Can You Use Retinol and Alpha Arbutin Together?
In today’s blog post, we’ll be investigating two powerhouse ingredients that both provide impressive skin benefits. If you are a skincare fan by now, you’d have an understanding that retinol is quite a tricky ingredient to include into your daily routine. With this is in mind, it can often feel a little daunting to consider using other ingredients together on the skin.
With any luck, today we will be diving into finding out more about retinol and alpha arbutin and whether using them together will leave you with an improved complexion, or should it be avoided completely. Let’s firstly start off with a quick refresh on each ingredient and the benefits you can expect to see when using them in your daily regime.
What does retinol do for the skin?
A potent form of vitamin A, retinol can deliver impressive results to the skin, particularly any concerns with frequent breakouts, or signs of premature ageing like fine lines and wrinkles. It is often mistaken that retinol provides the same exfoliating properties of chemical exfoliants, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Instead of sloughing the dead skin cells off the skin surface, instead retinol works at increasing the skin cell turnover pushing fresh, new skin cells to the top of the skin resulting in a glowing, youthful complexion.
You will also find that retinol is able to work in the lower layers of the skin aiding a boost in collagen and elastin production improving the skin and reversing any signs of sagging.
Additionally, retinol also can combat uneven skin tone ensuring that areas of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, sun damage, and post acne scarring become faded and less noticeable to the naked eye.
What does alpha arbutin do for the skin?
Known for being an effective brightening ingredient, alpha arbutin can help tackle the appearance of pigmentation and well as preventing any further damage occurring on the skin surface.
Derived from the bearberry plant, extracts of alpha arbutin are found in various skincare formulations that help regulate the production of melanin or pigmentation of the skin. Serums, lotions, and moisturisers are the most common products that contain alpha arbutin and can often work well with other active ingredients, such as vitamin C, kojic acid and niacinamide. These ingredients alone are often labelled as being difficult to use with other potent actives, this simply demonstrates how easy it is to team alpha arbutin with other skincare ingredients.
Can you use retinol and alpha arbutin together?
Yes, absolutely! As surprising as this may be for you to hear, considering both ingredients are highly potent. There are a few reasons why it is effective to use retinol and alpha arbutin together, mainly because of the ease of using alpha arbutin in your routine without the worry of it causing irritation or reaction to the skin. The other is the fact that each ingredient works in different areas of the skin and so can get to work delivering results without competing.
As effective as these two powerhouse ingredients are at improving the overall complexion and health of the skin, it is important to consult with a doctor or medical professional before applying anything new to the face. Once you have decided on which products you’ll use, I would also suggest performing a patch test for 24 hours before applying it directly to your face for added peace of mind.
What can you not mix with retinol?
There are a few skincare ingredients that should be avoided when using retinol, such as vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. This is because it is often thought that using retinol with these exfoliating actives can be too much for the skin resulting in it becoming stripped of the vital oil needed for the protective barrier to remain healthy leaving it weakened to free radical damage.
However, this does not mean you should not use the mentioned ingredients at all, but instead choose separate times of day to use them or alternate the day to avoid applying them the same day as your retinol product. By using your active ingredients this way, you will reap the rewards whilst bypassing any negative side effects. If you wanted to know more about what not to mix with retinol, check out our dedicated blog post about the topic.
Can I use niacinamide with alpha arbutin and retinol?
Yes, you can, using all three of these ingredients will ensure the complexion remains healthy and balanced, with the common drying side effects of retinol being counteracted by niacinamide hydrating the skin. The best way of using niacinamide with alpha arbutin and retinol is by ensuring you are applying them during the optimal time of day. For example,
You can use niacinamide twice a day, so apply it to the face morning and evening. The humectant traits of the active will draw water into the skin and lock it into place.
This will combat the drying effects of retinol and help strengthen the skin barrier.
You are also able to use alpha arbutin twice a day, just make sure you leave enough time in your evening application before following it with retinol.
Finally, retinol should be used only in the evening, due to it being sensitivity to sunlight and any exposure to UV light will render it useless.
If you are wanting to know more about using niacinamide with alpha arbutin, check out this blog post that goes into more detail about how these ingredients work together.
Does alpha arbutin help with hyperpigmentation?
Yes, if anything, it is praised as one of the most effective ingredients to use for combating hyperpigmentation. With its ability to regulate the production of melanin in the skin alpha arbutin can help target any signs of pigmentation, from dark spots, age spots, sun damage, and areas of hyperpigmentation. Over time you’ll find the pigment becomes faded and the complexion will appear a lot more even all over. The bonus of alpha arbutin as a skin brightening ingredient is the fact it doesn’t make the skin more sensitive to sun exposure meaning it is a great product to use all year round. I would still suggest ensuring you apply a daily SPF of 30 and above to protect the skin from any potential or further sun damage.
I hope that today we have answered some of your questions about using retinol and alpha arbutin together. Don’t forget you can come and follow us over on Instagram and if you have any further 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.
