Can You Use Vitamin C and Copper Peptides Together?
Copper Peptides and vitamin C are two ingredients that benefit the skin effectively when teamed together, or one their own. Out of the two you may know a little more about vitamin C and the effects it can give to the complexion.
Packed with antioxidants vitamin C can combat signs of damage caused to the skin from exposure to UV rays, pollution, and other environmental aggressors. You’ll find that vitamin C is able to help target uneven skin tone by fading the pigmentation of dark spots and other areas of hyperpigmentation.
As for copper peptides, these naturally occurring chains of amino acids can help boost the production of collagen and elastin in the skin. With this you will find fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores and sagging skin are significantly reduced and improved.
Now both ingredients sound highly effective, I wouldn’t blame you wanting to team these skincare powerhouses together. But the question is, can you use vitamin C and copper peptides together? Let’s investigate this out together and hopefully after today’s blog you’ll have a better understanding of using these in your skincare routine.
Can you use peptides and vitamin C together?
Yes, you can, but vitamin C can alter how effectiveness of copper peptides. When applying your skincare products, it is best to leave about 10-15 minutes in between applications to avoid unwanted irritation, redness, and general discomfort for the skin.
Each of these ingredients are able to deliver highly impressive skin results single handily. But used together correctly can leave your skin protected from nasty free radical exposure which can lead to all manner of skin damage thanks to vitamin C. Whilst peptides are busy boosting collagen in the lower layers of the skin keeps the complexion in its healthiest state. In other words, you’ll find that whatever new cells peptides instruct the skin to produce, they’ll be protected by vitamin C.
If you are sat there wondering about whether there are some ingredients that are best avoided, check out our blog post about what you can’t you use with peptides and vitamin C.
Can you combine vitamin C and copper?
You can, but with caution. This is mainly because when copper and vitamin C when layered together can sometimes cancel each other’s effects on the skin. You’ll find with different strengths of potency of copper will result in ascorbic acid (also known as vitamin C) becoming oxidised. With this oxidisation you’ll find that the effects of vitamin C breaks down diminishing the effectiveness of the skin brightening powerhouse.
Having said that, it is simply a case of applying each ingredient at the optimal time ensuring they are both able to absorb into the skin without any unwanted side effects. You can either apply one product enriched with either ingredient, allowing 30 minutes in-between applications. Alternatively, you can try applying vitamin C in the morning routine, followed by peptides in your evening routine. This keeps your skin fully protected and skin barrier strengthened whilst any signs or existing damage combatted in the evening with the skin repairing benefits of copper.
What can I combine copper peptides with?
There are a few ingredients that can be combined with copper peptides, such as hyaluronic acid, amino acids and niacinamide. All of which can target the skin with added boost in hydration enabling the skin barrier is fully functioning and at its healthiest state.
The beauty of copper peptides is their ability to work well with any skincare ingredient. Even those that come with a word of caution, such as retinoids, vitamin C and AHAs, all of which should either used on alternate days and have enough time in between applications to avoid any unwanted skin irritation or reactions.
What goes first peptides or vitamin C?
When it comes to getting the most out of your skincare products, many forget the simple difference of applying your products in the correct order can have more of an impact then you think! The general rule of thumb when applying your daily routine is starting off with the thinnest and work your way up to the thickest consistency.
When it comes to figuring out which goes first, peptides or vitamin C, this is very much dependant of the formulation they are blended in to. You may find that both ingredients are found in serums, face oils, moisturisers, and face masks which are applied during the last stages of your routine.
Another point to consider is the fact that your skin changes its requirements throughout the day. It has a 24-hour circadian rhythm which ultimately leads to it needing protection from environmental factors throughout the day, such as UV rays and pollution. As for evening, it requires a helping hand with repairing and rejuvenating the skin whilst you get your beauty sleep.
Are copper peptides better than vitamin C?
This very much depends on how copper peptides and vitamin C work on the skin, your skincare routine and down to your own personal preference. Both ingredients can improve the skin’s firmness and smoothness with a helpful amount of antioxidants combating any free radical damage. You can use each of these ingredients twice a day in your daily routine and reap the rewards but can also benefit from one application a day. It is just a simple case of trial and error and finding the best way of introducing both ingredients into your daily routine. Don’t forget that if you haven’t used either copper peptides or vitamin C enriched products before, I suggest consulting with a doctor or dermatologist to ensure you are using the best combination for your skin.
Should vitamin C be applied day or night?
This is down to personal preference as you can use vitamin C throughout the day. However, many beauty experts and skincare fans would advise using vitamin C enriched serums and moisturisers during your morning routine. This is because of how effective ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is at delivering skin brightening results to the complexion as well as its antioxidant properties keeping skin damage and environmental aggressors at bay. If you are wanting to use vitamin C in the evening, by all means you can, however, remember it is best to avoid using potent retinoids as this will result in severe dryness, irritation, and redness.
So, there you have a little more information about whether you can use vitamin C and copper peptides together. Don’t forget if you have any questions come and follow the Procoal Instagram.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
