Can I use Copper Peptides and Retin A Together?
We have written about copper peptides a lot recently, these effective skin repairing ingredients are having a moment in the spotlight, so if you’re up to date you’ll have a better understanding of the benefits you can expect to see. Today we will be investigating if you can use copper peptides with Retin A, also known as retinol. We will be getting to the bottom of any worries you have about using these powerhouse skin ingredients together. So, let’s dive in and find out more.
What are peptides?
Peptides are already occurring in the skin and play an important role at building the protein of the skin. They can do this by boosting the production of collagen and elastin resulting in a firmer, smoother complexion with signs of ageing reduced. It is still uncertain how exactly peptides perform on the skin but are known for being a tolerable ingredient and are often used in conjunction with other nourishing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid. As for more potent ingredients, you are still able to reap the rewards but requires a little more thought and consideration before application.
What is retinol?
Retinol is one of the most potent skincare ingredients and requires you to introduce it slowly into your daily routine to avoid severe dryness and irritation. The main benefit of retinol is how it can speed up the skin cell renewal revealing a fresher looking complexion. Due to the high potency of retinol, it is important to ensure you are confident using any type of product. If you are wanting to know more about retinol and how you can use it in your daily routine, check out our blog post.
Can I use peptides with Retin A?
Yes, you can, but you must apply them in a particular way to avoid negative skin reactions. Peptides are known for being an easy ingredient to combine with other ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. As for teaming peptides with Retin A, or any other form of retinoid it is thought best to alternate the time of day you apply each of these ingredients. With peptides having the ability to absorb into the lower layers quickly it can often lead to the skin becoming sensitive and irritated. Therefore ideally, you should apply peptides during your morning routine following it with a retinol in your evening routine.
Do you use peptides before or after retinol?
It is best to apply peptides before retinol during your morning routine. Retinol and other forms of retinoids increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV exposure making it more susceptible to damage, such as hyperpigmentation and dark spots, this is why it is important to wear a daily SPF of 30 and above. You will also find that exposure to UV rays render retinol useless so safe application for the evening to gain the best results.
To reap the rewards of both these ingredients try applying peptide enriched serum in the morning after cleansing the skin, followed with a serum packed with a retinol that your skin has a tolerance for. This way you will gain the benefits without overworking the skin and weakening the protective barrier.
Should you use peptides with retinol?
Yes, but only if you skin is happy with you using both ingredients in the correct way. Both ingredients deliver impressive anti-ageing benefits leaving you with a youthful, glowing finish to the face. With the antioxidant properties of peptides and exfoliating ability of retinol you will also target any signs of hyperpigmentation, from sunspots, age spots and uneven skin tone. Finally, you’ll find that peptides are cell communicating ingredients and thanks to their bilingual talents they are able to tell skin cells how to act and kick start the collagen production.
When do you apply peptides?
This is very much dependant on the skincare product the active levels of peptides are formulated into. By this I mean the order you apply your skincare routine plays a vital role in ensuring each ingredient and product is able to deliver their unique benefits for the skin. You will often find peptides are formulated into mostly cream based products that are applied after cleansing and before thicker moisturisers, face oils and SPFs.
How often should you use copper peptides?
You can use copper peptides every day, twice a day. Although copper peptides deliver impressive skin results, you’ll find that their performance is enhanced when teamed with hydrating humectants such as hyaluronic acid. By using them with these you’ll find the skin barrier is left fully functioning, healthy and able to protect itself from exposure to free radical damage. If you are planning on using a peptide serum separately you will still benefit and gain a glowing, healthy complexion, but expect to wait a little longer to see any results.
When do you apply peptides?
You can apply peptides twice a day in your routine so long as you are not following them with any overly potent ingredients such as vitamin C and retinol.
What makes peptides such unique skin ingredients are how they work, what I mean by this is, once a peptide enriched product is applied onto the skin, you’ll find these peptides will act as signals in the body. How is works is if you have minor surface injury, damage to the protective barrier or signs of premature ageing the peptides will send a message to the skin to react by either healing itself or boosting collagen production. Now, this may sound as though there is a perfect understanding of how peptides work on the skin, but as I have already mentioned, there is still an air of mystery surrounding exactly how they deliver such impressive results.
I hope this blog post answers some of the questions you may have had about copper peptides and Retin A, and whether they can be used together. If you have any further concerns, it is best to consult with a doctor or dermatologist for peace of mind. Much like all skincare ingredients it’s also advisable to perform a patch test for 24 hours before applying any product on the face.
Finally, don’t forget to come and follow us over on Instagram you’ll find one of our skincare experts in the direct messages.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
