Blair Hayes | September 2022
Bakuchiol + Retinaldehyde: My #1 Anti-Aging Solution
Wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process. After years of facial muscle contractions, sun damage, and environmental exposure, fine lines are bound to appear. As we age our skin thins and loses its flexibility, causing those fine lines to deepen. But just because they are natural does not mean we have to sit back and accept our wrinkles!
There are ways to slow down wrinkle development, like using SPF daily, moisturizing regularly, and always removing makeup before bed. But once those pesky fine lines start to show up, these steps won’t make them disappear. So how do we fight fine lines and wrinkles?
I’ve spent years researching and testing thousands of different products and ingredients to come to this conclusion… My absolute ride-or-die, #1 anti-aging solution is a retinol PLUS bakuchiol combination! And that is why I created the Skin by Blair Power Pair. Bakuchiol and retinaldehyde are simply better together. How, you ask? Well first, let’s break down each product individually.
WHAT IS RETINALDEHYDE?
Retinaldehyde is an over-the-counter Vitamin A derivative that is just one step below a prescription retinoic acid, like Tretinoin, making it much more potent than retinol. To fully understand why this matters, you first need to understand how retinoids work. To increase skin cell turnover and collagen production, an over-the-counter retinoid must be converted to retinoic acid, which happens in three steps for retinyl palmitate, two steps for retinol, and only one step for retinaldehyde. The more steps required for conversion, the less impactful a retinoid becomes. I take a deeper dive into all things retinoids in this post.
BENEFITS OF RETINALDEHYDE:
- Boosts collagen and elastin production
- Increases skin cell turnover
- Improves skin tone and texture
- Helps to clear and shrink pores
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF RETINALDEHYDE:
- Mild dryness and irritation*
(*Even though retinaldehyde is a much more gentle form of retinoid than all of the other forms, it’s still possible to get mild dryness and irritation when starting out.)
WHAT IS BAKUCHIOL?
Bakuchiol is a powerful plant-based ingredient that has recently become a star within the anti-aging market. It is a retinoid alternative that’s safe when pregnant or breastfeeding, plus, unlike retinoids, it may actually help to make your skin less sensitive to harmful sun rays. Even though it works through the same receptors as retinoids, it is not a Vitamin A derivative so it will not cause sensitivity, irritation, or inflammation as it works to smooth fine lines. You can learn more about bakuchiol in this post!
BENEFITS OF BAKUCHIOL:
- Boosts skin elasticity and firmness
- Increases skin cell turnover
- Improves hydration levels
- Soothes and heals damaged or irritated skin
- Helps to reduce breakouts
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BAKUCHIOL:
- None that we know of!
USING BAKUCHIOL AND RETINOIDS TOGETHER
Because these two ingredients work through the same receptors and have similar benefits, they act as natural partners in fighting off fine lines and wrinkles. Bakuchiol’s calming and stabilizing properties actually allow the skin to more easily tolerate retinoids, decreasing common side effects like irritation and dryness and increasing the effectiveness of your retinoid. And that is exactly why we paired them together! Bakuchiol boosts a retinoid’s effectiveness by 20X, making these two products one of the most powerful anti-aging solutions (re: The Power Pair).
The antioxidant properties found in bakuchiol complement those of Vitamin A found in retinoids, leading to increased protection against environmental stressors and improved repairs for past damage. So to recap, using Bakuchiol and Retinaldehyde together is a safe and effective way to have your skin looking noticeably healthier and younger! Fine lines and wrinkles don’t stand a chance with this duo.