Known as “nature's retinol,” bakuchiol is a botanical extract derived from bakuchi plant seeds and contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. This antioxidant-rich ingredient shares the same collagen-growth and cell-turnover benefits as synthetic retinol without any skin irritation.
The biggest thing to understand is that retinol, as you've traditionally known it, is usually derived from animal sources like beef, chicken liver, eggs, and fish, but it can also be found in many plants and vegetables like cantaloupe, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin.
First, you'll want to pour some carrot seed oil and rosehip oil into a glass measuring cup (see the full recipe at the end of this article). Carrot seed oil is high in antioxidants and a great natural retinol, and it comes from the seeds of Daucus carota, also known as Queen Anne's Lace.
Enter bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative gaining traction in skin-care circles. “It has vitamin A's benefits without the side effects,” says Gohara of the botanical distilled from the seeds and leaves of the Indian babchi plant, which has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat skin conditions.
The same goes for rosehip oil, another ingredient that claims to rival retinol. “The amount of vitamin A found in most rosehip oils won't be enough to have the same effect on your skin as retinol,” says Dr. Gohara.
Similar to retinol, rosehip oil also increases collagen production and skin elasticity, improving fine wrinkles and increasing the skin's moisture level, and elasticity.
Rosehip and Carrot Seed Oil
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative, so it makes sense that there are natural oils also rich in the vitamin, like rosehip and carrot seed. Rosehip oil is exceptional in regenerating and healing the skin, while increasing collagen production and skin elasticity.
Rosehip oil is filled with vitamin C, which has anti-aging properties, and fatty acids that help hydrate your skin. The oil also contains retinoids, which help brighten your skin and can fight acne.
Retinol is a gentler derivative of vitamin A and can be found in lots of over-the-counter skin care products (i.e. moisturizers, serums, eye creams). Because retinol is milder, the enzymes in our skin must first convert it into retinoic acid. Once it's been converted, then it will be become effective.
The bottom line. Niacinamide is a gentle skin care ingredient that helps diminish the signs of aging, discoloration, and blemishes. Retinol has similar benefits, but it's stronger than niacinamide. It's also known to cause irritation, redness, and dry skin.
In general, you can use both together, but if you suffer from irritated skin, then scale back the number of retinoid products that you're using, or take a break and slowly reintroduce it into your routine. When it comes to holy grail ingredients, retinol can really seem like it has it all.
Retinol can be found as a component of many topical skin formulations that are available over-the-counter. It can also be derived from the diet, by eating foods high in beta-carotene (such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach), which is a precursor to Vitamin A.
Almond oil can help to lighten the dark circles under your eyes and reduce under-eye puffiness. This is thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Almond oil also contains retinol, vitamin E, and vitamin K, which can keep the delicate skin under your eyes smooth without irritating it.
Plant Sources for Retinoids
Red and orange vegetables and fruits such as sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, pumpkins, cantaloupes, apricots, peaches and mangoes all contain significant amounts of beta-carotene, thus retinoids.
Although 100 grams of cooked carrot contain about 17,000 IU vitamin A, that's only 852 micrograms of retinol activity equivalents (RAE).
These results suggest that a 150 g serving of boiled golden potatoes has the potential to contribute 42% and 23% of the daily requirement of retinol activity equivalents (RAE), as well as 34 and 17% of the daily vitamin E requirement for children and women of reproductive age, respectively.
Carrots are packed with essential nutrients for skin health, such as beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A (retinol), which also gives carrot the bright orange color.
Carrot seed oil is one of the powerful natural retinol alternatives as it is naturally rich in beta-carotene (provitamin A).
When you put jojoba oil on your skin, your skin is soothed and moisturized. This sends a signal to your hair and sweat follicles that your skin doesn't need additional sebum for hydration. This keeps skin from looking oily and helps prevent acne caused by clogged pores.
The final step in my anti-aging treatment is to apply a thin layer of coconut oil on my face to help “lock in” the retinol product. The coconut oil creates a moisture barrier, which prevents the retinol cream from evaporating too quickly.
Main Differences Between Vitamin C Serum and Retinol Serum
While Vitamin C serum predominantly protects your skin from damage, retinol serum actively heals the damage on your skin. Vitamin C serum protects the collagens while the Retinol serum helps in cell turn over thereby creating new collagens.
Vitamin D is one of the best vitamins for your skin, along with vitamins C, E, and K. Making sure you get enough vitamins can keep your skin looking healthy and youthful.