In Praise Of … Paula’s Choice 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment
Anyone who knows anything about skin will tell you that retinol should be in every grown up’s skincare regime. And I get it. It is a superhero ingredient that does amazing things to your face; smooths out lines, retextures skin, brightens, helps with hyperpigmentation… the whole shebang. So I get it. But my goodness, some of the formulas out there are brutal. They sit firmly in the no pain no gain category, lots of dryness, peeling, shedding. Yes a lot of this comes down to how well your skin tolerates retinol and how you are exactly using it - a good percentage of people misuse retinol but that’s a story for another day) Still, it’s a lot to deal with and I personally don’t have the energy for it. Which is where Bakuchiol comes in. I remember a few years back when I initially came across the word, I thought it was a new superfood being lauded by the wellness movement and I rolled my eyes. But no. It’s actually a brilliant antioxidant that does similar things to retinol but much gentler. Which is great. But there's a demanding lot like me who still want the power of a good retinol without shedding like a snake and would like some extra's with that thank you very much. And Paula’s Choice heard our cry. This treatment has combined the two ingredients - along with collagen boosting peptides - and the result is epic. It does all the good things you expect from a decent retinol - reduces the visibility of fine lines , evens out skin tone, restores firmness etc but this is next level. By adding bakuchiol the retinol becomes even more effective - it makes it work harder and longer - and because bakuchiol is also soothing, you get the all benefits of retinol without the irritation and sensitivity. Essentially it's everything you wanted in a retinol but never knew was possible. Well, now it is.