Can retinol be used with ferulic acid?
Our blog posts have provided some lessons on mixing skincare products, and today we are adding another post to the series. Before we get started, let me say that even the most experienced skincare enthusiasts often get confused by the ever-expanding selection of ingredients, especially when their names are hard to pronounce.
It’s not just the names that confuse us a bit, you’ll find that skincare formulas are more advanced than ever before thanks to modern technology. This means that there are layers to consider when applying ingredients. It’s no longer about applying from the thinnest to the thickest consistency, but rather focusing on the active ingredients themselves and how they interact with each other. So before you slather your skin with the latest trendy ingredient, wait because even if you use it in the right order, it may not fit into your existing routine. Don’t worry anymore because this is the topic we will be discussing in today’s blog. So stay tuned for more information on using retinol and ferulic acid.
The next section will give a brief summary of what these ingredients do for your skin and what their benefits are. If you are confident about this, you can move on to the next section.
What is ferulic acid?
Ferulic acid is an antioxidant found primarily in anti-aging skincare products and dietary supplements, and is naturally found in certain foods such as oats, rice, eggplant, and bran. Not only does ferulic acid protect against damage caused by exposure to free radicals (such as UV rays, central heating, and pollution), it also enhances the effectiveness of other antioxidants (such as vitamins A, E, and C) on the skin.
The combination of ferulic acid and vitamin C is considered a highly effective skincare powerhouse. This is because ferulic acid stabilizes vitamin C while enhancing its ability to minimize sun damage by enhancing photoprotection.
The main benefits of ferulic acid are its antioxidant properties, which can protect the skin from free radicals, repair existing damage on the skin’s surface, and reverse signs of aging by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. All of this generally improves the overall health and radiance of the complexion.
There’s more information on ferulic acid on Skin School, so head over to learn more.
What is Retinol?
We’ve all heard the word retinol before, and either it’s already a staple in your skincare routine or it’s an ingredient you avoid like the plague because the name alone is so scary.
Retinol is a form of vitamin A and is considered one of the most potent ingredients in skincare. It occurs naturally in the skin, and its production tapers off after the age of 25. This powerhouse boosts skin cell turnover and increases collagen production, making skin appear firmer, tighter, and younger. Not only does retinol fight the signs of skin aging, it also fights existing skin damage caused by sun exposure.
As effective as retinol is at improving your skin, it’s a highly potent ingredient that can cause some side effects if not used correctly. It’s important to introduce retinol into your daily routine slowly to avoid increased redness, itching, irritation, and discomfort. Learn more about retinol and its effects on skin in our blog post.
Now that you have the knowledge of both ingredients, let’s take a closer look at how to use them together.
Can I use retinol with ferulic acid?
Yes, you can. In fact, using these ingredients together creates an incredible combination. When layered, retinol and ferulic acid can enhance each other’s benefits for the skin. Retinol evens out skin tone and increases firmness, while ferulic acid helps retinol penetrate deeper into the deeper layers of the skin and boost collagen production. When these two powerful ingredients complement each other, you’ll get a radiant, healthy, even-toned complexion.
What can ferulic acid be used with?
The main benefit of ferulic acid is that it works effectively with other ingredients, but can enhance them and make them even more effective. Look for product formulas that contain other antioxidant ingredients like vitamin C and vitamin E.
Because ferulic acid can be combined effectively with other ingredients, it’s important to remember that introducing new skincare ingredients should only be done after consulting with a doctor or dermatologist. Here’s how to make sure you’re using the ingredients that work best for you and your skincare needs.
Which acid works best with retinol?
Blended acids like hyaluronic acid can even out skin tone and allow retinol to work on the skin without drying it out or irritating it. This is thanks to hyaluronic acid’s hydrating properties and its ability to attract and lock in moisture to the skin.
If retinol is not used, other more potent ingredients such as glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids should be used. The peeling effects of these acids combined with the increased stimulation of skin cell turnover can be too much for the skin. This can create an imbalance in skin pH and lead to a loss of oils in the skin, causing irritation, redness, flaking, and general discomfort.
Can I use retinol every night?
Yes, you can eventually, but only after you build up your skin’s tolerance. The effectiveness and formulation of the product also play a big role in how often you use retinol.
To begin with, it’s best to use retinol once or twice a week in your evening routine. After a while, many people find that they can use it every night. This depends a lot on your skin type and the product. Ideally, retinol should be used every other night. This ensures that it delivers results without causing unwanted side effects.
Below is more information about these powerful ingredients and how to use retinol with ferulic acid. If you have any additional questions, feel free to visit us on Instagram.
