Why shouldn t you mix vitamin C and retinol?

Oils create a skin barrier, blocking the absorption of water-based products. Adding vitamin C (water-soluble) to retinol (oil-soluble) results in the non-absorption of vitamin C, thus no skin benefits. So, you see how mixing the two is a waste of skincare products, money, and time.

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.

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.

Should I use retinol or vitamin C 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 you not mix 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 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.

What not to use with vitamin C?

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.

What does vitamin C react badly with?

Possible interactions include: Aluminum. Taking vitamin C can increase your absorption of aluminum from medications containing aluminum, such as phosphate binders. This can be harmful for people with kidney problems.

When should vitamin C be avoided?

People with hemochromatosis, an inherited condition where too much iron builds up in the body, should not take vitamin C supplements. Vitamin C is generally considered safe because your body gets rid of what it does not use. But at high doses (more than 2,000 mg daily) it can cause diarrhea, gas, or stomach upset.

What should you pair vitamin C with?

Vitamin C works best in combination with vitamin E, ferulic Acid, vitamin B, and hyaluronic acid.

What ingredient cancels out retinol?

Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide

The ingredients can cancel the positive effects of each other out and leave skin extremely dry and irritated.

When should I stop using retinol?

Discontinue use if you have negative side effects after a few weeks of use and contact your physician to help reassess your skin type and find a solution that will protect your skin barrier . Consider using moisturizing and soothing topical skin care products with retinol to counteract its negative side effects.

Can I mix vitamin C and niacinamide?

Yes, you can combine niacinamide and Vitamin C to create a synergistic pairing that provides brightening, anti-aging, and protective benefits for skin.

What can easily destroy vitamin C?

Vitamin C can be destroyed by heat and light. High-heat cooking temperatures or prolonged cook times can break down the vitamin. Because it is water-soluble, the vitamin can also seep into cooking liquid and be lost if the liquids are not eaten.