Retinol is considered one of the most effective treatments to combat ageing in the skin. It does this by increasing the cell turnover rate as well as increasing collagen production and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s a form of Vitamin A that leaves skin looking rejuvenated, plumper and fresher. Sounds great, doesn’t it?
But there’s a big problem with retinol
It can be very hard for many people to tolerate. Common side effects are dryness, peeling and redness. I, myself, have had an extreme reaction in the past which led to my skin peeling alarmingly for over a year. After steering clear of retinol for years after that experience, I now approach it with great caution.
The truth is that it is now possible to find more gentle versions and I have used some very mild ones in the last few years with no side effects at all. Phew. But there are some who can’t even tolerate these mild versions.
Luckily there is a completely natural and effective alternative to retinol
It’s called Bakuchiol and is derived from the seeds of the Psoralen Corylifolia plant. Like retinol, it increases collagen production, helps increase cell turnover and softens fine lines and wrinkles. It has the added benefit of calming redness and helps reduce pigmentation.
Bakuchiol does the same as retinol without causing peeling or irritation
It also doesn’t increase sun sensitivity as does retinol. This is a huge advantage because I’ve always been concerned about using retinol in the summer for this reason. Even if you wear sunblock every day, which is a must when using retinol, you are still leaving your skin more vulnerable to sun damage. It seems to me that Bakuchiol is, therefore, a great alternative to retinol in the summer months, whether you can tolerate retinol or not. I have always believed that retinol use is safer in the winter.
There are now quite a few Bakuchiol products on the market to choose from. I’ve been trying out a couple and like them both very much.
Super Bakuchiol Serum by DoSe
DoSe is the exciting new range formulated by pharmacist Shabir Daya at Victoria Health. It’s replacing their Garden of Wisdom range of which I’m a big fan. DoSe promises the same active ingredients and the same affordable prices but even better. Think of it as a GOW upgrade. I will be writing about this range a lot more.
It’s Super Bakuchiol Serum is superb. It’s a light, nourishing oil to use in the PM. They do say you can use in AM as well but I always use oils in the PM. You can apply cream on top of it, but personally I don’t think it’s necessary. It’s very anti-aging (obviously) and also contains Squalane to lock in moisture and keep skin supple.
This is a top quality product and it’s only £18! An absolute bargain.
Bakuchiol Smoothing Serum by Balance Me
This is a nourishing creamy serum. I used this in the PM and found it enough to use on it’s own. Once again you can also use in the AM and under a moisturiser if you like.
It has the marvellous addition of anti-pollution and anti-blue light protection. It’s a more regular price of £35 but is good if you prefer a non oily product.
