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The Buzz Around Bakuchiol

Know the unknown:

Bakuchiol, known to the scientific community as Psoralea corylifolia, is a herb endemic to Asian countries such as India, and the Himalayan regions of Pakistan and China. Until recently, whence it has been formulated to produce substances that reduce skin wrinkles, it was widely used in Ayurveda and other Eastern medicine.

Bakuchiol is grabbing the spotlight as its natural plant-derived roots seem a pleasant alternative to consumers otherwise using a chemical preparation called retinol, or its analogs, known to bring, with it, side effects like peeling, dryness, or redness. 

Retinol is a chemical based on vitamin-A helping with the turnover of skin cells, stimulating collagen synthesis for better skin texture with more smoothness and radiance. This increased cell turnover in the skin is even speculated to be the primary cause of irritation, photosensitivity, hyperpigmentation, and other side effects.

How does it work on my skin?

 Experts suggest that Bakuchiol triggers genetic pathways similar to retinoids to enhance the production of collagen, thereby controlling the aging of the skin in a natural yet effective manner. Bakuchiol’s less triggering nature is often attributed to its quality of renewing collagen which may help in the enhancement of skin texture and skin tone. This may just be it for those with sensitive skin wanting to obtain smooth skin but are unfortunately obstructed by the pitfalls of topical retinoids.

In simpler terms, it is said to provide the merits while eliminating the demerits that tend to accompany retinol. Another plus point that is to be noted refers to the reduction of sensitivity of the skin towards the sun that is seen as a result of the usage of Bakuchiol, while retinol is known to increase the sensitivity of certain skin types to the sun. Bakuchiol being an antioxidant is also known to provide protection from free-radical damage.

An added perk is that Bakuchiol is vegan-friendly. Hence, anyone looking to revamp their beauty cupboard with vegan alternatives surely stands to gain; as it is commonly known that some forms of retinoids are derived from animal products.

Medical nod for the use of Bakuchiol:

According to a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, subjects treated with Bakuchiol saw significant improvement in wrinkles, elasticity, pigmentation, and photodamage. 

With regards to pigmentation, it is observed that Bakuchiol helps penetrate deep into the skin surface to even out dark spots and reduce hyperpigmentation.

Due to Bakuchiol’s collagen production-stimulating properties, it reduces wrinkles and other signs of aging from the skin.

Bakuchiol, besides its anti-aging properties, is reportedly also exhibiting signs of treating acne. 

It doesn’t seem to cause any dryness or irritation and is safe for use even by sensitive skin types.

A pilot study even suggests that the use of bakuchiol reduced inflammatory lesions and enabled the healing of mild to moderate acne. 

A study conducted by the University of California on 44 volunteers to compare pure bakuchiol and retinol taken at the same concentration of 0.5% in a cream base stated that the two active ingredients showed the same reduction in photo-aging, i.e., 59% in 12 weeks. 

GoSkin+ve’s The Ultimate Serum is a potent amalgamation of 0.5% of Bakuchiol in a moisturizing base containing CLA (Conjugated Linoleic acid), sesame oil, and Vit E.

Usage of Bakuchiol during pregnancy or by breastfeeding mothers does seem a possibility due to the absence of adverse side effects otherwise seen in retinoids.

Bakuchiol in the most potent form: Serums

Bakuchiol is available in the form of serums, creams, and facial peels, and deciding on which one may help proceed with further steps in one’s skincare routine.

In its serum form is thinner than moisturizer in consistency, it is advised that it be applied as a serum first after cleaning one’s skin. It can be applied twice daily on the skin- once in the morning and once at night quite safely.

To sum up:

• Bakuchiol is a natural and vegan alternative to retinoids with the same efficacy

• Since it's gentle on the skin, those facing skin irritation and redness from using topical retinoids may find respite in Bakuchiol due to its lower risks of skin irritation and can be used by most people of any skin type

• Bakuchiol can be used to remove signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines

• It speeds up skin cell regeneration by sending signals to the brain to amp up collagen production and turnover

• It may have the potential to heal the skin from them inside and out by promoting healthy regeneration and skin turnover

• Bakuchiol may be used in combination with other skincare products, except for Glycolic acid-containing creams and serums.

 The Ultimate serum should sum up all that you need in choosing your anti-aging product, scientific backing, customer appreciation, and sustainability promise.