and nightly skincare application. Your skin can benefit from this high performing retinol alternative 24-hours a day. 

Due to the aggressive conversion process that retinol must go through, the skin is often left more sensitized and irritated.  Bakuchiol is a wonderful option for anyone looking for a gentler way to target different skin concerns. Since this ingredient is very gentle, it does not deliver dramatic results overnight. But with consistent use, the health of your skin will benefit even more and the effects will gently get better over time increasing the appearance of the skin. You can reap benefits without experiencing dryness, irritation, or sensitivity. Bakuchiol is also anti-inflammatory and helps to soothe irritation and redness. Plus, it is anti-acne because it also combats breakouts with its anti-bacterial content. 

One of the benefits of Bakuchiol is that it is the ultimate age-defying weapon. Bakuchiol gives the skin a comfortable way to achieve youthful skin. This impressive ingredient can diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation, helping to achieve a more even skin tone. Plus, this ingredient is successful at synthesizing new collagen and visibly smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. 

During the seasonal changes, especially from fall to winter, the skin can experience an increase in dryness and dehydration. One of the adverse side effects of retinol is that it can cause dry, flaky skin. This is why many people start to minimize using retinol throughout the wintertime due to becoming excessively dry. With Bakuchiol there is no need to worry about that. Bakuchiol is nourishing and has moisturizing properties as well as soothing anti-inflammatory properties for the dry winter months. So no need to slow down use.

Best of all, Bakuchiol plays nicely with other skincare ingredients. Whereas retinol does not, you must be more cautious with what you are layering in your regime. With retinol, certain ingredients should be avoided. Ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, vitamin c, BHA/AHA's, and other exfoliants. Bakuchiol naturally has a composition that works in harmony with other powerful active ingredients without causing irritation or reacting negatively.