Why You Need Vitamin C and Retinol in Your Anti-Aging RoutineAugust 31, 2022 Show
To reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of aging, vitamin C and retinol are two key ingredients to keep in your arsenal. Vitamin C is known for its brightening benefits, while retinol boosts cell turnover. Using both ingredients in your skincare routine can help you achieve a radiant, youthful complexion. To learn how to safely incorporate them, follow our guide below. Benefits of Vitamin CL-ascorbic acid, or pure vitamin C, is a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals. Triggered by various environmental factors such as pollution, smoke and UV rays, free radicals can break down your skin’s collagen and cause visible signs of aging to form — this can include wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, dry patches and more. In fact, vitamin C is the only antioxidant proven to stimulate the synthesis of collagen and minimize fine lines and wrinkles, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It also helps address hyperpigmentation and dark spots, and with continued application results in a brighter complexion. Benefits of RetinolRetinol is considered the gold standard of anti-aging ingredients. A derivative of vitamin A, retinol naturally occurs in the skin and is proven to improve the look of fine lines, wrinkles, skin texture, tone and even acne. Unfortunately, your naturally-occurring stores of retinol deplete over time. “By replenishing the skin with vitamin A, lines can be minimized, as it helps build collagen and elastin,” says Dr. Dendy Engelman, board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com expert. Because retinol is quite powerful, most experts recommend starting with a low concentration of the ingredient and minimal frequency of use to help build up your skin’s tolerance to it. Start by using retinol once or twice a week at night, and gradually increase the frequency as needed to every other night, or every night as tolerated. How to Use Vitamin C and Retinol in Your RoutineFirst, you’ll need to select your products. For vitamin C, dermatologists suggest opting for a high-quality serum with stabilized concentrations of the ingredient. The serum should also come in a dark bottle, as vitamin C can become less effective with exposure to light. One of our current favorites is the Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum, which contains 15% pure vitamin C, as well as hyaluronic acid that work together to brighten and hydrate the skin. We also love the Herbivore Nova 15% Vitamin C + Turmeric Brightening Serum.
When it comes to selecting a retinol, you have a few options. Prescription retinoids — like retinoic acid or tretinoin — are stronger, while over-the-counter retinoids — like retinol or retinyl palmitate — are usually more mild. Both, however, are effective, so choose one that suits your needs and that your dermatologist recommends. If you’re looking for a splurge-worthy pick, reach for the Kiehl’s Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Peptides and Ceramides. We also recommend the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Night Serum with 0.3% Pure Retinol for a more affordable option.
Vitamin C serums are typically recommended for morning use with sunscreen when it's UV ray- and free radical-fighting benefits can be most effective. Retinol, on the other hand, is an ingredient that should be applied at night, as it can cause skin sensitivity to sunlight. That being said, pairing the two together can be beneficial. “Cocktailing these two ingredients together does make sense,” says Dr. Engelman. In fact, vitamin C can help stabilize retinol and allow it to work more effectively against your aging skin concerns. However, because retinol and vitamin C are both potent, we recommend combining the two only after your skin is used to them and always with sunscreen. If you have sensitive skin or experience irritation after application, stagger use of the ingredients. Photo: Chaunte Vaughn Read more Can I use vitamin C serum and retinol serum together?Engelman and Dr. Mraz Robinson say yes, retinol and vitamin C should both absolutely be a part of your skincare routine. Having retinol and vitamin C in your skincare regimen is a great idea since both are powerful anti-agers that address skin appearance as well as skin health.
What happens if you use vitamin C and retinol together?Additionally, combining vitamin C and retinol in your skin care routine improves the skin barrier, protecting the skin from the harmful environmental factors that cause skin damage and premature skin aging. Consistent and proper use of Retinol and vitamin C can benefit your skin by: Brightening skin. Evening skin tone.
Do you put vitamin C on before or after retinol?PUT SOME TIME BETWEEN INGREDIENT APPLICATIONS
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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