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Anti-aging is one of the most common skincare concerns, but the common treatment, retinol, has a lot of debate around it. If you’re looking for anti-aging benefits without the horror stories you might have heard about retinol, look no further than Bakuchiol. Never heard of it before? We teamed up with Erno Laszlo to debut their brand new firming cream, a delicate cream featuring none other than Bakuchiol, to help you learn everything there is to know about it.
What is Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived retinol alternative ingredient, formulated using the seeds of the beautiful Psoralea corylifolia (the Eastern Asian ‘babchi’ plant). The ingredient itself is long used in Ayurvedic medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) because it has been shown to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Alone, it’s an incredibly powerful, but gentle ingredient being introduced to skincare to address widespread aging concerns.
What are the Benefits?
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties aren’t something to take for granted because in some way or another, nearly every skin type can benefit. Bakuchiol shines, though, when it comes to anti-aging, as many compare it to retinol. When using Bakuchiol, you can expect plump, hydrated skin with diminished fine lines and wrinkles, and in some cases, even the reduction of photo-damage like sun spots and acne scars. It works to gently encourage cellular turnover, which will shed away older skin and bring forth newer, younger-looking skin. In this way, it works similarly to retinol, but without the irritated side effects. Bakuchiol also works to increase collagen production on the skin, which in turn creates stronger, bouncier, and youthful skin.
What is the Difference Between Bakuchiol and Retinol?
Retinol has been the long time solution to anti aging concerns, as it works to rapidly bring forth fresh new skin while it sheds away older skin. The primary difference between the two is their chemical makeup: retinol is famously derived of Vitamin A and Bakuchiol is not. Overall your sun sensitivity is much higher when using retinol, but Bakuchiol doesn’t affect sun sensitivity at all, so you can use it both morning and night without expected side effects like redness and peeling. In addition, retinol users can report redness, itchiness, burning, and even peeling as a result of retinol, whereas Bakuchiol will not create such a reaction. (Important to note that if you do experience symptoms like this while using Bakuchiol, an allergy is likely present.)
How Do I Use It?
Erno Laszlo’s new Firming Cream is the perfect place to begin your Bakuchiol journey because it’s packed with so much other goodness and is suitable for all skin types. Of course, Bakuchiol is the star ingredient, but additives such as spirulina, lemon balm, and shea butter, to name a few, aid in creating even healthier skin by way of more antioxidants, fatty and hydrating acids, and more soothing properties. The product is also formulated without 51 chemicals, only 11 of which are actually banned in the United States, to ensure you’re putting the best products on your body and your best face forward.
Shop the product on ErnoLaszlo.com with code CHILLHOUSE now!
