Can you utilize vitamin C in place of retinol?
Many doubts surround the way these two powerful ingredients are incorporated, and whether or not you should utilize them initially. This is often caused by outdated research regarding both retinol and vitamin C separately or in combination. The truth is that vitamin C and retinol serve as a perfect pair, this combination leaves you with a healthy, radiant complexion. Warn you, make sure you’re utilizing these effective skin heroes in the proper manner to counter the effects of ageing, uneven skin tone, and lack of luster complexion (to name a few), and avoid any associated skin irritation or flare-ups.
Taking this to consideration, the query regarding today’s blog is can you utilize vitamin C in conjunction with retinol? If you’re interested in learning more about combining vitamin C and retinol, see our dedicated blog article, can you utilize vitamin C with retinol?
Can I incorporate retinol into my regimen after taking vitamin C?
Yes, you can. Using retinol after applying vitamin C correctly is also safe, this involves leaving enough time between applications to allow the pH levels of the skin to return to normal. It’s crucial to consider the pH of the skin when utilizing skincare products as a means of layering, if this is done incorrectly, an imbalance will result, this will lead to irritation and allergic reactions. The skin’s pH is naturally low, around 0 to 3.5, and this is why it’s healthiest at this range. This leads to the skin having an effective capacity to absorb vitamin C, but it’s considered too low for retinol, thus it’s often recommended that you avoid directly overlying these two powerful ingredients. By implementing this method, you’re preventing the vitamin C and retinol’s pH from becoming too low, both of these substances are unable to deliver their effects to your complexion.
Can you combine the administration of vitamin C and retinol in one procedure?
No, it’s best to not utilize vitamin C and retinol simultaneously, as I’ve already mentioned the imbalance caused by the different pH levels will impede these components from functioning. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t utilize them in the same routine; here are some of the primary benefits you’ll see when utilizing this anti-aging, skin restoring, power couple together.
More even skin tone that has the hallmarks of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and post acne scar formation.
Over all, a more even complexion.
Removing or reducing any inflammation to the skin.
Soften the skin’s texture in order to have a more even skin color.
combating acne and other problems with breakouts
Providing firming and tightening to the skin.
Reducing the number of premature aging symptoms, such as lines and wrinkles.
It’s no surprise that so many of you utilize these ingredients in your regular routine. Both are intended to address the signs of aging, whether caused by natural aging or exposure to free radicals. Retinol is located in the lower layers of the skin, this increases the production of collagen to support the skin and make it firm and supple. Vitamin C is filled with anti-oxidants that help to strengthen the skin’s barrier and prevent harmful free radicals from forming.
Should I utilize anything following the removal of retinol?
Yes, of course! Many experts in skincare believe that in order to maximize the benefits of your retinol products, you should also follow them with another that is filled with hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid. This will assist in combating the common drying effects of retinol that are present in your routine, particularly if it’s been recently incorporated into your regimen.
Retinol is necessary during the evening because of the lack of exposure to the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, this results in the loss of potency, which is why it’s pointless. By morning, your daily-use product has accomplished its goal while you slept without encountering any problems. Remember to utilize your morning regimen of skincare with an SPF of 30 or greater to ensure the face is safeguarded from ultraviolet light and other environmental aggressors that cause skin damage.
Is it possible to utilize vitamin C during the night?
Yes, you can, but the truth is up to you and your regular routine. For me, personally, I enjoy the post application glow that you have when you apply a vitamin C serum, and find it a waste of your evening time on the skin. Because of the high amount of antioxidants in it, applying vitamin C before your sun protection will help to strengthen the skin’s barrier and allow it to function to its maximum capacity throughout the day.
If you want to utilize vitamin C during the evening, it’s indeed believed that the antioxidant properties of vitamin C will be able to begin working on the damage caused by the day.
Why can’t you incorporate vitamin C and retinol into one pill?
It’s best to avoid combining vitamin C and retinol in the same product, this would lead to a competition between the two ingredients and a rendered useless product. As I already mentioned, you can still utilize both ingredients in your routine, there are just a few rules of the skin that you should follow in order to take the most out of each ingredient.
Remember to begin with a small amount.
It’s crucial to add new skincare components gradually to your regimen, especially if they have the same potent effects as retinol. By increasing your skin’s tolerance and observing how it reacts to you, you will avoid irritation and instead develop a beneficial and effective regimen. Over time, your complexion will reap the benefits without any damage or disruption to the skin’s surface.
Apply a daily snail-fleshing agent
This is potentially of great importance to you, should you never neglect it. Even on days that are cloudy and overcast, UVA rays are always present, this is the cause of the skin’s aging and can pass through glass and water. daily use of a SPF will shield the skin’s surface and battle any free radical damage.
Combine the appropriate amount of water and team.
With both vitamin C and retinol being associated with some degree of dryness in the complexion, this is especially true when both are used together. By including a hydrating component like hyaluronic acid in your routine, you can maintain the skin’s hydration and suppleness.
Now hopefully you have a greater understanding of how to utilize vitamin C in conjunction with retinol, and the results that you can expect to see when combining them. Remember to visit me and follow Instagram, if you have any questions, you can find me in the direct messages.
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.