Whether you’re dedicated to a vegan lifestyle or simply prefer to keep your skincare products au natural, finding a plant-based Retinol, doesn’t always fit the bill. Retinoids are typically animal-based, usually pulled from egg yolk and fish liver oil, meaning that they aren’t suitable for vegans, or those looking for vegan skincare alternatives. Thankfully, Medik8 is a Vegan approved brand, a status that they achieved within the last few years and have since, catapulted the brand. For some, Retinol can be too much for their skin and so the thought of Retinoids alone can be daunting, which is where a plant-based alternative can help.
Bakuchiol is being hailed as an alternative to retinol, but what is it, and how does it work?
What is Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is a purely plant-based substance that is hailed as having the same benefits as retinoids. It is extracted from the babchi plant (Psoralea corylifolia) in the form of Bakuchi seed oil. This oil is used in a variety of different herbal remedies, including anti-inflammatory serums and oils, and antioxidant solutions. Due to these properties, it offers the same effects as Retinol, including increased cell turnover and improvements in the condition of your skin.
What Are The Benefits?
The benefits of Bakuchiol are plentiful and mostly revolve around improving the health and appearance of your skin. They are typically the same as the benefits of using Retinol, and include:
- Improving the overall brightness of your skin and reducing dullness
- Evening out your skin tone for a more even complexion
- Improving the plumpness and health of the skin
- Minimises pore size to help reduce or eradicate acne
- Boosts skin firmness and improves elasticity
- Smooths out skin texture
How Does Bakuchiol Differ From Retinol?
The use of Bakuchiol in oils and serums, such as the Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides, works in a similar way to Retinol. While the actual makeup of the product is completely different from retinoids, the effect it has on the skin is similar. It contains soothing properties that help to calm the skin and tackle any inflammatory issues or skin sensitivity, as well as encourages the production of collagen to help reduce the signs of ageing including fine lines, wrinkles and a loss of elasticity. It also works as an antioxidant, protecting the skin against the dirt and pollution and other environmental attacks.
Bakuchiol is not only a vegan and animal-friendly alternative to Retinoids due to its plant-based nature, but it provides all the transformative benefits of retinol, without irritating the skin or causing any high levels of sensitivity. Some people that use retinol, particularly when they first begin using it, can find that their skin is highly sensitive over the first few months of, but Bakuchiol doesn’t have this side effect.
How Do I Use It?
The method of use will depend on the product that you choose, but they all work in similar ways. The Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides that we stock is a simple-to-use product designed to become part of a daily skincare routine. Simple cleanse your skin, apply the Bakuchiol Peptides evenly to your face and neck and follow with a moisturiser, preferably one with SPF. It’s best to ensure you always have SPF on your face and neck while using Bakuchiol to protect your skin. Repeat this process both morning and night to see the best results.