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Skincare products & skin care techniques for skin problems. How to apply Retinol & Vitamin C. Anti-aging skincare. How to treat acne, brown spots, dry skin, wrinkles, Keratosis Pilaris. Skincare ingredient list. Skincare research. Skin care techniques, news, products, tutorials.

How to use anti-aging devices such as NuFace and Revive light therapy devices. Details on dermaplaning and cleansing devices. News of the latest skin care products.

CURRENT SKIN CARE OBSESSIONS: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid.

BAKUCHIOL: What it is + The Skin Benefits We LOVE

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Bakuchiol is known to make skin look younger because it acts like retinol but without the irritation. Can Bakuchiol really make skin look young?

Read this Bakuchiol Guide: What it Is + The Skin Benefits We Love

About Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol comes from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant. It is also called babchi. It is a plant-based phenol that decreases wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Studies show that gentle, natural bakuchiol holds its’ own against Retinol. Structurally, babchi is nothing like retinol. While it can technically cause redness and irritation, it is rare.

Unlike retinol, you can use it during the day. It is still important to use sunscreen.


Why Use Bakuchiol Not Retinol

Retinol is the gold standard of skincare ingredients. It quells acne, age spots, and wrinkles. It leaves skin dewy, refined, refreshed, and younger. But before the dewy, youthy, fabulous skin phase, there’s the dreaded irritated skin phase. And for those of us with sensitive skin that phase of retinol use is torture. In fact, many stop using retinol altogether because they cannot tolerate that phase of intense skin irritation. There are some ways how to buffer retinol for sensitive skin:

  1. Applying a moisturizer first, wait 10 minutes then apply retinol.
  2. Use Retinol only for a few hours then washing it off is another option.
  3. A third option is using retinol only one or two nights a week.
  4. Some prescription retinols, such as Atralin, contain built-in buffers that allow many sensitive skin types to finally experience retinol.
  5. Some over the counter retinol products contain buffers to soothe irritation.

But some people prefer a natural alternative with less fuss.

Bakuchiol Skin Benefits We Love

  • Bakuchiol is a natural retinol alternative. It is non-irritating.
  • It improves photoaging, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation equally as well as retinol, but is better tolerated. [1]
  • Stimulates collagen within the skin, as well as significant improvement in wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, and firmness without the retinol-associated side effects. [2]
  • Inhibits melanin production on age spots and acne scars [3].
  • Treats acne without skin peeling or redness.[4]
  • NEW Moms: Ask you doctor about Bakuchiol use. It may be okay during pregnancy or while you are breastfeeding (retinol is NOT considered safe for either – so plan accordingly).
bakuchiol is an alternative to prescription retinol Prescription Retinols such as Atralin have built-in buffering ingredients that may help some sensitive skin types tolerate retinol use. Others prefer natural ingredient alternatives. [/caption]

Bakuchiol Research Studies

“Our study demonstrates that bakuchiol is comparable with retinol in its ability to improve photoaging and is better tolerated than retinol.” [5]

One randomized, double-blind, clinical study compared retinol and bakuchiol. There was no statistical difference between how each decreased wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. But the retinol users reported facial skin scaling and stinging. [6] A second study confirmed the Retinol-like functionality of bakuchiol. It also documented the stimulation of collagen within the skin. Bakuchiol was used twice a day for 12 weeks. The result was a significant improvement in wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, and firmness without the retinol-associated side effects. [7]

FeatureRetinolBakuchiol
Anti-aging effectivenessProven to stimulate collagen, smooth wrinkles and improve texture Comparable benefits (wrinkle reduction, elasticity, pigmentation) in clinical trials
Skin toleranceCan cause redness, dryness, peeling, irritation, and sun sensitivityGentler alternative; typically low irritation, suitable for sensitive skin
PhotosensitivityIncreases sun sensitivity must be used at night with SPFStable under sunlight, safe for morning use, no added photosensitivity
Suitability during pregnancyNot recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding (Vitamin A derivative)Considered safe during pregnancy (no retinoid structure) though discuss with your doctor
Speed & potencyFast-acting and potent; noticeable results in weeks but harsher Generally milder and slower; may take longer for visible results
Research & track recordExtensively studied for decades well-established effects and risksPromising clinical results and growing evidence, but shorter history in skincare
Daytime use & integrationRestricted to nighttime; incompatible with many other activesCan be layered with other ingredients, including daytime routines; adaptable integration
Pros and Cons Benefit Chart

Recommended Clean Beauty Skincare with Bakuchiol Benefits

We previously featured two Bakuchiol clean beauty skincare products:

Both give Retinol results without retinol irritation.

24K Carrot Glow also contains Astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is a clean ingredient that helps skin with premature aging and photo damage (sun damage).

Tropical Melt contains probiotics to clear acne prone skin. Both are great clean beauty skincare options depending on your specific primary skin condition.

About Tropical Melt with Bakuchiol

Caley Cosmetics Tropical Melt is an excellent multi-tasker to address wrinkles, acne, discoloration, and acne. Apply this multi-tasking balm to damp skin and use it as a cleanser, makeup remover, mask, or leave-on treatment. We love the retinol results AND how skin still feels so supple, hydrated, and smooth!

Caley Cosmetics Tropical Melt
Caley Cosmetics Tropical Melt
Caley Cosmetics Tropical Melt

More from Caley Cosmetics

Here are some of the other Caley Cosmetics skincare and makeup we love:

Caley Cosmetics Beach Babe Natural Eyes Eyeliner
Why Caley Cosmetics Beach Babe NATURAL EYES Eyeliner is Special


Find Clean Beauty Skincare options featuring Bakuchiol like Caley Cosmetics Tropical Melt

References

  1. Dhaliwal, S.; Rybak, I.; Ellis, S.R.; Notay, M.; Trivedi, M.; Burney, W.; Vaughn, A.R.; Nguyen, M.; Reiter, P. (February 2019). “Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing”
  2. British Journal of Dermatology. 180 (2): 289=296. doi:10.1111/bjd.16918. ISSN 0007-0963. PMID 29947134.
  3. Chaudhuri RK, Bojanowski K. Bakuchiol: a retinol-like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti-aging effects. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2014 Jun;36(3):221-30. doi: 10.1111/ics.12117. Epub 2014 Mar 6. PMID: 24471735.
  4. Ohno O, Watabe T, Nakamura K, Kawagoshi M, Uotsu N, Chiba T, Yamada M, Yamaguchi K, Yamada K, Miyamoto K, Uemura D. Inhibitory effects of bakuchiol, bavachin, and isobavachalcone isolated from Piper longum on melanin production in B16 mouse melanoma cells. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2010;74(7):1504-6. doi: 10.1271/bbb.100221. Epub 2010 Jul 7. PMID: 20622433.
  5. Dhaliwal, S.; Prospective, British Journal of Dermatology, 2019
  6. Ibid
  7. Chaudhuri, Bakuchiol, Int J Cosmet Sci. 2014

ABOUT THIS POST

These Caley Cosmetics and Morganna’s Alchemy products were both originally submitted to Style Chicks for consideration purposes. All opinions and experiences are 100% our own. See details in the original product reviews. All Ingredient Guide research is our own. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions for this Ingredient Guide, please contact us. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Find Clean Beauty Skincare options featuring Bakuchiol like Caley Cosmetics Tropical Melt[/caption]

How Aloe Vera Can Make Your Skin’s Collagen Better

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We all know Aloe Vera can soothe a sunburn or help heal a scraped knee. But exciting research now explains how this well-known wound healer can improve the appearance of skin, namely by ramping up Collagen type III production, enhancing elastin, and restoring moisture to dry, hardened skin.

About Aloe Vera Gel

Did your Grandma keep an Aloe Vera plant in her kitchen? This folklore remedy has been used for a variety of skin conditions ranging from bug bites to sun burn. But this humble plant boasts big beauty benefits.

Aloe Vera gel contains over 75 nutrients to feed the skin. Two important nutrients for younger looking skin are Glucomannan and Amino Acids.

Glucomannan is a big part of why Aloe gel is such a great healer. It is also why Aloe can produce younger looking skin.

THE RESEARCH: Collagen Production and Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera contributes to collagen regeneration which is helpful in wound healing.

Topical Aloe Vera gel application causes its’ Glucomannan to interact with skin fibroblasts. That significantly increases collagen synthesis. [1]

But here is the best part:

Studies show aloe gel not only increased the collagen in a wound, but changed the collagen composition to increased collagen type III.

Collagen type III is also known as “baby collagen”. Baby collagen is the best kind of collagen for youthful skin. We lose Collagen type III with age.

Studies also show topical Aloe gel application increased the degree of collagen cross linking. This contracts the skin. Another benefit is it also increases hyaluronic acid synthesis. [2]

What does that mean?

  • Aloe Vera gel on a wound causes optimal scar tissue healing (smaller, tighter, smoother scars)[3]
  • Aloe Vera gel on skin can increase collagen III and hyaluronic acid – two sources of youthful skin

I am SO slathering my face and throat with Aloe gel now.

Moisturizing and anti-aging Benefits

Mucopolysaccharides help in binding moisture into the skin.

Aloe stimulates fibroblast also stimulates elastin fibers. Elastin gives skin its springy bounce back. The more elastic the skin is, the less wrinkled.

It also has cohesive effects on the superficial flaking epidermal cells by sticking them together, which softens the skin.

Aloe Vera, also known as Aloe barbadensis miller, contains ample Amino acids. These amino acids soften hardened skin cells.

One study found wearing aloe vera gel gloves “improved the skin integrity, decreases appearance of fine wrinkle and decreases erythema”. [4]

Summary of How Aloe Vera Can Make Your Skin’s Collagen Better

Topical Aloe Vera gel application can stimulate key younger skin components which we lose with age: collagen type III, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. The Amino acids in Aloe gel can soften hardened skin and improve chronically dry skin, along with decreasing fine wrinkle appearance.

Was this Ingredient Overview helpful? Then you may like other Ingredients Overviews such as:

Find more natural ingredients in the Style Chicks Defining Beauty Glossary. The Defining Beauty Glossary contains many helpful hair and skin care ingredients.

Want to know more about natural ingredients that support Collagen type III production? Read about Shisiedo’s Groundbreaking study in this article.

Thinking about jumping starting your collagen enhancement with an at-home skin device?

You may enjoy reading our interview with ENDYMED, the makers of the FDA-approved NEWA device in our article entitled “ENDYMED ANSWERS QUESTIONS ABOUT NEWA AT-HOME SKIN-TIGHTENING”

References

  1. Chithra R Sajithlal GB, Chandrakasan G. Influence of aloe vera on collagen characteristics in healing dermal wounds in rats. Mol Cell Biochem. 1998;181:71–6.
  2. Heggers J, Kucukcelebi A, Listengarten D, Stabenau J, Ko F, Broemeling LD, et al. Beneficial effect of aloe on wound healing in an excisional wound model. J Altern Complement Med. 1996;2:271–7.
  3. Chithra P, Sajithlal G, Chandrakasan G. Influence of aloe vera on the glycosaminoglycans in the matrix of healing dermal wounds in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 1998;59:179–86.
  4. West DP, Zhu YF. Evaluation of aloe vera gel gloves in the treatment of dry skin associated with occupational exposure. Am J Infect Control. 2003 Feb;31(1):40-2. doi: 10.1067/mic.2003.12.

Why We Love the NIRA Precision Laser Device

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REVIEW of the NIRA Precision Laser Device.

Meet the NIRA Precision Laser Device for at-home skincare anti-aging.

This device is FDA-approved for at-home use. It is a non-fractional laser device that tightens skin in only 2 minutes a day.

We explore the patent to understand the technology behind this innovative hand-held laser and how it builds skin collagen. And we tested the NIRA Precision.

Read our experience and what we learned about NIRA!

Meet NIRA: an FDA approved skin care device for at-home use
Meet NIRA: an FDA approved skin care device for at-home use

This is part one of a two part series on the NIRA Skincare Precision Laser. For how to use NIRA, see part two of this series:  How to Use the Nira Precision Skincare Laser

What to Know About Collagen + Devices

Collagen keeps the scaffolding of your face in place. We lose collagen as we age. This results in sagging, wrinkles, fine lines, and poor skin texture. If you are reading this, you likely want to rebuild collagen.
There are several methods.

But the body needs roughly 12 weeks to build collagen, regardless of the treatment method:

  • topical
  • device based
  • in-office procedure
  • some combination of the above

While there is some immediate improvements to be seen with each approach, there is no “get collagen quick” scheme to be had.

No matter what method you choose, you’ll wait 12 weeks to start to see meaningful restored collagen results.

What is the Nira Precision Laser Device?

This handheld dermatological device stimulates natural collagen production for younger looking skin and works in the small tricky crevice areas like around:

  • the brow bone
  • crow’s feet
  • mouth
  • eleven lines
  • it is particularly effective on forehead wrinkles

What the NIRA Precision Laser Device Does

This lightweight device offers a collagen building method without the risks associated with in-office fractional laser skin resurfacing.

And it is far less painful. No risks or downtime. 

The change is slow and subtle but certainly notable.

The NIRA device is an ergonomically shaped tool that is lightweight and fits in your hand.
The NIRA Precision laser device is an ergonomically shaped tool that is lightweight and fits in your hand

About The NIRA Device Technology

The patent explains the process of building collagen quite clearly:

BACKSTORY OF FRACTIONAL LASERS

Traditional fractional lasers seen in dermatological offices heat and destroy skin tissue, specifically deteriorated collagen in the dermal layer of the skin.

The hope is once the old collagen is gone, new healthier collagen will fill it’s place.

This approach is often successful.

Are there any risks to fractional lasers?

Yes. Some things can go wrong. These include:

scarring

infection

discoloration

poor healing

less collagen than desired

And the process is painful.

Why We Love the NIRA Precision Laser Device

NIRA is a non-fractional laser.

The goal is to heat shock the skin enough to stimulate collagen in the dermal layer, but not enough heat to destroy existing collagen.

The NIRA gets a controlled heat shock by combining “an optical energy source that emits optimum wavelengths, an energy dosage, and/or a thermal boost under controlled conditions“. [1] 

These heat shocks produce “heat shock proteins” (HSPs). HSPs stimulate collagen synthesis. Some HSPs are also involved in preventing the kind of cell death seen in skin aging.

To avoid any of the risks associated with traditional fractional lasers:

  • there is a safety sensor to keep the heat controlled.
  • A timer keeps the heat shock energy burst to a short, non-damaging time limit.
  • This makes it safe enough for repeated, non-damaging heat shocks.

What the NIRA Bundle Contains

Here is what came in my bundle:

NIRA comes with the device and a Hyaluronic Acid serum
it comes with the device and a Hyaluronic Acid serum

The Treatment Head

The treatment head makes direct contact with the skin to be treated.

Because the head is small (about the size of a pencil head eraser) the treatment can be very targeted to thin skin areas you otherwise would not aim a fractional (damaging) laser.

This includes eyebrows, nostrils, and lips.

Closeup of the treatment head
Close up of the treatment head
The device is lightweight and fits neatly in your hand for easy at home treatment
NIRA Skincare Laser fits neatly in your hand for easy at home treatment
NIRA Precision Skincare Laser

The Nira Precision Laser Device Experience

With a treatment head about the size of a pencil eraser, we find this device can target tiny, hard to reach spots.
This is especially good around the eyes, lips and nose.

Want to know about the experience? Read part two of this series: How to Use the Nira Precision Skincare Laser Device


Where to Find the NIRA Precision Laser Device

Find it at niraskin.com

NIRA Skincare Laser Bundle
The Skincare Laser Bundle

Did you enjoy this article? Then you may also enjoy other skincare related content such as building collagen with natural ingredients such as Vitamin C, Watercress, and Copper.

REFERENCES

  1. Dunleavy, Krylov, Dermal Photonics Corp 2014-JUN-18 Systems and methods for treating dermatological imperfections, US, US10695582B2
    https://patents.google.com/patent/US10695582B2/en?oq=10695582
Nira Precision
             Nira Precision

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?

Have any comments or questions? 

The Style Chicks are here to answer them.

Leave a comment below or Email Us

ABOUT THIS POST

The Skincare Laser was submitted to Style Chicks for consideration purposes. All opinions and experiences are 100% our own.

Stainky’s Purifying Bar Soap Why It is Special

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For many of us, clean beauty often extends to all the products we use on our skin – face and body.  Yet natural deodorants are often underwhelming.  Stainky’s provides a natural way to enhance the efficacy of your natural deodorant by improving the biome (pH) of the armpit skin. 

Part of this range is the Stainky’s Purifying Bar Soap which contains Peppermint, charcoal and salt along with other soothing ingredients to deliver a superior, natural cleanse. We investigated the ingredients and tried it for ourselves. Take a look and see what we found!

Why You Will Love Stainky’s Purifying Bar Soap
Stainky's Peppermint + Charcoal + Salt Purifying Bar Soap

What is Stainky’s Purifying Bar Soap

Stainkys’ line a line of natural products which address the source of odor naturally. It also makes for healthier and more attractive armpit skin, lightening discoloration and removing rough, dry skin texture.   

Use this soap before applying their Pit Prep. Pit Prep adjusts armpit pH to eliminate the source of body odor. 

Why It Is Special

When combined with their signature “Pit Prep” spray, this soap is like a power level up that enables your natural deodorant to work its’ best.  It’s combination of ingredients cleanses without causing skin irritation because of glycerin-retaining, soothing ingredients. 

Serious skincare with a spa like, minty scent

Key Ingredients

Activated Charcoal Powder

A form of charcoal carbon, in powder form. While not abrasive or directly drying, activated charcoal is highly absorbent.

Activated charcoal draws bacteria havens such as sweat, dry skin flakes, and debris out of the skin.

 

Charcoal
Coconut

Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil is moisturizing. It is also anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.
Coconut Oil penetrates deeper than other oils. It exfoliates dry flaky skin and reveals smooth skin.

Black Salt

Black salt is a dark brown-pink to purple volcanic rock salt from the Himalayan region. Rich in mineral content, it gently exfoliates and purifies, removing excess oil and dead skin debris.

 

 

 

Safflower Oil

Safflower Oil is high in Omegas 3, 6 and 9. It hydrates dry skin, soothes irritation and enhances skin texture and appearance. It tightens and brightens the skin.

 

Organic Shea Butter

Shea Butter comes from the Shea Nut.

Shea Butter treats dark scars. Shea can feed the skin and overhaul the skin texture, even on deep burns.

 

 

Sunflower Oil

 
Sunflower Oil is hydrating, nourishing, and an excellent supporting oil base.
 
It retains moisture in the skin and is also rich in vitamin E.

Rosemary Oil & Extract

Rosemary Extract combats dry skin. It naturally protects skin from free radicals. It also has natural antiseptic properties and is a gentle exfoliant for dead skin flakes.

Rosemary is soothing and helps reduce puffiness and lightens dark spots. It is stimulating and promotes better blood circulation to deliver the nutrients necessary to build collagen, elastin and to encourage scar repair.

It also adds a lovely and invigorating scent to lend a spa-like vibe to armpit skin maintainence.

Peppermint

Peppermint has both cooling and anesthetic properties to quell skin irritation. It also soothes rough & dry skin. And it has a crisp, clean scent.
A combination of charcoal and salt to cleanse, plus rosemary and peppermint

The Experience

This gives an exceptionally clean feel and scent to the skin without being harsh. 

Despite the robust cleansing ingredients, it doesn’t sting or irritate the skin. It exfoliates dry skin and debris, where bacteria tends to hide.  Even with regularly use, there is no stinging or irritation to the skin. Skin is smoother, with less of a bumpy, rough surface. Dry skin flakes are whisked away to keep skin in optimal, clean shape.

There is a fresh mint and rosemary scent, but it is not overwhelming. 

The glycerin rich ingredients lend towards this being a “moist” bar that will not fully dry between uses. I keep my soap on a soap dish to allow it to dry out after each use. 

 

 

This soap combines charcoal, salt and peppermint for a fresh scent and clean skin!

The Results

After two weeks of regular use, I really am impressed with the results! I have experienced no irritation from the soap or when applying my deodorant after. 

While the soap can be used alone, the best benefits come from pairing this soap with Pit Prep. 

Stayed tuned for our experiences with Stainky’s Pit Prep in an upcoming review. 

 

 

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?

Have any questions or comments? 

Email us or comment below and we will do our best to answer them!

ABOUT THIS POST

 

 

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