With its brightening and collagen-stimulating prowess, retinol sits pride of place on many of our shelves. And yet, when used on a daily basis – and in combination with ingredients like glycolic acid and Vitamin C – this powerhouse product can actually end up doing more harm than good... God forbid you sit under the sun after using it!
‘Tough on the skin’ sums this ingredient up to a tee, meaning that – while for those of a strong constitution, it’s gold dust – it’s to be avoided at all costs by anyone with rosacea and eczema for the risk of redness, peeling and damaged skin. In short, any ways in which we can reap retinol’s bountiful benefits via natural alternatives is very much welcomed.
Joining the likes of CBD as hero ingredient for 2019, bakuchiol (“buh-koo-chee-all”) is well and truly on the rise. A naturally occurring antioxidant, extracted from the seeds of Psoralea Corylifolia, bakuchiol has a completely different structure to retinol, but it offers similar results to the sometimes-aggressive counterpart: Think rejuvenating cells, boosting collagen, smoothing skin and reducing fine lines. Nourishing and hydrating in a rich cream-like texture, Omorovicza’s Miracle Facial Oil teams this hero ingredient with oils of sea buckthorn berry, rosehip and sweet almond to provide an antioxidant defence. Meanwhile, with a blend of 11% mandelic, lactic and salicylic acid, alongside organic bakuchiol, Allies Of Skin’s Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum is your all-in-one overnight treatment for diminishing pigmentation, large pores, blackheads and an uneven surface texture.
When the sun is shining, a concoction of carrot oil should be your calling card. Rich in beta-carotene (Pro-Vitamin A) and brimming with vitamins and nutrients, cold-pressed carrot oil acts as a natural skin protector – against UV rays, pollution and stress – while simultaneously targeting blemishes and dullness. Comprised of the highest quality of virgin carrot seed oil (sourced from a French village, in which the same traditional method has been used for two centuries), Odacité’s Vital Glow Serum Concentrate will transform the health and strength of the skin when used twice daily. Elsewhere, to give the eyes some targeted TLC, Antipodes’ Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream works with carrot oil, avocado oil, Vinanza grape and kiwifruits to treat the delicate surrounding area and defend against environmental aggressors.
Rosehip Seed Oil also steps forward to tackle beauty bugbears in place of retinoids – with scarring and a loss of elasticity among its key areas of attack. Votary’s Super Seed Facial Oil – packed with 22 different seed oils, including rosehip, and a medley of fatty acids, Omega 3,6 and 7 – is the Queen of hydration thanks to its vibrant and reinvigorating properties. Meanwhile, to treat the body from head-to-toe, Agent Nateur’s holi(oil) Youth Body Sérum harnesses rosehip, alongside organic rice bran and Vitamins C and E, to leave the skin suitably glowing!
Also on Because Magazine:
+ Find out why we’re warming up to heat-activated skincare.
+ Brrrrrr, this is what three minutes at -90 degrees looks like.
+ Buller & Rice prove that luxury and sustainability are the best bedfellows.
