Do you put retinol on before vitamin C?

If you're determined to use vitamin C and retinol together in the same routine, you'll need to make sure to put enough time between them. It's also essential to apply your vitamin C first because it has the lower pH of the two ingredients.

Can you use retinol and vitamin C at the same time?

There's no problem with using both retinol and vitamin C as part of your skincare routine, dermatologists say. In fact, Shirazi calls this combo a "power couple" when it comes to aging well.

What is the best way to use retinol and vitamin C?

The vitamin C serum is best used in the morning, to prepare your skin for any contact with environmental stressors, while retinol is best used in the evening to restore your skin overnight. Together, these ingredients will give your skin the best shot at maintaining its smooth, bright and youthful appearance.

How long should I wait to apply retinol after vitamin C?

Wait 30 Minutes Between Applications Of Vitamin C & Retinol

After 30 minutes, your skin will return to its natural pH level-this is vital so that the vitamin C doesn't lower the pH of the retinol and lessen its effect.

How long should I wait between vitamin C and retinol?

“It is important to leave a 10-20 minute wait time before applying the next product. Retinols are powerful antioxidants and it is important to allow it to fully absorb if you want to avoid your skin becoming sensitive,” says Dr Liakas.

How to use Vitamin A and Vitamin C together

What not to combine with retinol?

Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out the skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol.

What cancels out retinol?

Retinoid or Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide

“Benzoyl peroxide may deactivate the retinoid molecule,” says Dr. Sikora.

What products cancel out retinol?

To be specific, you cannot mix retinol with AHAs (Glycolic Acid Toner, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid Treatment, Apple Cider Vinegar Acid Peel), BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum, C-50 Blemish Night Treatment), PHA Toner.

Should you put anything over retinol?

Regardless of your skin type or which product you use first, a layer of moisturizer should always be applied after retinoids.

What do I layer on top of retinol?

How do you layer retinol in a routine?

What not to mix with vitamin C?

What Should You Not Mix With Vitamin C? Hydroxy Acids and BHAs such as glycolic and salicylic acids, as well as those found in probiotics, should never be combined with vitamin C because it is an acid and unstable, so the pH balance will be thrown off by combining them.

What should I not use with vitamin C serum?

AHAs and BHAs, such as glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids should never be used with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an acid, too, and is unstable, so the pH balance will be thrown off by layering these ingredients together and might as well be useless.

Does retinol deactivate vitamin C?

We know retinol works well in an acidic environment and that skin's pH is naturally acidic, so from what the research has shown us, there is no problem pairing vitamin C and retinol. In fact, research has shown that combining vitamins gives the best results.

What pairs well with retinol?

Niacinamide is also widely known to help protect the skin barrier and enhance hydration, and when used together with retinol, it counteracts retinol-induced dryness. In fact, if you like layering retinol with your serums, Dr. Mokaya says it's safe to do so with niacinamide.

Why does my face look worse after retinol?

"Skin purging happens when new ingredients, like retinol, promote increased cell turnover, which causes clogging and worsening breakouts. This is particularly the case as oil and debris that is trapped deeper underneath the skin comes to the surface," explains board-certified dermatologist Michele J.

What is the best combination with retinol?

Mix With Hyaluronic Acid

Similarly, pairing a retinoid with a hydrating hyaluronic acid-based moisturizer is another good combination, according to Dr. Rabach. Retinoids are great because they can help tighten pores, decrease oil production, and get rid of dead skin.

What should you pair retinol with?

“When you combine your retinol with a moisturizer such as hyaluronic acid, you counteract the drying effect of the retinol.”

What not to mix with vitamin C?

What Should You Not Mix With Vitamin C? Hydroxy Acids and BHAs such as glycolic and salicylic acids, as well as those found in probiotics, should never be combined with vitamin C because it is an acid and unstable, so the pH balance will be thrown off by combining them.

What should I apply first before retinol?

Mix your retinol with your moisturizer, or apply your moisturizer first and then your retinol. Always use sunscreen the morning after you apply retinol. Your skin will be especially sensitive to sunlight, so it's important to protect it.

What can you layer with vitamin C?

If you're applying them together, you should apply Vitamin C first, followed by hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. Don't use it with AHAs, BHAs, and retinol at once. You can use it in low concentrations of AHA and BHA in your routine on alternate nights – Vitamin C one night and retinol the other.

Do you put retinol on before or after other serums?

Must-mention: let your hyaluronic acid serum dry before following with retinol as, if applied to damp skin, there's a higher risk of redness and dryness. Nevertheless, if your skin is already used to retinol, it is okay to apply your retinol serum first, then pat on your hyaluronic acid serum.

What step should retinol be in my routine?

Keep reading to learn the exact skin care routine steps for applying retinol, but in most skin regimens, serums will be step 3 at night, moisturizers are step 4 and retinol goes after the serum and the moisturizer.