What goes first retinol or serum?

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.
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Do I need to use serum after retinol?

To help your retinoid work better, some dermatologists recommend applying it directly after cleansing before any other treatment serum or moisturizer.
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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.
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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.
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How should I use retinol with my serums?

Apply retinol in a thin layer to your entire face (be careful not to get it in your mouth, nose and eyes). You should use a dose that's about the size of a pea. For the first couple weeks of treatment, apply retinol only every other day. Finish with a facial moisturizer that won't clog your pores (non-comedogenic).
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How To Apply Retinol To Achieve The Best Results



Can you put serum on top of retinol?

Retinoids and serums can be used together, especially if the serum is soothing or hydrating. Be careful using very aggressive face oil serums with retinoids.
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What not to pair 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.
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What order should I put my face products on?

Be sure to always start with a clean face.
  1. Step 1: Cleanser. After removing all your makeup, cleanse your face with an oil-based or water-based cleanser—or both if you're doing a double cleanse! ...
  2. Step 2: Toner. ...
  3. Step 3: Serum. ...
  4. Step 4: Spot Treatment. ...
  5. Step 5: Eye Cream. ...
  6. Step 6: Moisturizer. ...
  7. Step 7: Face Oil.
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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.
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Does retinol or vitamin C serum go 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.
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What serum to use with retinol?

You can use retinol with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Retinol tends to cause dryness and irritation, while hyaluronic acid and niacinamide hydrate the skin and maintain your skin's function as a protective barrier. Do not combine retinol with AHAs, BHAs, or Vitamin C.
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How long after retinol can I apply serum?

Retinol (leave to absorb for 10-20 minutes)

“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.
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What are the 7 steps of skin care?

Your Daytime Skin Care Routine: A Step-by-Step Guide
  • STEP 1: CLEANSER. ...
  • STEP 2: TONER. ...
  • STEP 3: ANTIOXIDANT SERUM. ...
  • STEP 4: EYE CREAM. ...
  • STEP 5: SPOT TREATMENT. ...
  • STEP 6: MOISTURIZER. ...
  • Step 7: SUNSCREEN.
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What do I put on before and after retinol?

Begin with applying retinol at night

Owing to its potency, retinol products can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Hence, always apply it at night. “In the morning, make sure you follow up your skincare routine with a face wash, vitamin C serum, under eye cream, moisturiser and then a sunscreen,” advises Dr.
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How long after retinol to apply hyaluronic acid?

Should I use Hyaluronic Acid before or after Retinol? You should use hyaluronic acid after retinol. And to maximise the benefits, you should use retinol first and then wait at least 30 minutes before applying hyaluronic acid.
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What order should I layer my serums?

For maximum absorption, serums should be applied to freshly cleansed skin. Apply the thinnest facial serum first, or, if serums are the same consistency, start by addressing your primary skin concern. Massage a few drops into the skin, then wait until absorbed before applying your secondary serum.
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Do you put retinol before or after hyaluronic acid?

No matter which form you choose to incorporate your hyaluronic acid, it should be close to the final step in your routine. If you are using it in serum form, you'll apply it immediately after your retinol. If it is part of your moisturizer, it will be your last step.
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What comes after serum?

In most cases, it makes sense to apply serum before moisturizer. This is because serum is usually more lightweight, whereas moisturizer tends to be thicker. Applying serum first can also give the skin more opportunity to absorb the active ingredients. In many skin care routines, moisturizer is the last step.
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Is it OK to use vitamin C and retinol 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.
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What serums don t go together?

Here are scenarios where extra caution is in order:
  • Retinoid or Retinol and Alpha Hydroxy Acid. ...
  • Retinoid or Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide. ...
  • Retinoid or Retinol and Vitamin C. ...
  • Retinoid or Retinol and Salicylic Acid. ...
  • Soap-Based Cleanser and Vitamin C. ...
  • Two Products With the Same Actives.
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Can you put anything over retinol?

The best product you can use in conjunction with retinol, according to Dr. Zeichner, is a moisturizer, which can help hydrate skin and reduce the risk of irritation from retinol. “Some people even prefer to mix their retinol with a moisturizing cream to dilute it out,” he says.
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Which is better serum or retinol?

Serums are lighter, less congesting and easier to absorb, so they are typically best for those with oily or acne-prone skin, says Dr. Turner. On the other hand, dry skin types can benefit more from using retinol creams “for extra hydration and slower delivery of the active ingredients,” Dr.
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What are the 5 steps in a skincare routine?

Simple-Skincare-Routine
  • Step 1: Cleanse. During the day, your skin goes through a lot. ...
  • Step 2: Exfoliate. ...
  • Step 3: Hydrate. ...
  • Step 4a:Treat. ...
  • Step 4b: Moisturize. ...
  • Step 5: Protect.
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