Can You use Tea Tree and Witch Hazel with Retinol?
If you’re a fan of skincare, you’ll probably already have a good understanding of how to add retinol into your routine in the most effective way. As for tea tree and witch hazel, although both have been used for thousands of years, but are still a couple of the lesser-known skin ingredients. In today’s blog post we will be exploring more into whether you can use tea tree and witch hazel with retinol.
So, stick around before you want to find out more and if you are wondering what these ingredients do for the skin, here is a quick rundown of their benefits.
What are the skincare benefits of tea tree?
Tea tree oil is able to kill the bacteria, also known as p.acnes bacteria that sits on the surface of the skin. It’s this bacteria that are one of the main causes of acne and other types of blemishes.
Tea tree oil contains anti-inflammatory properties meaning that once it is applied to any skin suffering from a flare-up in acne or breakouts you will be able to target signs of redness and size of the active spots, whilst preventing further breakouts.
Tea tree oil can treat a wide variety of different acne, depending on the product formula, you are able to target comedonal acne, such as blackheads and inflammatory acne, such as large, red pimples.
What are the skincare benefits of witch hazel?
Witch hazel is enriched in anti-inflammatory properties meaning it can work on the skin surface as well as the lower layers of the skin.
Witch hazel can help remove any excess sebum found on the surface removing any build-up of impurities.
Witch hazel can help tighten pores making them appear less visible to the naked eye.
Witch hazel can also help calm and reduce any signs of skin texture, such as any razor bumps that occur from shaving.
What are the skincare benefits of retinol?
Retinol can help increase the speed of the skin cell turnover revealing fresh skin cells giving a vibrant glow to the complexion.
Retinol can work in the lower layers of the skin giving a boost to the production of collagen and elastin giving you a firmer skin.
Retinol can improve the overall look of the skin by reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
Retinol can reduce the appearance of premature ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Retinol can improve the texture of the skin leaving you with a smoother, even finish.
Now that you’ve had a brief recap of these potent ingredients and how they work on the skin, now let’s dive in and find out if you can use tea tree and witch hazel with retinol.
Can I use tea tree oil and retinol together?
No, it’s best to avoid using tea tree oil with retinol, as well as other potent actives such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and vitamin C. This is because although tea tree oil is a natural ingredient, it’s an extremely potent and layering it with other active ingredients. This will lead to the skin becoming stripped of the oil and water it needs to remain in its healthiest state.
If you find you’re wanting to use both tea tree oil and retinol in your skincare regime you should alternate the day you apply each powerhouse, remembering to apply either one or the other.
Can you use retinol and witch hazel together?
Yes, you can, but make sure you use the correct concentrate of witch hazel to avoid unwanted irritation. For a routine that already includes retinol the best way of using witch hazel is to opt for using a toner containing the gentle exfoliant. This not only gives the skin a gentle, but deep clean, but it also leaves enough time in between applications to allow the skin to rebalance. Witch hazel is known for being effective yet gentle meaning you can team it with retinoid of any strength, from prescription to over-the-counter formulations. Remember that if you are introducing any new ingredients or formulas to the skin you must consult with a dermatologist or medical professional to avoid any flare-up of irritation on the face.
What can you not mix with tea tree oil?
As I have already mentioned, there are a few potent ingredients that should be avoided with tea tree oil. This will be too much for the skin and cause severe dryness and discomfort. One other factor you need to remember is you should not apply tea tree oil directly to the skin surface. Try instead teaming it with a nourishing carrier oil, such as coconut, almond, or olive oil.
What oil can you mix with retinol?
Jojoba oil is thought to be the most effective oil to mix with retinol. With it being extremely hydrating for the skin it is an ideal oil to apply to the skin after retinol. Jojoba oil can target fine lines and wrinkles as well as combating the common drying side effects that occur when retinol is applied.
Does tea tree cause purging?
Yes, it can, purging is a common side effect that all exfoliants cause to the skin. The purging is a result of all the nastiness found in the lower layers of the skin is pushed to the surface. This is because by sloughing away the layer of dead skin cells from the surface and removes the barrier. Once this is gone you will also find tea tree can work in the lower layers of the skin and unclog the pores of any bacteria, dirt, and general gunk that can lead in acne and other breakouts.
Can I leave tea tree oil on my face overnight?
Yes, you can leave tea tree oil on your face overnight. As I have previously mentioned you shouldn’t apply it to the skin without a carrier oil. Once you have the correct mixture you can use it all over the face, avoiding the eye area, and leave it overnight. Once the morning arrives rinse any of the remaining mixture using warm water. For the best results use this once or twice a week as this will deliver the benefits without the side effects.
So, I hope that this has answered some of your questions about using tea tree and witch hazel with retinol. If you have any more skincare questions, you can find out more over on 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.
