A cosmetic doctor reveals the benefits of an ingredient that acts as a natural retinol alternative.
The dermatologist says the anti-aging ingredient has “standen the test of time,” even calling it her “personal holy grail” in her beauty routine.
Singapore-based beauty expert Dr Rachel Ho specialises in helping people achieve beautiful skin.
She runs an educational blog filled with beauty tips, information on hot trends, skincare reviews, and more.
In his post, Dr. Ho praised the ingredient, which has been in the news for its lack of side effects.
While retinoids or retinol can cause dryness, flaking and peeling, bactiol is the new must-have ingredient that’s getting all the buzz.
Suitable for people who are sensitive to retinoids or have sensitive skin.
what is that?
“When it comes to anti-aging skincare, there’s one ingredient that has stood the test of time,” she says.
She added that it’s “one of the most popular treatments among doctors,” and acknowledged that it’s her “personal holy grail” for treating dark spots, acne, and improving the overall appearance of pores.
According to Dr. Ho, bactiol is “a plant-derived ingredient that’s been described as a natural alternative to retinol.”
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He explained that it also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help reduce redness and other negative effects associated with retinoids.
While there is currently limited research into drugs extracted from plants, Dr Ho said they “have a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine”.
With frequent use, the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation will be reduced in about 12 weeks.
Is it better?
Although there are many positive reviews, the long-term effects are still unknown.
Dr Ho explained that a 2018 study in the British Journal of Dermatology had 44 subjects apply 0.05% bactiol cream or 0.05% retinol once a day.
“Both patient groups experienced similar improvements in pigmentation and wrinkles,” she said.
“Patients taking Buckthiol experienced fewer side effects, such as stinging and peeling skin.”
Anti-Aging Tips
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- Keep your skin hydrated from the inside by drinking water and from the outside by using a moisturizer.
- Be sure to use sunscreen even if you are not in direct sunlight.
- Use Vitamin C to brighten your skin and don’t forget to apply it to your neck.
- Argireline Solution 10%, $9.70, The Ordinary
- The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Face Serum, $10, Sephora
- The Inkey List Caffeine Depuffing + Dark Circle Eye Cream, $11, Sephora
- CeraVe Anti-Aging Retinol Serum, $12, Walmart
- CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, $14.58, Amazon
- Boost Lab Neck Firming Serum, $29.99, Amazon
- Sea cucumber collagen anti-aging cream,
$88$70, Besher
Although the daily dose of bakuchiol was twice the amount of retinol typically recommended, Dr. Ho did not find it conclusively “as effective as retinol.”
“The more useful conclusion to come out of this study is that it causes less irritation and side effects,” she added.
This study was done on retinol only, so the full effectiveness for retinoids is still unknown.
But it’s never too early or too late to start anti-aging skin care.
“Skin care brands Biossance and Ole Henriksson claim their products are safe during pregnancy,” Dr Ho said.
Mothers can rest easy knowing that the signs of aging can be treated without harming the unborn baby.
