Hello Beautiful!

If you've been following along on our skincare journey together, you'll know I'm absolutely passionate about natural ingredients that actually work. And today, I want to share something rather special with you – bakuchiol.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: "Another skincare ingredient to learn about?" But trust me, this one's worth your attention, especially if you've got mature skin like many of us in our gorgeous Skin Elixir community.

What Exactly is Bakuchiol?

Think of bakuchiol as nature's answer to retinol. It's a plant-based ingredient that delivers those coveted anti-ageing benefits we all want – reduced fine lines, firmer skin, more even tone – but without any of the irritation, redness, or sun sensitivity that retinol can bring.

For those of us with mature skin that's become a bit more delicate over the years (hello, menopause!), this is rather wonderful news.

Why I Love Bakuchiol for Mature Skin

Let me share what makes bakuchiol so brilliant:

• It gently reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• Improves skin firmness and elasticity (yes, please!)
• Evens out skin tone and fades age spots
• Boosts your skin's natural collagen production
• Gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin
• You can use it during the day without worrying about sun sensitivity
• Works beautifully year-round

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Bakuchiol

Now, let's talk about how to actually incorporate this lovely ingredient into your daily routine. I've made this as simple as possible because, honestly, skincare shouldn't be complicated.

Your Morning Ritual

Step 1: Cleanse with Love
Start your day with a gentle cleanse. I absolutely adore using our Organic Frankincense & May Chang Moisturiser as a hot cloth cleanser – it's like giving your skin a warm hug first thing in the morning whilst removing any overnight oils.

Step 2: Apply Your Bakuchiol Day Oil
Here's where the magic happens. While your skin is still slightly damp (this is key!), warm 2-3 drops of our Super Natural Oil With 2% Bakuchiol between your palms. Gently press it into your face, neck, and décolletage using upward motions. Take a moment to breathe in the natural aroma – this is your self-care moment.

Step 3: Show Your Eyes Some Love
Our eye area is often the first place to show our beautiful life experiences (also known as fine lines!). Pat a small amount of our All Around Eyes Elixir with 4% Bakuchiol around the orbital bone. The higher concentration here is intentional – it targets those delicate lines where we need it most.

Step 4: Seal in the Goodness (if needed)
If your skin is feeling particularly thirsty, layer your Frankincense & May Chang Moisturiser over the oil. This creates a beautiful moisture sandwich that keeps your skin plump and hydrated all day.

Step 5: Protect Your Investment
Always finish with SPF. Even though bakuchiol doesn't cause sun sensitivity like retinol does, our mature skin still deserves protection from UV damage. I won't be launching my formula until next year but you could try something like Shade if you want a simply but effective mineral sunscreen.

Your Evening Wind-Down

Step 1: The Double Cleanse
First, use your moisturiser as a luxurious hot cloth cleanser to melt away the day – makeup, pollution, stress, all of it. If you've worn heavy makeup, a gentle second cleanse ensures everything's truly gone.

Step 2: Eye Care First
Apply your All Around Eyes Elixir with 4% Bakuchiol while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps it absorb beautifully.

Step 3: Night-time Nourishment
Now layer on your Magnificent Night Oil or Intensive Night Cream. Your skin has had bakuchiol working during the day, and now it can focus on overnight repair and regeneration whilst you sleep.

Step 4: Don't Stop at Your Jawline
Our necks and décolletage tell our age story too! Extend all your products down to your chest – this area deserves just as much love and attention.

How to Introduce Bakuchiol (Especially If You're New)

I always say: listen to your skin. Here's how I recommend starting:

Weeks 1-2: Use your bakuchiol products once daily, preferably in the morning. Let your skin get acquainted with this new friend.

Weeks 3-4: If your skin is happy (no redness, no irritation), increase to twice daily.

Ongoing: Most of you will find you can use bakuchiol morning and evening without any fuss. It's wonderfully gentle that way.

My Top Tips for Beautiful Results

1. Consistency is Your Best Friend
Bakuchiol isn't a quick fix – it's a long-term relationship with your skin. Expect to see lovely results after 4-8 weeks of regular use. Patience, beautiful!

2. The Damp Skin Secret
Always apply bakuchiol oils to slightly damp skin. This helps them absorb more deeply and work more effectively. It's a game-changer!

3. Hydration is Everything
Mature skin needs moisture like plants need water. Bakuchiol works its best magic when your skin is well-hydrated, so don't skip that moisturiser.

4. Concentration Matters
We've formulated our products thoughtfully: 2% bakuchiol is perfect for your face, whilst 4% is ideal for targeted areas like around the eyes where the skin is a bit thicker and can handle more.

5. Store with Care
Keep your bakuchiol products away from direct sunlight and heat. Treat them like the precious elixirs they are!

6. Massage Mindfully
Use gentle upward and outward motions when applying. This isn't just about the product – you're also boosting circulation and supporting your skin's natural firmness.

What to Expect on Your Bakuchiol Journey

I love setting realistic expectations, so here's what you might notice:

Weeks 1-2: Your skin texture improves, feels softer, more hydrated. You might notice a subtle glow.

Weeks 4-6: Fine lines start to soften, your complexion looks more radiant. This is when people might start asking, "What are you doing differently?"

Weeks 8-12: Visible improvement in firmness, elasticity, and overall skin tone. Your skin just looks... healthier. More alive.

Playing Well with Others

Here's something brilliant about bakuchiol – unlike retinol, it's not temperamental! It works beautifully alongside:

• Vitamin C (for extra brightening)
• Hyaluronic acid (for that plump, hydrated look)
• Niacinamide (for refined pores)
• Other antioxidants (the more protection, the better!)
• Gentle AHAs/BHAs (for a bit of exfoliation)

Is Bakuchiol Right for You?

Bakuchiol is absolutely wonderful if you:

• Have mature or ageing skin (that's most of us!)
• Find retinol too harsh or irritating
• Have sensitive or reactive skin
• Want anti-ageing benefits without the drama
• Prefer natural, plant-based skincare (my personal passion)
• Are navigating menopause and finding your skin has become more delicate

A Final Word from My Heart

Incorporating bakuchiol into your skincare routine is one of the gentlest, most effective ways to address signs of ageing naturally. But remember, beautiful – it's not just about the ingredient. It's about those moments of self-care, the ritual of looking after yourself, the act of choosing to invest in your wellbeing.

Your skin has carried you through every experience, every smile, every challenge. It deserves to be treated with kindness, patience, and the very best nature has to offer.

Start slowly, be consistent, and give your skin time to respond. The results will come, I promise. And they'll be worth the wait.

Here's to your most radiant skin yet!

Shona x

P.S. If you're ready to begin your bakuchiol journey, start with one product and build from there as your skin adjusts. Remember, beautiful skin is a marathon, not a sprint. And you're worth every step of the journey.