Retinol is one of the most talked about anti-aging ingredients and for a good reason! Retinol can repair and rejuvenate the skin beautifully. However, not everyone can use the conventional retinol products that are found on many cosmetic store shelves. This is why ingredients like Bakuchiol are the gentle plant-based retinol alternative everyone is raving about. It’s gentler on the skin and works well to give you all the benefits traditional retinol would. Read on about how retinol products work and how to use them in a way that works for your skin.
What is Retinol?
Retinol, also called vitamin A₁, is in the vitamin A family found in food and used as a dietary supplement. In skincare, it’s regarded as the “anti-aging” miracle worker. Most of the retinol products we see around us are over-the-counter retinol versions used in skincare. Retinol is the strongest version that can be found in over-the-counter products. It’s much stronger than retinol palmitate and retinaldehyde.
Retinol Benefits
Retinol molecules work by penetrating deep into your skin. Once they are in the deeper layers of your skin, they neutralize free radicals and help boost collagen and elastin production. This creates a plumping and smoothing effect of the skin, and thus reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
Retinol also has an exfoliating effect, so it can improve the tone and texture of the skin’s surface. It can help treat acne, and help heal acne related scarring. Retinol can also help with other types of hyperpigmentation, such as sun spots and melasma. If you suffer from any of these conditions, retinol is a fantastic option for you.
Retinol Side Effects
Undoubtedly, retinol has numerous benefits for the skin, so what’s the problem? What I often hear from my clients is that retinol has certain side effects on the skin. These include redness, itchiness and peeling of the skin. For some people, these side effects are temporary. However for other people, the skin may never acclimate to the side effects of retinol. Before I get into natural retinol alternatives which your skin will be able to tolerate, I want to offer you some tips to try when using a conventional retinol product. From my experience, these tips can help your skin tolerate retinol a bit better.
Tips for using Retinol
- Wait 15-20 minutes between cleansing the skin and applying conventional retinol
- Start with a reduced strength version of retinol. 0.5% is great to start with, and gradually work up to using 1% potency if your skin tolerates it
- Use it as part of your skin regimen for at least 12 weeks before expecting to see results
- Start slow by using it twice a week, and then move up to 4 days a week, etc., until your skin adjusts
How to use Retinol
Always follow the directions on your retinol product’s packaging. However, some skincare product “rules” can still apply depending on the type of retinol product you have. It’s best to stay away from conventional retinol when using acids like BHAs or AHAs and to be careful with treatments such as chemical peels and lasers. Always talk to your skin tech about the retinol you’re using before booking any such treatments.
If it’s a moisturizer with retinol: use after cleansing, after any lighter serums but before any facial oils. I love the Three Ships Bio-Retinol and Shorea Butter Night Cream because it’s rich and free of synthetic fragrances, which is perfect for sensitive skin types.
If it’s a retinol serum in oil form: use last after you’ve applied your other lighter products. I love this lightweight bio-retinol serum by Wildcraft Skincare as it combines the skin-renewing benefits of rambutan with the hydrating effects of seabuckthorn and evening primrose.
Plant-based Retinol Ingredients
If you’ve tried all the above tips to adjust your skin to retinol, and it’s still too harsh for your skin, then try using a plant-based retinol. Keep in mind that plant retinoids are not as potent as the standard retinoids. It will take more time to see their effect. Give them at least 12 weeks of consistent usage before expecting to see results.
Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is a vegan skin care ingredient found in the leaves and seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia plant. It’s native to India where it has long been used in Ayurvedic practices. It is a plant derivative and often called “nature’s retinol”. It functions just like retinol or topical vitamin A, without the harsh side effects of stinging and burning. Bakuchiol is a powerful antioxidant helping to reduce discoloration from environmental pollution and has a soothing effect on the skin.
Moth Bean Extract
Derived from the moth bean plant, this botanical retinol is more gentle than conventional retinol, but just as effective. Also known as dew bean, it helps to strengthen the dermis and decrease the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Moth bean extract helps to encourage collagen production and boost skin cell renewal. It contains phenolic compounds like caffeic acid, cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, and kaempferol which protect the skin against free radicals and UV damage.
Products with plant retinol at Green Beauty Curator
Bukuchiol and moth bean extract are two natural retinol ingredients that are found together in Graydon Skincare’s Phyto Clear. This moisturizer has been a part of Green Beauty Curator for 8 years and users love its lightweight gel consistency. These two active but gentle ingredients help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and photoaging. It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking to get the benefits of conventional retinol without the sensitizing effects. This light gel product is excellent for combination skin and oilier skin types and layers beautifully under a facial oil in cooler months. Moth Bean Extract, also known as dew bean, is also found in the Graydon Skincare Supermoon Serum.
Final Thoughts
Please give retinol a try if you haven’t already. Be patient and consistent, and I guarantee that you will see results after 12 weeks. If you don’t have success with conventional retinol, give the natural retinol alternatives I mentioned a try instead. If you have any other questions about retinol, don’t hesitate to contact me, and I will be happy to assist you! Thank you for being here and for reading!