What order is vitamin C and retinol?

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.

Can I 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.

Why shouldn t you mix vitamin C and retinol?

Retinol shouldn't be used with Vitamin C either, because they're both active ingredients. Retinol helps build collagen but it also creates skin cell turnover, so using it with an acid like Vitamin C can cause more irritation. Instead, use retinol at night and Vitamin C during the day.

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 to use Vitamin A and Vitamin C together

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.

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.

Does retinol go first or 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.

Do you put retinol first or moisturizer?

To use retinol before a moisturizer, wash the face and when completely dry, apply a pea-size amount of retinol. Retinol should not be used on damp skin because the skin will absorb more than required and cause irritation. Finish with a moisturizer to hydrate the skin and reduce the risk of irritation.

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.

What order should I take retinol vitamin C and hyaluronic acid?

In the morning, after applying your vitamin C serum, follow it with a layer of hydrating hyaluronic acid. In your nightly routine, apply hyaluronic acid serum before retinol, as it can increase its effectiveness while also helping to lock moisture in for maximum hydration.

What to pair 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 not to use 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 are the 7 steps of skin care?

Can I use retinol at night and vitamin C in the morning?

So, the best way to use vitamin C and retinol together is by spacing out their application, using vitamin C in the morning and retinol in your nighttime routine. This method gives you all of the benefits without deactivating ingredients or irritating your skin.

Does retinol go on before or after moisturizer?

To use retinol before a moisturizer, wash the face and when completely dry, apply a pea-size amount of retinol. Retinol should not be used on damp skin because the skin will absorb more than required and cause irritation. Finish with a moisturizer to hydrate the skin and reduce the risk of irritation.

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 retinol at night and vitamin C in the morning?

USE EACH INGREDIENT AT SEPARATE TIMES OF THE DAY

The first option you have to combine vitamin C and retinol is to use them at separate times of the day. Specifically, it's best to use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night.

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 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.

How long should I wait after retinol to put on moisturizer?

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.

Is it OK to put moisturizer over retinol?

"Studies have shown that layering topical retinoids over moisturizers minimizes skin irritation without interfering with how well they work in the skin," says Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

Which moisturizer is best after retinol?