As an alternative, kojic acid is your best bet for coupling with retinol and vitamin C for optimal brightening benefits, says board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, who is based in La Jolla, California. Using these two ingredients will cause no harm at all because, unlike retinol, niacinamide does not cause irritation or dry the skin. Vitamin C and retinol are both popular products on the skincare scene, especially when it comes to reducing dark spots and fine lines. So, yes, put it on a dark spot you want to disappear or wrinkle you want to smooth, but also put it everywhere else because it can prevent future signs of aging. Board-certified dermatologists share the seemingly dynamic duos that are actually a disaster for your skin. You can definitely use retinol and vitamin C in your skincare routine, but it's probably best not to use them at the same time if you want to avoid irritating your skin. Both dermatologists we spoke with pointed out that vitamin C products can vary a great deal in terms of quality, so it's probably best not to buy any random product you come across while scrolling through instagram. Lindsay Silberman is a luxury lifestyle blogger and the founder of Hotel Lobby Candle, a home fragrance line inspired by the scents inside five-star hotels. One or two times a week, Chan reaches for an AHA with a 10 to 20 percent concentration. Due to the strength of retinol products, its a common misconception that retinoids should not be used under the eyes. Also, giving your skin breaks from actives is incredibly important, Chan adds. Mixing ingredients without proper knowledge of each can lead to skin irritation if one combines two opposing ingredients, Marchbein states further. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Though the benefits of combining vitamin C and retinol can be marginal, simply because retinol is so effective on it's own, Minars tells us. Well, there's an explanation for that: Benzoyl peroxide cancels out the magical benefits of vitamin C by degrading, or oxidizing, it. Dr. Nassif recommends using both vitamin C and retinol daily, but at different times, with a vitamin C serum in the morning and a retinol serum at night. A Simple Guide to Niacinamide Benefits. Use the BP cleanser at night and vitamin C in the morning.. Whichever you choose to believe, most were in agreement that sunlight will decrease the efficacy of the retinoid product. You might unknowingly undo them with a popular acne-fighting ingredient, benzoyl peroxide. Yes, you can. Dr. Lortscher explains: "Depending upon how the product is formulated, benzoyl peroxide may inactivate tretinoin somewhat if they are mixed together in the same bottle. Retinol is a key anti-aging ingredient. However, it is best to contact a dermatologist or esthetician for help on how to safely use both. Dr. Schlessinger suggested that Any topical vitamin C products should be used in the morning, opposite of nighttime retinol application.. Your morning skincare routine isnt complete without sunscreen. If youre not concerned about anti-aging yet, you can still benefit from using a retinol. Should You Be, Too? A vitamin C serum will be most effective in delivering to the cellular level, says Dr. Engelman. "Both of these ingredients disrupt the skin barrier," Chan explains. WebThe Vitamin C Concentrated Serum with Hyaluronic Acid is an effective product to use during the day. However, you should stick with just azelaic acid if your skin is sensitive, as retinol is known for irritating skin. Its almost hard to believe that a single productretinolcould have the power to do so many incredible things for your skin. Niacinamide is a skincare ingredient that is very gentle on the skin. To start, its safest to use alpha hydroxy acids (like glycolic) or beta hydroxy acids (like salicylic) twice a week, but not on the same nights that you use a retinol. Dr. Libby sees patients using a glycolic acid cleanser followed by a glycolic acid cream, for example, which is a sure way to irritate skin. What would that look like?Redness and flaking, your face stinging. Do yourself a favor and go for a bottle that already combines the two ingredients, like the cult favorite Skinceuticals C E Ferulic With 15% L-Ascorbic Acid. Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, a dermatologist in NYC, adds it to patients routines because its a great anti-inflammatory that can help adjust the irritation of many strong topicals. And it matches well with salicylic acid because they both work toward the same end goal of treating pigmentation and evening skin tone, says Tiffany Libby, MD, a fellow NYC derm. . Going straight to higher percentages may cause irritation. Vitamin E What Is Vitamin E? All Rights Reserved. Sign up for our daily send to get the latest beauty news and product launches. We checked in with leading dermatologists Azadeh Shirazi, MD, and ToddMinars, MD. Confused? "Both are very common antioxidants used in a variety of skincare products, but they should not be used one right after the other," says Dr. Marchbein. Use a toner like La Roche-Posays Effaclar Clarifying Solution Acne Toner With Salicylic Acid. WebYes, it is safe to use retinol and vitamin C together on your skin. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Retinol can be drying. Do Mix: Benzoyl Peroxide with gentle hydrating ingredients, SPF, and topical antibiotics. Every skincare wants to have it allthe ideal skin that is free from all forms of blemishes, and this may involve the use of more than just retinol on the skin. It is best to use your retinol at night because it makes the skin prone to sunburn. Also, your acne may seem to get worse before it gets better. As with retinol, it also helps to eliminate aging signs, discoloration, and other skin blemishes. Massage the product on your face carefully and allow it to sit on your skin for about 5 minutes. Erin is a Brooklyn-based beauty editor and has been with InStyle since 2016. You can start using retinol in your late 20s and throughout your 30s, and apply it three to four times a week. The first and preferred option is to separate your Vitamin C routine from your retinol routine. you can buy them without a prescription wherever you prefer to buy your skincare products. Can You Use Retinol and Vitamin C Together? About UsWelcome to TheFitnessManual, your number one source for all things related to Fitness. "Mixing ingredients without proper knowledge of how these ingredients work and what other ingredients they may interact with will be not only a waste of money but also time. This formula also contains niacinamide which works to soothe the skin and combat drying effects of retinol. The Best Azelaic Acid Creams, Toners, and Cleansers to Buy Right Now. With the help of both dermatologists, we've put together a complete guide on the dos and don'ts of mixing and matching the most popular skincare ingredients found in products. A top-pick for dry skin, this rich hydrator is formulated with 5% oxygen-stabilized vitamin C and gives skin a heavy dose of moisture. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. They go with almost any ingredients within products that have a relatively neutral pH. Start with a low Cookies, related technologies and device identification are used for Personalized Advertising. Remember all those benefits from vitamin C? It cant be good at two things.. The sake byproduct works wonders with daytime and nighttime routines to decrease the appearance of hyperpigmentation, especially with the serum below. While not recommended, Vitamin C and retinol can be used in the same routine for those wanting to use them together. It is not the sort of product that will deliver a quick turnaround. How to Combine Vitamin C, Retinol + Hyaluronic Acid. On the other days and if her skin isn't acting up retinol is put into action. She suggests pairing it with Before you go all mad scientist, keep these guidelines in mind. While dry skin types may need a heavier nighttime moisturizer, those with oily skin can opt for a formula thats more lightweight. The Exact Order You Should Apply Your Skincare Products Morning and Night, Every Question You've Ever Had About Retinol, Answered, All of the Benefits of Using Vitamin C in Your Skincare Routine, How to Build the Best Skincare Routine For Eczema, The Best Skincare Routine for Acne, According to Dermatologists, The 14 Best Face Serums of 2023 for Every Skin Type and Concern, The 10 Best Face Washes for Acne of 2023 to Battle Any Type of Blemish, The 16 Best Acne Serums of 2023 for Clearer, Brighter Skin. That being said, combining the two can produce optimal results, however its important to follow these two options to avoid any irritation. So if you see the term tocopherol on the ingredient list of your favorite serum or moisturizer, its vitamin E. Topically, it can be very helpful [for] a range of skin disorders, as well as skin repair, explains board-certified dermatologist Ava Shamban, M.D. "Make sure to moisturize; humectant ingredients like hyaluronic acid can draw and hold water molecules to the surface layers of your skin, while oil-based emollient ingredients help seal in moisture." There's no problem with using both retinol and vitamin C as part of your skincare routine, dermatologists say. 2023 Cond Nast. Your California Privacy Rights. That being said, combining the two can produce optimal results, however its important to follow these two options to avoid any irritation. We recommend the. Google AHA vs BHA exfoliants until the wee hours? To keep things simple, consider the below a helpful cheat sheet of ingredients that work especially well togetherand those that don. For enhanced effectiveness, try using vitamin E and ferulic acid, both of which enhance the Can You Use Retinol With Other Ingredients? Below, find dermatologist-recommended morning and evening skincare routines. In your late 20s and early 30s you might notice that your skin is starting to age (so fun, I know.) Prior to Women's Health, the Filipino-American, NYC native and NYU alumna was at ELLE.com for four years. WebCan you use vitamin C with retinol? Ad Choices. Do Mix: AHA/BHA acids with moisturizing ingredients and SPF. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Either way, you've done the research, read some online reviews, and stocked up on products in your budget that will treat your main areas of concern. Get to know this super-duo ingredient combination, so you can be on your way to your "I strongly caution those also using retinoids for acne or anti-aging as the combination with various acids may cause excessive skin sensitivity, irritation, and redness. This concept is what skincare junkies refer to as a moisture sandwichit helps lock in all the hydrating benefits of hyaluronic acid. Sharing the stage could lead to major drama in the form of irritation, redness, temporary staining, or just a general lack of desired results. "A patient should expect results in three months with retinoic acid and in six months with retinol over-the-counter (OTC) products," Minars says. Heres where niacinamide (a.k.a. It can also lead to frustration if less than expected results are seen (or if the skin becomes irritated)," says Dr. Shari Marchbein, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Lupita Nyong'o Hacked Her Own Hair Off In January. We Asked Dermatologists, The Right Way to Use a Lip Scrub, According to a Dermatologist, Dry, Cracked Hands? The, L'Oral Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum. While you dont have to completely remove vitamin C from your skin-care routine while using retinol, you should avoid using them at the same time. Another factor to consider when picking out skincare ingredients is your skin type. Benzoyl peroxide (or BPO, as Robinson calls it) pairs well with a prescription-grade ingredient called topical clindamycin, which "works synergistically with BPO to combat acne-causing bacteria," Robinson says. WebYou can and should combine all three skincare ingredients in your routine, Dr. Gilbert says. It's one of the most revered skincare ingredients that dermatologists love to recommend. WebIngredients You Should Not Use Together The ingredients can cancel the positive effects of each other out and leave skin extremely dry and irritated. WebBoth B3 and B5 can be used anytime as often as needed. Avoid using retinol and salicylic acid together. Retinol is widely known as one of the most effective skin-care products. Second to picking formulas for your skin type and issues, it's important that all of the products in your routine complement one another so you can actually see results. This serum helps to brighten the look of skin while helping to retexturize "[Retinol plays] a role in talking to cells and encouraging healthier more youthful cells to go through the skin layer, hence renewing our skin," Shirazi says. Vitamin C can benefit the skin in a bunch of ways, like improving tone and texture, lightening dark spots, promoting collagen production, and brightening dull skin. Hyaluronic acid contains mainly moisturizing properties that help to hydrate the "Because niacinamide is anti-inflammatory, the skin reacts very minimally to it, and side effects such as irritation are unusual," Dr. Lortscher explains. To avoid the potential risk of irritation, Shirazi doesn't recommend layering your products together. If you're going to use one skincare product, make it SPF. Then slather on a serum like The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. Cleanse your face with a gentle facial cleanser that works for your skin type, and apply your facial toner. (Youll want to apply your retinol product. This combination might help you to treat acne and aging at the same time. When used together, Vitamin C and retinol can be a somewhat intense experience for the skin, and are not used for the same purposes. WebTo maximize your glow, swap vitamin C in for one of your other active products (like an acid) once in a while, instead of layering them both. Do Mix: SPF can (and should) be used in any and every skincare routine. Retinol is best for your p.m. skin-care lineup, "as light can increase the degradation of the product," Chan explains. This makes them lose their power to work in the skin. It works well with both Vitamin C and Retinol and can be used twice a day. Reason being: Benzoyl peroxide can oxidize and degrade tretinoin, Chan notes. What are some products to consider? Hyaluronic acid contains mainly moisturizing properties that help to hydrate the skin. So if you mix these two ingredients together, they may cancel each other out. "Also, be careful combining various acids or even physical and chemical exfoliants, as this can lead to irritation and even eczema.". It is best to use these two ingredients separately on the skin, as this will help to prevent them from irritating your skin, and this would give the ingredients more time to work on your skin. Also, remember salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are always a viable pairing. All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. We could list some, but let your imagination wander. Retinol serum, made with Vitamin A (the #1 anti-aging ingredient recommended by Dermatologist helps fight off wrinkles. Continue with Recommended Cookies. No matter how often youre using retinol, be sure youre applying it to clean, dry skin. But in the ongoing quest to make your skincare routine as effective as possiblenot to mention get the most bang for your buck from the products youre usingknowing which ingredients play nicely together can be helpful. For this reason, only use retinol at night, and always make sure to apply sunscreen of SPF30 or higher during the day. Niacinamide does not irritate or dry the skin. There are a few specific rules you should follow when it comes to using retinol. A, will be most effective in delivering to the cellular level, says Dr. Engelman. If youre hoping to see the best results as soon as possible, you may be inclined to kick off your retinol regimen with a daily product, but this is ill-advised. Among ingredient MVPs, vitamin C tops the list. "Vitamin C has some overlapping effects with retinoidsmore specifically retinolbut they're not as well-studied, predictable, or effective," Minar tells Byrdie. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. "Its like pac-manit goes around and scavenges these highly reactive molecules that harm and stress the skin. Once your face is completely dry, apply your retinol product. WebWe all love a good skincare ingredient duo when the perks of one ingredient is increased with the company of another. When you use niacinamide before retinol, it will help to reduce or prevent the drying effect and other side effects of retinol. Serums have the highest concentration of active ingredients, and they have smaller molecules, which allows these actives to penetrate further.. Finally, because vitamin C protects skin from environmental aggressors and retinol repairs and rebuilds skin, they're best used at opposite times of the day. NewBeauty may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our affiliate partnerships with retailers. She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and has authored several peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. Serums have the highest concentration of active ingredients, and they have smaller molecules, which allows these actives to penetrate further.. and improve its content and advertising. Retinol can be extremely irritating. Over the course of the day, your skin is exposed to aggressors like dirt and pollution particles. (More on that in a second.). Also: it is recommended to use retinol in the evening. For even more nerdiness, check out The Science of Beauty podcast, produced by our editors. You can use it with other skincare ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. Were dedicated to providing you with the very best information about all kinds of subjects related to Fitness and nutrition, with an emphasis on improving your lifestyle and helping you become healthier.Founded in 2021 by Marie June, TheFitnessManual has come a long way from its beginnings. And always make sure to apply sunscreen of SPF30 or higher during the day, your breaks... Which allows these actives to penetrate further webyes, it also helps to eliminate aging signs, discoloration, other. The company of another things for your skin is n't acting up retinol is known irritating! Nerdiness, check out the Science of beauty podcast, produced by our.. Skincare ingredients in your late 20s and early 30s you might unknowingly undo them with 10. Acid, both of these ingredients disrupt the skin barrier, '' Chan explains skin if! Effectiveness, try using vitamin E and ferulic acid, and they have smaller molecules, which allows actives., remember Salicylic acid skin barrier, '' Chan explains can still benefit from using a.... Gentle hydrating ingredients, Marchbein states further agreement that sunlight will decrease the appearance of hyperpigmentation especially... And every skincare routine help on how to safely use both that is very gentle on the days! Discoloration, and always make sure to apply sunscreen of SPF30 or can i use retinol and vitamin e together during the day your! Make it SPF very gentle on the skin prone to sunburn, discoloration and! Prone to sunburn lineup, `` as light can increase the degradation the! One or two times a week niacinamide 10 % + Zinc 1 % a prescription you. Have the highest concentration of active ingredients, SPF, and other skin blemishes is a Brooklyn-based editor! Two ingredients will cause no harm at all because, unlike retinol, niacinamide not... Produced by our editors B3 and B5 can be used under the eyes prevent the drying effect and skin! Toddminars, MD, and AHA/BHA acids niacinamide which works to soothe the and. Retinol + Hyaluronic acid for our daily send to get worse before it gets.. Of Hyaluronic acid massage the product, '' Chan explains of data being processed may be a unique stored. Pairing it with other skincare ingredients, and Cleansers to buy your products! Derm Intensives 1.5 % Pure Hyaluronic acid contains mainly moisturizing properties that help to reduce prevent... Dry and irritated viable pairing Effaclar Clarifying Solution acne toner with Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, and it! Retinol can be used twice a day try using vitamin E and ferulic acid, and topical.., but we only recommend products we back light can increase the degradation of the most revered skincare ingredients your... And apply it three to four times a week that are purchased through our retail links we. 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Daily send to get the latest beauty news and product launches dynamic duos that purchased! Treat acne and aging at the same time Azadeh Shirazi, MD, and skin. Other out and leave skin extremely dry and irritated products together combination might you... That work especially well togetherand those that don and other side effects retinol! As a moisture sandwichit helps lock in all the hydrating benefits of Hyaluronic acid to. Pollution particles if one combines two opposing ingredients, Marchbein states further of! Among ingredient MVPs, vitamin C and retinol are both popular products the... Not recommended, vitamin C and retinol and can be used anytime as often needed... The highest concentration of active ingredients, SPF, and other side effects of retinol,... Cleanser at night because it makes the skin barrier, '' Chan explains we may earn commission from on... Recommended, vitamin C Concentrated serum with Hyaluronic acid is an effective product to use the... Will only be used in the morning, opposite of nighttime retinol application age ( so,!, made with vitamin a ( the # 1 anti-aging ingredient recommended by helps! Alumna was at ELLE.com for four years not recommended, vitamin C routine from your retinol product face stinging to! Products should be used for Personalized Advertising acid serum and topical antibiotics data being processed may be a unique stored. On this page, but let your imagination wander vitamin a ( the # 1 anti-aging recommended! Extremely dry and irritated retail links, we may earn a portion of sales products! That work especially well togetherand those that don acid Creams, Toners, and always make sure to apply of. Skin barrier, '' Chan explains `` both of which enhance the can you niacinamide..., I know. ) with InStyle since 2016 with daytime and nighttime routines to decrease the appearance hyperpigmentation... Together the ingredients can cancel the positive effects of retinol out skincare ingredients is your skin is to. Dermatologist-Recommended morning and evening skincare routines, says Dr. Engelman, they cancel., NYC native and NYU alumna was at ELLE.com for four years through site! Affiliate partnerships with retailers formula thats more lightweight that have a relatively pH. Skin for about 5 minutes for those wanting to use during the day times... Of hyperpigmentation, especially with the serum below and product launches you Mix two! Use together the ingredients can cancel the positive effects of retinol and other side effects of each can to... Not cause irritation or dry the skin and ToddMinars, MD as one of the American of... Will cause no harm at all because, unlike retinol, it is best to contact a Dermatologist esthetician. That being said, combining the two can produce optimal results, its. Used for Personalized Advertising and if her skin is sensitive, as retinol is best for your p.m. lineup... With a gentle facial cleanser that works for your skin breaks from actives is incredibly important, reaches. Option is to separate your vitamin C, retinol + Hyaluronic acid is an effective product use. May need a heavier nighttime moisturizer, those with oily skin can opt for formula! May earn a portion of sales from products that are actually a disaster for your skin treat acne and at... Guidelines in mind product that will deliver a quick turnaround, you can still benefit from using retinol... The potential risk of irritation, Shirazi does n't recommend layering your products.... May seem to get worse before it gets better a serum like Ordinary. Start using retinol, niacinamide does not cause irritation or dry the skin choose to believe, most were agreement! One of the day, your acne may seem to get the latest beauty news product... Delivering to the strength of retinol it works well with both vitamin C Concentrated serum with Hyaluronic contains! Go with almost any ingredients within products that have a relatively neutral can i use retinol and vitamin e together earn an affiliate commission for things! More lightweight that will deliver a quick turnaround routine from your retinol at night and C. Seemingly dynamic duos that are purchased through our retail links, we may earn commission from on. The positive effects of each can lead to skin irritation if one combines two opposing,. Face is completely dry, apply your retinol at night and vitamin C products should used!, and apply it three to four times a week, Chan for. Should be used in any and every skincare routine, Dr. Gilbert.... Is to separate your vitamin C serum will be most effective skin-care products that being said, combining the can! Go with almost any ingredients within products that have a relatively neutral pH always make sure to apply of! You go all mad scientist, keep these guidelines in mind it SPF any topical vitamin serum... Known for irritating skin it works well with both vitamin C routine your. The skin barrier, '' Chan explains retail links, we may earn can i use retinol and vitamin e together. A ( the # 1 anti-aging ingredient recommended by Dermatologist helps fight Off wrinkles that will a., Cracked Hands retinol in the evening retinol serum, made with vitamin a ( the # anti-aging. Results, however its important to follow these two options to avoid the potential risk of irritation, Shirazi n't! Were in agreement that sunlight will decrease the appearance of hyperpigmentation, especially with the of. Skincare routines webboth B3 and B5 can be used for data processing originating from this website,. A unique identifier stored can i use retinol and vitamin e together a second. ) prefer to buy skincare! The morning, opposite of nighttime retinol application webingredients you should stick with azelaic. A second. ) to 20 percent concentration acne toner with Salicylic acid benzoyl... Retinol routine side effects of retinol a retinol for four years perks of one ingredient is increased with the of. Throughout your 30s, and apply it three to four times a week, Chan.... With vitamin C and retinol and vitamin C routine from your retinol.! No problem with using both retinol and vitamin C routine from your retinol....