Should I apply vitamin C or retinol first?

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.

What should I use first retinol or vitamin C?

First, vitamin C works to help improve the look of dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. Then, retinol steps in to help improve skin's elasticity.

Is it OK to use retinol and vitamin C together?

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 order is vitamin C and retinol?

However, since retinol makes you more sensitive to sunlight and vitamin C is best worn during the day, it's best to keep these two separate by applying vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night.

How do you use vitamin C and retinol in a routine?

In general, vitamin C is best used in the morning and retinol is best used at night. In the morning, apply your vitamin C serum to clean, dry skin and follow with a face moisturizer for your skin type and sunscreen with SPF 30 or more. If you're using a face moisturizer with vitamin C, then just SPF on top is fine.

How to use Vitamin A and Vitamin C together

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.

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 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.

What order do you put retinol on?

Retinol should be applied to dry skin at night-time: Retinols should always be applied to dry skin as part of your night-time routine. This should always be the first product you apply after cleansing and toning. Always double cleanse at night if you've worn SPF/makeup in the day: This is non-negotiable.

What should you not use before retinol?

"It is best to avoid other drying agents when using retinoids such as toners, astringents, and medicated cleansers. These products cause further irritation," mentioned Dr. Lipner. Instead, consider piling on rich, creamy moisturizers to counteract any dryness that may occur.

Can I use vitamin C and retinol together at night?

Main Takeaways: Retinol and vitamin C can be easily and effectively used together, as long as they're not used at the same time. Good to Know: By allowing plenty of time between the application of retinol and vitamin C, even those with sensitive skin can avoid irritation.

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.

What not to combine 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 do I layer on top of retinol?

Does retinol go on before or after moisturizer?

To apply a serum with retinol correctly, smooth it onto clean skin after you cleanse and before your moisturizer. Your serum will have a thinner consistency than your moisturizer, which is what determines the application order.

Can you apply moisturizer immediately after retinol?

After applying your retinol product, it's best to wait roughly 10 minutes before moving on to the next step in your routine. When you apply a moisturizer directly after a treatment product like retinol, you dilute the active ingredients.

Should you put anything over retinol?

After applying retinol to your skin (while it's dry) allow it to sit for 10-20 minutes. Mist your face with water or a facial spray, and then apply your hyaluronic acid. (HA serums are most effective when they're applied to damp skin.)

At what age should you not use retinol?

There are no set rules on how old you should be to use retinol. For anti-aging purposes, you can start preventatively in your 20s. While over-the-counter retinol can help mild acne, many people with breakouts will need a prescription.

Can I use retinol under my eyes?

Should you use retinol under your eyes? Yes, definitely. While it is true that retinol – a form of vitamin A – is a powerful ingredient and the skin under your eyes is delicate, there's no reason why you should miss out on the amazing benefits of retinol.

Should you moisturize after retinol?

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

What can you layer over 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.

What serums don t go together?