Markethealthbeauty.com | Benefits of Bakuchiol for Skin Health – Lately, bakuchiol has become one of the most popular ingredients in skin care products.
Bakuchiol is a natural ingredient derived from plants, which is classified as a chemical compound based on vitamin A which can provide many skin benefits. Bakuchiol is often referred to as a substitute for retinoids or retinol.
Although bakuchiol has not been shown to be more effective than retinol, it does not irritate the skin. Bakuchiol can be an alternative option for those with sensitive skin who want to experience the same effects as retinol. [2]
Initially, bakuchiol is a derivative of plant seeds Psoralea corylifolia, also known as the babchi plant. This plant is often used in Ayuverda and Eastern medicine for centuries. According to Nazarian, Bakuchiol was used as a natural ingredient to treat vitiligo. [2]
Bakuchiol can be one of the ingredients of your skin care choice because it provides many benefits, similar to retinol. In fact, bakuchiol can be used on all types of coolies with minimal side effects. [1]
Benefits of Bakuchiol for Skin Health
Here are some of the benefits of bakuchiol for skin health that you can get. [1,2]
1. Evens out Skin Tone
Bakuchiol penetrates deeply into the skin to help reduce dark spots and areas of hyperpigmentation. Bakuchiol does not reduce the size of the oil glands, causing less irritation and dry skin. This will directly reduce the redness caused by peeling skin, which can increase uneven skin tone. [2]
According to a study in the British Journal of Dermatology, the use of bakuchiol for 12 weeks gives satisfactory results in wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, and other skin damage due to sun exposure. Bakuchiol is also said to help reduce skin sensitivity to harmful solar radiation. [2]
Although it still requires further research, Dermatologists in Texas, America, say that there is a possibility that bakuchiol can lighten the skin.
2. Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Reduce fine lines and wrinkles is one of the Benefits of Bakuchiol for Skin Health. Bakuchiol can reduce fine lines and wrinkles on the face. One study involving 44 participants said that the use of bakuchiol can reduce wrinkles and skin hyperpigmentation. [1]
A 2019 study said that there was no significant difference in results between the use of bakuchiol and retinol in treating wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. [2]
Another study said that the use of Bakuchiol 5% cream can reduce wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. These results are said to be as effective as the use of 5% retinol cream and provide fewer side effects of peeling and redness.
Bakuchiol can trigger genetic pathways from the skin to make certain collagen. As is well known, collagen is very useful for maintaining healthy skin and premature aging. [2]
3. Overcoming Acne
Bakuchiol can also be effective in dealing with acne problems. One study said that 5% bakuchiol cream could reduce inflammatory lesions and discoloration due to acne. This indicates that bakuchiol is very effective for use on mild to moderate acne.
Bakuchiol has long been known as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial ingredient. These three factors are needed to overcome acne. [1]
4. Accelerates Skin Cell Regeneration
Accelerate skin cell regeneration is one of the Benefits of Bakuchiol for Skin Health. By promoting and accelerating the regeneration of healthy skin, bakuchiol can help soothe and heal the skin from within. Bakuchiol can send signals to skin cells to produce collagen and accelerate the growth of new skin cells. [2]
Many studies have proven that the use of bakuchiol can increase skin elasticity, shrink pores, tighten, and refine skin texture. [1,2]
Can Pregnant Women Use Bakuchiol?
One of the main problems with retinol is that it cannot be used by pregnant and lactating women. Reference from European Medicines Agency advise every pregnant woman to avoid the use of retinoids. This is important when using all types of retinoids, including retinoic acid and Retin-A. [1]
Some studies say that using high doses of vitamin A (hypervitaminosis A) during pregnancy can be harmful to the fetus. Oral intake of retinoids can cause birth defects. Although the use of retinol topically has not been proven to cause pregnancy disorders, doctors always prohibit its use for the prevention of birth defects. [1]
How about bakuchiol? Although there are no studies that prove the safety of bakuchiol in pregnant and lactating women, bakuchiol has promising results. It is most likely that bakuchiol can be used safely in pregnant and lactating women because of its few or no side effects. [1]
You are still advised to consult with your doctor first before using bakuchiol during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There are still possible adverse risks of the use of bakuchiol, especially regarding sensitivities, including redness and dry skin (xerosis). [1]
Tips for Using Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol comes on the market in the form of a serum or lotion that you can apply directly to the skin. Use bakuchiol before you apply moisturizer or cream. [2]
There are no fixed rules when you want to start using bakuchiol. To reduce the risk of unwanted, you can start using bakuchiol gradually. Use 2 to 3 times in the first week. If your skin has adjusted, you can increase the frequency of using bakuchiol up to 2 times a day. [1]
Unlike retinol, bakuchiol will not increase your skin’s sensitivity when exposed to UV rays. You can safely use bakuchiol in the morning and at night. [1]
The use of bakuchiol with other active ingredients is recommended to be avoided. While it doesn’t dry out and flake skin, some experts recommend avoiding mixed bakuchiol with exfoliators and some active ingredients, including alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) or vitamin C.
The use of bakuchiol is also not recommended with glycolic acid because it can reduce the work function of bakuchiol. [1,2]
You can combine bakuchiol with ingredients that help moisturize your skin. In research on acne, bakuchiol is said to be able to work optimally if it is accompanied by benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Other hydrating ingredients, such as Squalane and PHA, you can also use with bakuchiol. [1,2]
Although bakuchiol can make the skin less sensitive to sun exposure, you are still advised to use sunscreen in the morning. Use a sunscreen with an adequate SPF to protect the skin from UV rays. [2]
- Amber Voller. Bakuchiol Skincare Benefits: Why You Should be Using This Natural, Gentler Alternative to Retinol. stylists; 2022.
- Chloe Burcham & Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD. Bakuchiol: The New, Natural Alternative to Retinol. Byrdie; 2022.
