We all know that popping vitamins can be a great way to boost your energy and overall health...but what about applying vitamins topically for boosting your skins health?
Lets talk Vitamin A.
Vitamin A comes in two forms, carotenoids and retinoids.
You know all those delicious orange foods? Papaya, carrots, and my favorite butternut squash! These are full of carotenoids that once eaten get converted by your liver into retinols.
How about the topical use of carotenoids? They are fabulous anti-oxidants, helping your skin to keep that youthful glow, and also helping to guard against and heal sun damage.
There are many luxury carrier oils high in carotenoids, and not surprisingly they all have a gorgeous orange hue! Some of these oils are: Rosehip Seed Oil, Helio Carrot Extract, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Calendula Extract, and Papaya Seed Oil.
The retinoid class of Vitamin A has been studied and used in skincare for years! Synthetic forms are used in both prescription and over the counter products. Topically, it has a host of potential benefits: it is an anti-aging super star, encouraging cell turnover and helping to reduce those pesky wrinkles. It helps to slough off that outer layer of dead skin, and over time it can diminish hyperpigmentation. It can also help get rid of acne and reduce acne scarring.
It's beauty in a bottle!
...or is it?
Retinoids do have a few downsides. They can be extremely irritating, and can leave your skin flaking itchy, and sensitive to the sun. It is also not recommended for pregnant women.
So what is a sensitive skinned lass to do?
Enter Bakuchiol, a plant extract that has been show to mimic the effects of retinoids, without the irritation or other concerns. It comes from the seeds of psoralea corylifolia, and is sometimes called 'Nature's Retinol'.
Studies have been done comparing the two ingredients: recently, the "British Journal of Dermatology (2019) clinically assessed the anti-aging effects of 0.5% bakuchiol applied topically twice a day against 0.5% retinol applied topically once a day in a 12-week study. "The authors evaluated wrinkles, pigmentation and monitored adverse effects. Results from this study showed that retinol and bakuchiol both significantly decreased the appearance of fine lines and pigmentation, and also improved the appearance of hyperpigmentation after 12 weeks, The study also found there was statistically significant scaling and stinging reported by testers using the retinol product."
Basically, Bakuchiol allows you to get the benefits of products containing retinoids, without the negatives....sign me up! (p.s. Our Bakuchiol Boost serum boasts 1% Bakuchiol!)
So, get your A game on today....see what awesome things both carotenoids and retinoids can do for you!
