Retinol is often called the holy grail for smooth, glowing, youthful skin. But let's get real, not every skin can tolerate it. Redness, peeling, and irritation are all too familiar, particularly if you have sensitive skin. That's where bakuchi comes in, an Ayurvedic herb that has been around for centuries and is now receiving the limelight for all the right reasons.
What sets it apart? Bakuchi is high in bakuchiol, a plant-based compound similar to retinol that increases collagen, minimises fine lines, and lightens brown spots, but without any skin irritation. We reached out to Dr Swathi Ramamurthy, Head of R&D, Purely Yours, who explained why bakuchi could be the natural skin saviour.
Benefits of Bakuchi for Skin
Skin regeneration
Bakuchi promotes cell turnover. This improves the appearance of the skin and makes it even. A slower cell turnover leads to the accumulation of dead skin cells that damage the skin.
Collagen production
Bakuchi induces collagen production, a protein that occurs naturally in our body. To maintain its elasticity and firmness, our skin must have a sufficient amount of collagen. Higher levels of collagen keep skin young and radiant.
Gentle on sensitive skin
Bakuchi is a mild active that does not cause excessive peeling like retinol. It is a safe option for individuals with sensitive or acne skin because it gets the job done without leading to redness, dryness or irritation. A small study published in the British Journal of Dermatology revealed that bakuchiol is equally effective in reducing fine lines and enhancing skin tone as retinol while causing less peeling and irritation.
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Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Bakuchi is rich in antioxidants that shield the skin from pollution and environmental damage. Its anti-inflammatory action calms acne-prone and irritated skin, making it an ideal option for those suffering from rosacea, eczema or breakouts. Also, bakuchi reduces pigmentation, dark spots and acne spots by controlling melanin production.
No extra sun sensitivity
Retinol can increase sensitivity to the sun and requires extra caution when it comes to sun exposure. Unlike retinol, bakuchi won't make your skin more sensitive to the sun's rays, so you can enjoy the sunshine without stressing about sunburn.
Importance of Bakuchi Ingestibles for Skin Health
"While using bakuchi-infused serums and oils can give you noticeable results, Ayurveda teaches us that true beauty starts from within. What you put into your body has a much bigger impact on your skin's health and appearance than any topical treatment," highlighted Dr Ramamurthy.
- Liver detoxification: A healthy liver is the foundation for healthy skin. Bakuchi contains bioactive compounds that detoxify the liver, assisting the body in eliminating toxins and rendering the skin even more radiant and avoiding acne.
- Reduces Acne and Balances Hormone Balance: Bakuchi may contain phytoestrogenic properties, which help in balancing the hormones. As a result, you are less likely to experience acne, providing a natural substitute for traditional acne treatments.
- Boosts Skin Cell Regeneration: Bakuchi is packed with essential phytochemicals and antioxidants that help in collagen synthesis and the renewal of skin cells. Oral consumption facilitates the natural healing process of the skin, thus making the skin appear younger and brighter.
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Consuming Bakuchi for Skin Benefits
"Beauty isn't just skin-deep, radiating skin begins from within, and bakuchi is nature's formula for achieving it. Whether added to warm water as a fine powder or as Ayurvedic capsules for easier convenience, bakuchi works to nourish and rejuvenate the skin from within," added Dr Ramamurthy.
Bottomline
Dr Ramamurthy concluded, "Bakuchi is a unique, natural, mild, and effective substitute for retinol. It provides amazing skin benefits without any side effects, whether applied on the skin or consuming it as a supplement. If you’re looking for a more holistic way to get glowing, healthy skin, this Ayurvedic powerhouse might just be your new go-to!"
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]