To Retinol or not to Retinol, that is the question!
The use of retinol is a little controversial in the clean beauty industry yet it is an ingredient in high demand. When something is said to powerfully slow the signs of aging, rejuvenate your skin AND reduce your acne breakouts, it definitely catches your attention too, right!? So why the difference of opinion? Are there alternatives?
“It is highly antioxidant and therefor, is one of the most anti-aging ingredients!”
What is Retinol?
Retinol, as well as other retinoids, such as retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate, is a synthetic form of vitamin A. The retinol is isolated from the vitamin and often derived from animals. It is highly antioxidant and therefor, is one of the most anti-aging ingredients! Retinol is used in skincare to boost skin elasticity, brighten complextion, stimulate collagen production and increase cell turnover, aka, a strong skin regenerator!
“It’s toxicity rating is 9 out of 10 on EWG and 6 out of 10 on Think Dirty!”
Is it considered unsafe?
Skin regeneration is necessary, but retinol does it at a speed so fast that it can cause side effects such as redness, itchiness, dryness and sometimes even make your skin peel and become flaky. It is also a very unstable meaning that it’s potency decreases the moment your product is in contact with air, heat or light. It oxidizes quickly and becomes of no benefit to your skin. It’s toxicity rating is 9 out of 10 on EWG and 6 out of 10 on Think Dirty! (EWG stands for the Environmental Working Group, rating ingredients based on toxicity levels. Think Dirty is also another amazing similar app.) Retinol rates this high because it is linked to developmental and reproductive toxicity. To me, “linked” means it would be safer to restrain it’s usage. But to each their own interpretation :)
“Both of these options are potent antioxidants, gentle on the skin and it’s microbiom and are considered to be great plant-based retinol alternatives.”
There are natural alternatives!
YES!! Vitamin A is also made of carotenoids and is naturally found in great amounts in many plant oils such as rosehip, sea buckthorn and carrot seed oils. Products containing carotenoids, especially beta-carotenes, will have similar anti-aging properties as retinoids. Bakuchiol is also another option and it’s really hot right now! It is extracted from the Psoralea corylifolia plant and has very similar properties as retinol does. Both of these options are potent antioxidants, gentle on the skin and it’s microbiom and are considered to be great plant-based retinol alternatives.
TRUE BOTANICALS’ PHYTO-RETINOL VITAMIN A BOOSTER
TB’s new baby! This retinol alternative is a Provitamin A Carotenoids derived directly from plants. When applied, your skin transforms the Provitamin into it’s own retinoic acid. It is gentle and microbiome friendly. The individual capsules keep each dose extra fresh and potent to deliver the maximum benefits to your skin! This product fights fine lines, breakouts, dark spots and uneven skin tone.
** True Botanicals offers you 15% off with code “KIMKLEAN”, click here to redeem the offer!
HERBIVORE BOTANICALS BAKUCHIOL RETINOL ALTERNATIVE SERUM
The jelly-like water-based serum is made with bakuchiol to prevent the signs of aging. It is gentle enough for most sensitive skin and it’s smooth texture pairs well with your face tools like your gua sha for example. This product targets dullness, fine lines and dryness. You should also try their new Moon Fruit Retinol Alternative Sleep Mask!
The alternatives to retinoids are definitely my go-to as they are non-toxic and kind to your skin. The results are slower to appear but your skin will be nourished and will definitely thank you! If you really want to use retinoids, start slowly. Use it at night so the sun doesn’t oxidize it and make sure you use a great moisturizer to reduce the risks of side effects. And why not alternating between retinol and bakuchiol every other night?!
Kim xxx
Fall Beauty
Autumn is here! And I am here to suggest a few adjustments to your skincare rituals in order to keep your skin healthy during this change of season. Mornings are getting cooler, evenings smell like fire place. Trees are changing colors, we are changing our wardrobe and it is important to adapt our beauty rituals to the new season! Despite the temperature dropping, there a few tips to help maintain a beautiful and healthy skin! Say goodbye — for now! — to your hydrating gels and hello to creams, serums and maybe even oils.
“I think this is one of the biggest misconceptions out there.”
First things first, do NOT over cleanse! I think this is one of the biggest misconceptions out there. Your sebaceous glands produce sebum, an oil-like substance that protects your skin barrier. Washing your face too much can irritate your skin barrier and therefor creates inflammation that may be aggravated by the cold fall days. Cleansing well at night and simply rinsing with lukewarm water in the morning should be plenty. Strong and aggressive cleansers can also cause damage to your skin barrier. Fall is a good time to switch to a gentler cleanser like an oil based cleanser that will keep your skin supple and smooth.
“Each step of your skincare routine has it’s order and it’s purpose”
The secret to glowing skin is well hydrated skin. It’s time for mists and serums! Each step of your skincare routine has its order and its purpose. Mists or, toners, are applied directly on cleansed skin. Mists soothe, hydrate and tone your skin. Adding a serum to your ritual —ideally a water based serum— is ideal to quench thirsty skin. Serums nourish and protect your skin. Follow it up with a cream. Creams usually contain a higher amount of oils and waxes than lotions and are of richer consistency. During the colder months, creams nourish and protect your skin more effectively than lotions would. Finally, you can add a few drops of face oil to your routine. Fun Fact! Face oils do not combat dryness. Instead, they act as an occlusive agent, locking in all the moisture introduced to your skin by the mists, serums and creams. That’s why your face oil should be the last step of your skincare routine!
“By keeping the humidity levels up, you help your skin keep its fresh, youthful glow that we all love in the summer”
Your environment also has an impact on your skin. By keeping the humidity levels up, you help your skin keep its fresh, youthful glow that we all love in the summer. Hey Dewy is a humidifier specifically made to complement your skincare ritual. It is portable so you can carry it from the side table, to your office, even to your car and have dewy skin all day, all year round. Keeping a humidifier close to your bed at night is also a game changer! Personally, I just love adding a few drops essential oils in it before bedtime. Lavender and Bergamot are some of my go-to as they are both skin nourishing, hydrating and promote good sleep. And the scent is just amazing!
Between the cold, the heaters and the humidity levels dropping, the air surrounding us is dry and dehydrating for our skin. Little changes to our daily habits can make a huge difference. Say goodbye — for good!! — to dryness and itchiness and hellooo gorgeous moisturized and supple skin!
Love & Light ✨
Kim
* You can enjoy -15% off all True Botanicals products with my code “KIMKLEAN”.
