Retinol (Vitamin A1) is well known as a clinically effective ingredient for healthy and beautiful
skin by reducing fine wrinkles and promoting anti-aging effects. Although Retinol promotes cell turnover, it may lead to flaky and dry skin by reducing skin oil production. Furthermore, it may also cause irritation and result in redness to the skin.
In summary, some side effects of retinol are:
Itchiness
Redness
Inflammation
Irritation
Sensitivity
Breakouts (especially for acne-prone skin)
Warning: Never use retinoids during pregnancy or when you are considering
pregnancy. A fetus exposed to retinol has a higher percentage of developing birth defects (35% versus 3%, mostly craniofacial, nervous, and cardiovascular systems).
However, there is a herbal alternative to retinol, called Bakuchiol, that works the same as retinol, is just as effective, but does not come with the side effects that retinol has! Bonus: You can use it during pregnancy and breastfeeding, too. Bakuchiol, like retinol, can also be useful to treat acne and acne scarring as it increases skin cell turnover and reduces sebum production.
"Bakuchiol is a natural retinol alternative, derived from the leaves of the plant Psoralea Corylifolia. It functions in the skin just like a retinol but is less likely to set off reactions (such as redness and peeling), so it can be a good option for those who need a gentler anti-aging product. Unlike retinol, it is also safe to use during pregnancy. One study, published in February 2019 in the British Journal of Dermatology pitted a 0.5 percent bakuchiol cream against a 0.5 percent retinol cream and found that after 12 weeks, both equally reduced the appearance of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation— but the bakuchiol product triggered fewer side effects."
FYI: Results might not be visible for approximately three months with regular daily application.
Stay tuned for our latest skincare addition, Bakuchiol, coming soon!
Recent clinical scientific publications re. Bakuchiol
Title: Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoaging
Authors : Dhaliwal S., Rybak I., ea
Journal : Br J Dermatology 2019 Feb.; vol. 180(2): 289-296
Conclusion: Bakuchiol is a better anti-aging ingredient than retinol
Title: Applications of bakuchiol in Dermatology: systemic review of the Literature
Authors : Carolina Puyana, Neha Chandan, Maria Tsoukas
Journal : J Cosmet Dermatology 2022 Dec.; vol. 21(12): 6636-6643
Conclusion: Bakuchiol is a retinol alternative showing a significant reduction in photodamage,
hyperpigmentation, wrinkle scores, and acne severity.
Title: The Use of Bakuchiol in Dermatology: a review of in vitro and in vivo evidence
Authors: Jonathan Greenzaid, Adam Friedman, Pooja Sodha
Journal: J Drugs Dermatology 2022 June; vol. 21(6): 624-629
Conclusion: Bakuchiol has anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties and does not cause common adverse effects seen with topical retinoids permitting wider use of Bakuchiol in patients with sensitive skin.
Title: Retinoids and Pregnancy: an update
Authors: Hannah Browne, Gerald Mason, Thomas Tang
Journal : The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist ( TOG ) 2014 January; vol.16(1): 7-11
Conclusion: patients should understand the risk of retinoids in particular teratogenesis during peri-
conception and pregnancy.
In addition, Bakuchiol also prevents melasma and reduces stretch marks!