AN aesthetic doctor has detailed the benefits of her go-to anti-aging treatment — and a natural ingredient that is being touted as an alternative.
The dermatologist explained that retinoids have "stood the test of time" and even dubbed them a "personal holy grail" in her beauty routine.
Dr. Rachel Ho, an aesthetic expert based in Singapore, specializes in helping others achieve great skin.
She has an educational blog filled with beauty tips, information about topical trends, and skincare reviews.
In an anti-aging post, Dr. Ho spoke highly about retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A.
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She also weighed in on a retinol alternative that is all the buzz.
WHAT IS IT?
"When it comes to anti-aging skincare, there's one ingredient that's stood the test of time," she said.
She explained that retinoids such as retinol are "one of the top choices among doctors" for treating age spots, acne, and improving the appearance of pores overall.
The expert added that they are also a "personal holy grail."
However, while effective, retinoids can also cause unwanted side effects, including dryness, flaking, and peeling.
But there is now a promising new option.
Bakuchiol is a "plant-derived ingredient" that has been "dubbed a natural alternative to retinol," according to Dr. Ho.
She explained that it also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant results, so it reduces any redness and negative effects associated with retinoids.
As of right now, there are limited studies on the plant-extracted agent, but Dr Ho said it "has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine."
Frequent use diminishes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation in about 12 weeks.
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IS IT BETTER?
Although there have been many positive reviews, the long-term effects of it are still unknown.
Dr. Ho cited a 2018 study in the British Journal of Dermatology in which 44 people applied either 0.05% bakuchiol cream or 0.05 retinol once per day.
"Both groups of patients saw an improvement in their pigmentation and wrinkles to a similar extent," she said.
"The group of patients on bakuchiol experienced less side effects such as stinging and flaking."
Dr. Ho noted that the daily dose of bakuchiol was twice the amount of retinol normally recommended.
"We can't say that it's as effective as retinol," she explained.
"The more valid takeaway from this study is that it causes less irritation and side effects."
Since the study was only done with retinol, it is still unknown its full effectiveness against retinoids.
