Your morning routine is all about combating environmental aggressors and solving issues. And in this Ingredients spotlight I want to highlight the ingredients that I think really count when it comes to inviting the light to your skin + delivering a #GrownUpGlow.
Which is why I want to talk about Bakuchiol, the plant extract that thinks it's a retinoid! It’s actually a plant photochemical derived from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia, which is found in Sri Lanka and India. Whilst it doesn’t share the same chemical structure as the retinoid family, it has the ability to activate their receptors, meaning it can deliver similar benefits, potentially without some of the side effects.
So it’s maybe the sexiest new skincare ingredient right now?
So here are my 10 reasons for adding it to that list for the precious space in your morning routine!
Bakuchiol and Acne
1. It helps with acne.
It’s anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects mean it's helpful with active blemishes, whilst its retinoid-like action means it helps unclog pores. It’s also able to reduce the activity of 5 alpha reductase within the sebaceous glands, leading to less clogging and potentially less oil production.
2. It helps with pigmentation.
It acts at 2 distinct points in the pigmentation pathway - firstly by decreasing activation of melanocytes, the cells that produce our skin’s pigment. And secondary, by decreasing tyrosinase activity, the rate limiting step in the production of melanin. Powerful stuff!
Bakuchiol is Anti-Ageing
3. It helps with fine lines and wrinkles. This is through an effect on the same genes influenced by retinol, reducing breakdown of collagen and increasing the manufacture of skin scaffolding proteins.
4. It’s not photo-sensitising so it can be safely used in the morning.
Bakuchiol vs Retinol
5. It’s very well-tolerated. In a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, Bakuchiol used twice daily at 0.5% was found to be less irritating than retinol 0.5% at night (and just as effective), which is good news for those with sensitive skin.
Is Bakuchiol safe to use in Daytime?
6. It’s stable, so it doesn’t tend to break down in UV - this adds to its suitability for daytime use.
7. It can be used twice a day - if you like the benefits from once a day, you can safely double up.
8. It plays well with others. We added Bakuchiol to Flawless Nightly Serum alongside Granactive Retinoid, Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid.
9. It’s a potent antioxidant, so it’s likely to be highly effective at preventing future damage from external aggressors, so another reason why it's a great addition to our morning toolkit. This property may also be helpful in acne.
10. It’s natural, which a lot of people find very reassuring.And it's a real delight to find a natural ingredient that has this much impact.
So Bakuchiol is pretty special, when you think about it. I’ll always welcome ingredients that have something to offer those of us who are both acne-prone and concerned with premature ageing. I hope it helps you find your Grown-up Glow!
