Can Peptides Be used with Tretinoin?
Peptides and tretinoin are two skincare ingredients that deliver quite impactful results but have not really got much understanding behind them. But just because they don’t have the same status or household name as the likes of, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, or retinol, you’ll still be so impressed with their benefits and how effective they are in your skincare routine.
What are Peptides?
Naturally occurring in the body, peptides are strings of amino acids which make up the building blocks of protein in the skin surface. When formulated for skincare products these synthetic peptides are cell communicating, meaning they can tell the cells in the lower layers of the skin to boost the production of collagen. This in time leads to a plumped, youthful complexion with visibly reduced signs of ageing. Don’t forget you can find out more about peptides on The Beauty Insiders blog.
What is Tretinoin?
Tretinoin, also known as all-trans retinoic acid and is a prescription skin ingredient. First used to help combat severe acne and frequent breakouts, since then it is also used to target signs of hyperpigmentation, such as sun damage and post acne scarring as well as premature ageing with fine lines and wrinkles notably reduced. Due to the potency of this ingredient, it is strongly advised that you introduce into your everyday skincare routine once you are given the green light from a medical professional. If you are wanting to know more about tretinoin and its benefits check out our dedicated blog post.
So, now you have a better understanding of what these ingredients do, we are now going to investigate whether peptides can be used with tretinoin.
Do peptides work with tretinoin?
Yes, it is generally considered that peptides work with tretinoin because of the fact they effectively work with other forms of retinol. I suggest using this powerhouse duo during your evening routine to avoid any excessive exposure to UV damage. Firstly, apply your tretinoin enriched product, especially if it is a serum as this will rid the surface of dead skin cells and debris. Follow this with your peptide product as this will penetrate the skin quickly and effectively.
Much like all potent skin ingredients it is important to ensure your skin is happy and able to build its tolerance so always ensure you consult with a doctor before applying anything new to your face.
Can tretinoin and copper peptides be used together?
No, it is considered best to avoid using copper peptides and tretinoin together. Copper peptides increase the blood flow for the skin which often leads to any minor damage to the skin becoming easily increased. Combining this with the common side effect of redness and flushing to the skin that comes from using any form of retinol. By using these together you’ll find they increase skin sensitivity and result in all many of skin irritation. Therefore it is best to avoid layering these ingredients, but you can alternate the time of day you apply them to the face, for example, copper peptides during the morning and tretinoin in the evening.
What can you not mix tretinoin?
It is very important to not apply any other potent acne fighting ingredients to the skin when you are already using tretinoin. These ingredients are, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur and other forms of retinol. This will lead to severe skin irritation, redness, dryness as well as other side effects. If you have any worries or concerns with using your skincare products consult with your doctor or dermatologist for peace of mind.
What is tretinoin vs retinol?
Tretinoin and retinol each provide similar and effective skin benefits as each other. The main difference you can expect is the level of strength and potency found in skincare formulations. Tretinoin is a prescription only ingredient and is pure retinoic acid meaning it is highly potent. Retinol can also be potent but is also a lot more manageable to introduce into your skincare routine. This is because retinol can not only be prescribed, but also found in over the counter formulations containing lower percentages of active levels of retinoids.
What should you not use peptides with?
Copper peptides contain a great selection of benefits for the hair and skin resulting in their popularity increasing rapidly in recent years, here are some of the main benefits:
Increased blood circulation boosts hair growth by stimulating hair follicles
Boost of collagen production reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Skin firmness is improved thanks to the collagen and elastin production increased
Antioxidant benefits help protect the skin from daily exposure to free radical damage
The skin tone becomes more even with dark spots, acne scarring, and pigmentation reduced, and skin surface repaired
When it comes to layering peptides with other effective skin ingredients there are some popular ones that should be avoided.
Retinol
Retinol Tretinoin Vitamin C AHAs/ BHAs such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid Are peptides good for wrinkles? Absolutely! Peptides are highly effective at reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness to the skin. As I have already mentioned, peptides act as building blocks for the collagen and elastin found in the lower layers of the skin. By boosting the production of collagen, you are left with a plumped, smoother complexion that has a youthful bounce. Can I use peptides in the morning? Yes, you can indeed! Applying peptides in the morning will boost collagen and increase blood flow giving you an all over improved, healthy, and vibrant skin. You can also use peptides twice a day in both morning and evening routines for maximum results, just if you alternate applying tretinoin to avoid unwanted irritation. Do peptides tighten skin? Yes, they do! This is because peptides have the ability to stimulate the production of collagen you will find the overall look and feel of the skin will improve. Signs of loose skin, lack of elasticity and reduced skin firmness are all combated with regular application of products enriched with peptides. I hope that is answers your questions about peptides and tretinoin, but don’t forget if you have any concerns come and follow us on Instagram, you’ll find me there!
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.
