If you are worried about fine lines and wrinkles on your face, you probably heard of retinol. But retinol comes with a lot of worries from many, which includes flaking, irritation, and sun sensitivity.
Especially if you have sensitive skin or are pregnant, you may be wanting a solution that can replace retinol, but that delivers similar effects as helping you reduce appearance of wrinkles. A retinol alternative, bakuchiol is on the rise as the gentle version of retinol.
In this blog post, we'll dive into the Bakuchiol vs Retinol debate to help you choose what's best for your skin. Whether you're a skincare pro or just starting out, get ready to decide your favorites between bakuchiol vs retinol!
What is Retinol?
Retinol has long been a go-to ingredient for anti-aging skincare, and for good reason. As a derivative of Vitamin A, it helps to increase cell turnover, resulting in smoother, brighter skin with fewer fine lines and wrinkles.
Many studies have been done to prove its effectiveness over time. This study from the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology confirms that retinol does indeed help fade away hyperpigmentation and fine lines. Even better, another study in the Archives of Dermatological Research suggests that retinol might also boost collagen production. So, in addition to looking younger, your skin could also feel firmer.
But, there's a catch. Retinol is potent stuff and it can be a bit mean to your skin, especially when you first start using it. It can cause dryness and sensitivity, and it could make your skin get sunburned more easily.
It's also important to note that retinol is not recommended for use during pregnancy. According to the Food and Drug Administration, topical retinoids, including retinol, have been associated with birth defects. While the risk is considered low, there's still not enough data to prove that they're safe during pregnancy.
So, it's always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to skincare during pregnancy and to consult with a healthcare provider about which products are safe to use.
What is Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is a plant-based skincare ingredient that is gaining popularity as an effective and gentler alternative to retinol.
Derived from the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea Corylifolia plant, Bakuchiol offers many of the same benefits as retinol, including reducing fine lines, boosting collagen production, and evening out skin tone, without the associated irritation or sensitivity.
And Bakuchiol has a rich history in skincare, being a star ingredient in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries. This plant extract was traditionally used to heal cuts, soothe rashes, and calm inflammatory skin conditions. Only recently, however, has it garnered recognition in Western skincare for its retinol-like properties.
A study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science revealed that twice-daily application of bakuchiol for 12 weeks resulted in significant improvements in lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, firmness, and overall reduction in photo-damage, without usual retinol associated undesirable effects.
So, it seems the ancients were onto something when they incorporated Bakuchiol into their skin healing regimens!
Bakuchiol vs Retinol
Bakuchiol and Retinol have several key differences when it comes to their impact on skin health and safety:
- Sun exposure: Retinol is known to increase skin's sensitivity to the sun. It is recommended to be used at night time OR combine it with SPF during daytime hours. Bakuchiol, on the other hand, doesn't have this photosensitizing effect, making it a suitable ingredient for both day and night use.
- Skin sensitivity: Retinol can sometimes cause skin irritation, redness, and dryness, which can be tough for those with sensitive skin. On the other hand, Bakuchiol is less irritating and has been found to be just as effective as retinol, according to this 2018 study.
- Hyperpigmentation: Both ingredients can help with reducing hyperpigmentation. However, retinol, being a bit harsher, might actually make hyperpigmentation worse for those with darker skin tones or sensitive skin. Bakuchiol, on the other hand, offers a gentler alternative.
- Pregnancy: According to scientific research, retinol is not recommended for use during pregnancy.. This is because retinol, a form of vitamin A, has been linked to an increased risk of birth defects and developmental abnormalities in unborn babies. According to Healthline, even though retinol is used on your skin, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and may contribute to vitamin A toxicity. Therefore, it is advisable for pregnant women to avoid using retinol-containing products to ensure the health and safety of their unborn child. Bakuchiol, however, is a safer option, as it lacks the same scientifically documented risks.
- Overall Effectiveness: Many studies, like this one from the British Journal of Dermatology, show that both bakuchiol and retinol are equally effective in reducing signs of aging and improving skin elasticity. The study also found that both bakuchiol and retinol significantly reduced wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation, with no significant difference between the two compounds. However, the study concluded that bakuchiol had fewer adverse side effects, causing less stinging and scaling, mainly because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
To sum it up, the 'Bakuchiol versus Retinol' debate doesn't have a clear winner.
Both compounds have their own strengths. Retinol, a well-established ingredient, has proven effectiveness but comes with potential risks, especially for pregnant women. On the other hand, Bakuchiol, often called a natural alternative to retinol, offers similar effectiveness with fewer side effects, making it a safer choice for those with sensitive skin or expecting.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal skincare needs and tolerance.
Before using any new skin care ingredient, we would recommend that you do a skin patch test, before using it on a full force.
