beautygrind

Posts Tagged ‘Herbivore’

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What Is Bakuchiol And Is It Worth The Hype?

In beauty, skincare on September 5, 2022 at 12:00 pm

Growing older is inevitable. We know this. And there is nothing wrong with making adjustments to ensure that this process is smoother, and more graceful instead of throwing caution to the wind and letting life have its way with our health, well-being and even our looks.

Retinol has always been and will most likely remain the gold standard in skincare when it comes to preventing and softening the signs of aging. Derived from Vitamin A, retinol works on a cellular level to push newer cells to the surface. It instructs skin to produce collagen which is responsible for firm, plump skin. Retinol is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial and can actually help with breakouts as opposed to or in addition to ingredients such as salicylic acid. As a matter of fact, Retin A from which retinol is derived was initially prescribed for acne. Patients who used it for acne noticed that their skin was more clear with less hyperpigmentation in addition to having fewer acne/breakouts.

But retinol can propose a downside for some users. Retinol can be extremely harsh on the skin. It can cause irritation, redness, peeling and drying. Not a good look for something that is supposed to be so helpful.

Enter bakuchiol. Ba-ku-chi-who? Bakuchiol (pronunced ba koo chee yol). Bakuchiol comes from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant (psoralea corylifolia). It is native to countries India and Sri Lanka and is used in ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic skin treatments. Although bakuchiol is not new, it is gaining popularity as an effective skin care ingredient. So why the comparison to retinol? For starters although they are molecularly different, they have similar qualities. Bakuchiol is 100% plant derived and retinol comes from Vitamin A and is usually synthetically produced. They both help with brightening, firming, collagen production and hyperpigmentation. Bakuchiol, however, is perfect for sensitive skin and can be tolerated on eczema, psoriasis prone or active skin (breakouts). In these cases, retinol may not be as beginner friendly. Although it is probably best to use bakuchiol at night, some will use bakuchiol am and pm whereas retinol should be used in the evening followed by sunscreen in the morning. Bakuchiol is vegan friendly and is safe for pregnant and nursing women. On the other hand, it is recommended to refrain from retinol use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Overall there is no side effect with bakuchiol. With retinol it is suggested to gradually increase application and make sure you are using a moisturizer to counteract any side effects such as drying, peeling and redness. In addition, bakuchiol is good for mixing with other ingredients that could otherwise not be tolerated in some skin. The combination of retinol and AHA, BHA, and Vitamin can be too active or potent for more sensitive skin and can spell disaster.

When it comes to choosing bakuchiol or retinol, you would need to consider your skin type and whether are you sensitive or not. Do you prefer products that are vegan? Do you have certain views on the use of synthetics in skincare ingredients or does it matter?

There has been extensive research on the efficacy of retinol whereas the research on bakuchiol and its long term effects and uses is not as extensive as of yet. Read the directions on the product that you choose whether it is bakuchiol or retinol. Also, keep in mind that just because a product is natural doesn’t mean you wont have an adverse reaction to it.

Acure Radically Rejuvenating Dual Phase Bakuchiol Serum $19.99. This serum is dual phase product that is rich in powerful antioxidants and hydration as well as anti-aging support in the form of plant based bakuchiol.

Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum $54. Perfect for the most sensitive skin, this serum will help smooth look of fine lines as well as help to retexturize and brighten the skin.

The Inky List Retinol Alternative Moisturizer $11.49. This cruelty free lightweight cream will help to moisturize will it softens fine lines, wrinkles, dullness and uneven texture.

Credo Beauty 1% Bakuchiol + Olive Squalane Oil Booster $10. This booster is made without a number of questionable ingredient and makes it easy to incorporate into your existing skincare routine. Bakuchiol will help with fine lines and wrinkles while squalane will boost hydration. Mix with your current moisturizer or serum or use by itself.

Paula’s Choice 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment $56. This treatment harnesses the power of retinol, bakuchiol and peptides to help fight wrinkles. dullness and loss of firmness and elasticity. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly into the skin.

Loved this post?  Subscribe to beautygrind to receive the latest blog posts filled with resources, tips, tricks, and inspiration delivered to your inbox. 

For business inquiries regarding Beautygrind.com, email me at khalilah@beautygrind.com

Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com and fill out the “work with me” form.

, , , , , , ,

Should You Apply Face Oil Before Or After Your Moisturizer?

In beauty, skincare on February 2, 2022 at 12:00 pm

If you know anything about skin care then you have most likely have heard about facial oils. While they are not a new concept, incorporating facial oils into one’s skin care has become more mainstream over the past few years. Facial oils have many benefits and can be a great way to treat various skin concerns based on the oil you choose. In addition, these oils can be used by themselves as well as with other skincare and makeup products (like foundation) and can also help give your skin that much sought after glow.

So now that your interest has been piqued and you’re thinking about incorporating a facial oil into your skin care routine, where do you start? Because oils, like serums, can address multiple concerns, you will first have to decide what your concern is and what ingredients you prefer and need. Do you want something to help with anti-aging, redness, irritation, oiliness or hydration? You would then, of course, select your formula accordingly.

About That Hydration Thing…

Keep in mind that oils should not replace your moisturizer. Technically, oils don’t replenish and bind moisture to the various layers of skin like moisturizers do. As a matter of fact, oils don’t penetrate the skin and should be the last step in your routine – applied on top of your moisturizer.

But Wait…

If a facial oil has several ingredients for multiple benefits such as hydration, wouldn’t you want some of those ingredients closer to your skin? So then what part of your routine should your oil go – before or after your moisturizer?

There are different thoughts on this topic. The leading thought is that, as previously stated, oils should be the last step in one’s routine – they go on top of moisturizer to seal everything in. This is because oils are an occlusive and they lock everything in. But what about all of the beneficial ingredients that many of these oils have? Perhaps you would want some of those ingredients in more direct contact with your skin to at least do some topical reparative work. If that’s the case, layer or mix (cocktail) your oils with your serum and/or moisturizer to boost the effectiveness of those products. Otherwise put your oil on last.

How Often Should You Use A Facial Oil?

Oils don’t have to be used daily and can be used on an as needed basis. With oils that address specific concerns, you may find that you only need to apply to certain areas. Daytime use of an oil with sunscreen however can break down the effectiveness of the sunscreen so be mindful when adding oil to daytime skin care.

To Press Or Rub – The Million Dollar Question

There is some debate as to whether you should press or rub oils (or any skin care for that matter) into the skin. The general rule of thumb for oils is that you warm them up in your hands and and press into the skin. You can also use a facial roller when applying oils and serums to the skin. Pressing oils and serums into the skin does lend itself to better absorption. Regardless of whether you press or rub, be gentle with your skin and follow the directions on the bottle.

Reminder – When applying creams to the eye area, always pat product in using the ring finger. The skin under the eye is extremely delicate and the ring finger does the least amount of tugging which can help accelerate the aging process in the undereye area.

Biossance 100% Sugarcane Squalane Oil $32. Lightweight and multitasking, this oil can be used anywhere on the body including hair. It is perfect for mixing into foundation or skincare as well as under and on top of your moisturizer.

Farmacy Honey Grail Ultra Hydrating Facial Oil $48. Buckwheat Honey and Sea Buckthorn Oil are the key ingredients in this facial oil to help with concerns of fine lines, wrinkles and dryness. It is non-comedogenic and perfect for wearing alone or mixing with your moisturizer or foundation.

Vitner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum $195. This exquisite face oil contains a blend of nutritive botanicals, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and omegas to balance and strengthen the skin. Perfect for all skin types including acne prone and mature.

Herbivore Orchid Antioxidant Beauty Face Oil $66. A lightweight, floral scented oil that has antioxidant properties to protect against the signs of aging. Key ingredients include squalane (protects moisture barrier), camelia oil (omega 3 & 6) and jasmine sambac oil (elasticity)to hydrate and give skin a glow.

Darphin Niaouli Essential Oil $75. This oil is perfect for those with oily combo skin as it helps to purify and detoxify while balancing the skin.

Verso Super Facial Oil With Retinol 8 $125. Rejuvenating and nourishing, this facial oil is quick absorbing and helps with firming and tightening gives the skin a healthy glow.

Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil $36-$72. Power-packed with antioxidants and omega fatty acids 6 and 9, this vegan, cruelty free facial oil helps with dullness and uneven texture while boosting radiance. Vitamins A and C help to strengthen and brighten the skin.

Loved this post?  Subscribe to beautygrind to receive the latest blog posts filled with resources, tips, tricks, and inspiration delivered to your inbox.
Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com.