Can You use Retinol and Hydroquinone at The Same Time?
If you’ve been around these parts for a while, you would have heard me speaking about retinol being one of the most potent skincare ingredients. Well today, I’d like to introduce you to a lesser known but extremely potent, some may call it a heavy weight ingredient in the beauty industry, hydroquinone.
I understanding that is may sound daunting, but hopefully after reading this today, things will feel a lot clearer, and you’ll have the answer to whether you can use retinol and hydroquinone at the same time? But first, let’s have a quick look into the skincare benefits of hydroquinone and retinol when you use them in your skincare routine.
What is Hydroquinone?
Hydroquinone is a potent skin-lightening agent that is used to target areas of hyperpigmentation on the skin surface. It is known for bleaching the skin, and it does this by preventing the production of melanocytes which are molecules that make melanin which is responsible for the skin tone.
If quite a controversial history, especially during the 1980s when its safety was once questioned, fast forward to recent years and it is now considered safe to use. You’ll find that hydroquinone comes in a variety of products that are either prescribed or available over the counter. Whilst these formulas are generally tolerated well by many if you have a dry or sensitive skin type hydroquinone is known to increase dryness and irritation so always check with your doctor before using hydroquinone. For those with darker skin tones, it is advisable to avoid using any product containing this powerhouse ingredient, unless instructed by a dermatologist as it has been known that hyperpigmentation will worsen.
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a popular skincare ingredient praised for its anti-ageing benefits with its ability to combat fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity to the skin. It can also help fade dark spots and areas of hyperpigmentation as well as targeting acne by keeping the pores clear of excess sebum and impurities.
Finally, it can help brighten the complexion, it is able to do this by increasing the speed of the natural skin cell turnover, revealing fresher, vibrant skin cells. With this also comes increased photosensitivity to any UV exposure so it is important to remember to apply a daily SPF for added sun protection. It is also recommended that you apply retinol in the evening as the potent form of vitamin A is sensitive to sunlight. Any exposure to UV rays renders retinol useless and unable to perform on the skin.
Can retinol and hydroquinone be used together?
Yes, you can, but be careful. Because of the high potency of both ingredients, you are at increased risk of causing dryness and irritation to the skin. If you continue to use both ingredients in your routine it is best to establish an effective routine that will leave you with optimal results, without the side effects. What I mean by this is applying each ingredient separately allowing about 30 minutes in between applications to help the pH levels in the skin to rebalance. Another tip for ensuring your skin remains in its healthiest and happiest state is following hydroquinone and retinol with a moisturiser enriched in hyaluronic acid to give the skin a boost in hydration.
What should you not use hydroquinone with?
It is known that hydroquinone doesn’t play nicely with benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide and other peroxide formulas. A result in using these ingredients together will not only lead to severe dryness to the skin but will also cause some staining to the skin. This is only temporary but will only add to the skin irritation.
It is also thought best to not use any form of exfoliation, be it chemical or physical when applying hydroquinone. Ingredients such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and other alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) as well as popular BHA, such as salicylic acid can cause too much irritation to the skin when used with hydroquinone. This irritation can lead to the skin becoming stripped of vital sebum (the natural oil found on the skin surface) which will kick start the sebum overproduction on the skin and lead to flare-up in breakouts, spots, and acne.
Can hydroquinone be used with other products?
Yes, it can, just bearing in mind to avoid formulas containing the ingredients I have mentioned in the previous section. As for using hydroquinone in your everyday skincare routine you’ll find it is perfectly safe and effective. Ensuring of course you leave enough time in between applications and team this potent powerhouse with extremely hydrating ingredients, such as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.
Always remember to follow the instructions shown on the packaging and if you ever have any concerns consult with your doctor to avoid any unwanted reactions.
Is retinol and hydroquinone the same?
Not really, but they do provide similar skin benefits by targeting dark spots and hyperpigmentation. The main difference is retinol increases the speed of the cell turn of the skin sloughing away the build-up of dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria, and impurities that can often make pigmentation appear darker. Some forms of the vitamin A are also packed with antioxidants ensuring the skin barrier is protected from further damage by free radicals, such as UV rays and pollution.
The way that hydroquinone differs is the fact it works in the lower layers of the skin by preventing the over production of melanin making its way to the surface causing pigmentation to become darker.
Should I apply hydroquinone to my entire face?
You can indeed, it is recommended that when using hydroquinone you should apply a thin layer all over the face. For areas of concern where there is hyperpigmentation, dark spots, acne scarring and age spots, you can apply a more liberal amount of your hydroquinone product. You should then follow this with an SPF to protect from further sun damage and free radicals.
One thing that you should bear in mind when using hydroquinone in your routine is that you should limit yourself to using it for a short period of time. After a maximum of 6 weeks its best to stop using it for roughly 3 weeks, double check with your doctor you are benefiting your skin, then continue using it as before.
So, there you have a little more information about two potent skincare ingredients that both deliver impressive results. If you have any questions, please do come and find me over on the Procoal Instagram, you’ll find me in the direct messages, look forward to hearing from you!
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.
