Bakuchion Vs. Retinol: 5 Differences You Should Know Before Choosing!

Bakuchiol and retinol have amazing antiaging properties. Bakuchiol is mild in nature. It doesn't have many side effects.

The pollution and UV rays affect your skin badly. When you're exposed to sun and pollutants continuously, your skin starts to show signs of aging.

When you think about treating these skin concerns, you have probably heard about the famous debate of bakuchiol vs retinol.

Although retinol is proven beneficial by many scientific studies, bakuchiol has gained much popularity these days.

In this article, you'll explore about bakuchiol vs retinol, which one is better to treat your damaged skin. We'll also introduce you to bakuchiol and retinol.

What is Bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol is obtained from seeds and leaves of Psoralea corylifolia plant that is famous as babchi plant.

It has been used in Eastern and Chinese medicine fields for centuries. But recently, bakuchiol has gained popularity in the skincare industry. It is used as a serum because of its excellent skin healing properties. Bakuchiol is the mild alternative of the retinal. It is advisable to use bakuchiol if you have sensitive skin.

What is Retinol?

Retinol has been used in many skincare products for decades. Retinols are actually the derivatives of Vitamin A which is recognized for most skin benefits. They enhance skin turnover process by increasing collagen production.

Retinols also treat skin aging issues that are caused by the sun. They also even the skin tone by decreasing dark spots and pigmentation.

Although retinols provide you so many benefits, it also has side effects. Retinols cause irritation if used in higher concentration.

Bakuchiol vs. Retinol: What’s the Difference?

Bakuchiol and retinol are used alternatively. Although they provide the same benefits, they are slightly different from each other.

1.  Anti-Aging Properties: 

The bakuchiol and retinol both provide you with antiaging benefits. They make you look younger by decreasing fine lines and wrinkles. Bakuchiol is the best alternative to retinol. It provides all benefits without any side effects.

If you have sensitive skin, you should use bakuchiol to avoid any side effects.

2.   Skin Sensitivity

Retinols can lead to redness, peeling or irritation if they are used in higher concentration. They are also not suitable for people with sensitive skin.

Bakuchiol doesn't have as many side effects. It has a more gentle formula which is suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive skin.

3.   Sun Sensitivity

Retinol causes sun burn and sun damage because it increases skin sensitivity. So, you cannot use retinol during daytime. It is safe to use retinol at night time only.

Bakuchiol doesn't cause sun burn. You can use it during the day or night, whenever you want.

4.   Acne Treatment

Retinol has amazing acne-combat properties. It decreases the inflammation and also prevents future breakouts. It unclogs your pores.

Bakuchiol is not used to treat severe acne. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Bakuchiol decreases mild acne. It is useful for people with sensitive skin.

5.   Skin Tone and Texture

Both products enhance skin tone and texture. They increase the process of skin turnover. They give you radiant and glowing skin by decreasing pigmentation and dark spots. But bakuchiol is more effective than retinol. According to scientific studies bakuchiol reduces hyperpigmentation by 59% while retinol by 44% only.

If the retinol causes irritation, you should use bakuchiol, a gentle option.

Why is Bakuchiol Better than Retinol?

Bakuchiol and retinol both have the antiaging benefits. Both give you young and beautiful skin. But bakuchiol is a better choice for you if you have the following conditions.

• If you're sensitive to the sun, then using retinol can worsen the situation. Because retinol can cause sun burn and sun damage. But bakuchiol is gentle in nature and doesn't worsen your sun sensitivity.
• Your body reacted to retinol in a bad way in the past.
• You should opt for bakuchiol if you spend most of your time in sunlight.
• If you have a sensitive skin type, bakuchiol is the best option for you. Because it has a gentle nature and doesn't trigger side effects.
• Your doctor already restricts you from using Retinols according to your medical history. In this situation you can ask your doctor about using bakuchiol.

If your skin is sensitive to retinol, you can use bakuchiol. Don't forget to perform a patch test before adding bakuchiol in your skincare routine.

Incorporating Bakuchiol into Your Skincare Routine

You can use bakuchiol in day or night time,  whatever you prefer. But it is best to apply it at night time. Because your skin is in repair mode at night time. It will give you maximum benefits. Use bakuchiol serums as they are lightweight and easy to absorb.

You should start by using lower concentration of bakuchiol serums, then gradually increase the concentration.

You should follow these steps to apply bakuchiol for effective results:

• Firstly, wash your face with a cleanser. When you clean the skin, it increases the absorption of skincare products.
• You can apply a toner. It hydrates your skin and also increases the absorption of serums.
• Now, apply a few drops of bakuchiol serum on your face.
• Gently massage the serum with circular motion of your finger. It increases the absorption of serums.
• Once the serum is fully absorbed, you can apply the moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.

Conclusion

Bakuchiol vs retinol, both products have wonderful antiaging benefits. You can choose retinol if you want to treat severe acne.

Bakuchiol has a gentle formula, it doesn't have any side effects. You should opt for bakuchiol if you have sensitive skin or spend much time in sunlight.