Why should you not mix retinol and vitamin C?

“Vitamin C is a tough ingredient to formulate with because it's most effective in an acidic pH environment. Retinol works in a higher (more alkaline) pH. If using them together, they won't work optimally,” says Sikora.

What happens if you mix retinol and vitamin C?

Retinol stabilizes when combined with vitamin C, increasing its effectiveness. Vitamin C and Retinol form a protective barrier over the skin that fights skin damage and aging. This barrier does not mean you can layer the two, one on top of the other, because irritation and sensitivity may occur.

Can I pair vitamin C with retinol?

The truth: You can use vitamin C with retinol and retinoids. Get them as separate products so you can tailor the concentration of each and use them at the right time of day. Although vitamin C can be used day or night, it is ideal for daytime use, while retinol and retinoids should be applied at night.

What goes first retinol or 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.

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.

Skin care ingredients NOT TO MIX| Dr Dray

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.

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.

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.

Is vitamin C or retinol better for wrinkles?

While vitamin C is most notable for helping to brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, retinol is typically considered best-in-class for wrinkles and fine lines. And if you really want to give your skin a one-two punch to get noticeably healthier, you can certainly try incorporating both into your routine.

What is best to combine with retinol?

The best thing to combine with a retinol is a moisturiser because it hydrates the skin while reducing the risk of irritation,” explains Dr. Mittal Gupta.

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.

Do and don'ts with retinol?

Use Retinol Only at Night and Wear SPF Every Day

"Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to UV rays and sunlight decreases the efficacy of the product," explains Bowe, who instructs patients to only use retinoids at night and be diligent about applying a daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher during the day.

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 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.

How do you know if retinol is working?

Retinol works for acne by preventing clogged pores. You may still see pimples for the first couple of months of treatment – your skin might even look worse (this is sometimes referred to as the retinol purge). But if you stick with it, you'll see clearer skin.

Do you need to wash retinol off in the morning?

If you used products with potent actives at a high percentage such as retinols or strong acids on your skin overnight, as a precaution, cleanse your face in the morning.

Do you put serums on before or after retinol?

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.

Why do my wrinkles look worse after retinol?

First, the answer is yes, retinol can make wrinkles worse, especially when you first start using it. What is happening is a drying effect, and one can get epidermal sliding from separation from the dermis.

What to pair with retinol at night?

Mix With Peptides

Mariwalla says it's a great idea to use both a retinoid- and peptide-based night cream at bedtime. "You get the collagen-building effects of the retinoid, but it also works to improve the penetration of the peptide cream, which can help improve skin's firmness," she explains.

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.

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.

Why you should stop using retinol?

“If you're overusing your retinol, or if you're using a retinol that's too strong for you, it can lead to peeling, irritation, and excessive dryness, which may have led to retinol's association with skin thinning,” she says.

Should you use retinol around 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 use vitamin C every night?

Nearly across the board, dermatologists recommend incorporating vitamin C serum into your morning routine (as opposed to using it at night). The reason for this recommendation relates to its ability to protect the skin.