Can I use Copper Peptides and Retin A Together?
We have written about copper peptides a lot recently, these effective skin repairing ingredients are having a moment in the spotlight, so if you’re up to date you’ll have a better understanding of the benefits you can expect to see. Today we will be investigating if you can use copper peptides with Retin A, also known as retinol. We will be getting to the bottom of any worries you have about using these powerhouse skin ingredients together. So, let’s dive in and find out more.
What are peptides?
Peptides are already occurring in the skin and play an important role at building the protein of the skin. They can do this by boosting the production of collagen and elastin resulting in a firmer, smoother complexion with signs of ageing reduced. It is still uncertain how exactly peptides perform on the skin but are known for being a tolerable ingredient and are often used in conjunction with other nourishing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid. As for more potent ingredients, you are still able to reap the rewards but requires a little more thought and consideration before application.
What is retinol?
Retinol is one of the most potent skincare ingredients and requires you to introduce it slowly into your daily routine to avoid severe dryness and irritation. The main benefit of retinol is how it can speed up the skin cell renewal revealing a fresher looking complexion. Due to the high potency of retinol, it is important to ensure you are confident using any type of product. If you are wanting to know more about retinol and how you can use it in your daily routine, check out our blog post.
Can I use peptides with Retin A?
Yes, you can, but you must apply them in a particular way to avoid negative skin reactions. Peptides are known for being an easy ingredient to combine with other ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. As for teaming peptides with Retin A, or any other form of retinoid it is thought best to alternate the time of day you apply each of these ingredients. With peptides having the ability to absorb into the lower layers quickly it can often lead to the skin becoming sensitive and irritated. Therefore ideally, you should apply peptides during your morning routine following it with a retinol in your evening routine.
Do you use peptides before or after retinol?
It is best to apply peptides before retinol during your morning routine. Retinol and other forms of retinoids increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV exposure making it more susceptible to damage, such as hyperpigmentation and dark spots, this is why it is important to wear a daily SPF of 30 and above. You will also find that exposure to UV rays render retinol useless so safe application for the evening to gain the best results.
To reap the rewards of both these ingredients try applying peptide enriched serum in the morning after cleansing the skin, followed with a serum packed with a retinol that your skin has a tolerance for. This way you will gain the benefits without overworking the skin and weakening the protective barrier.
Should you use peptides with retinol?
Yes, but only if you skin is happy with you using both ingredients in the correct way. Both ingredients deliver impressive anti-ageing benefits leaving you with a youthful, glowing finish to the face. With the antioxidant properties of peptides and exfoliating ability of retinol you will also target any signs of hyperpigmentation, from sunspots, age spots and uneven skin tone. Finally, you’ll find that peptides are cell communicating ingredients and thanks to their bilingual talents they are able to tell skin cells how to act and kick start the collagen production.
When do you apply peptides?
This is very much dependant on the skincare product the active levels of peptides are formulated into. By this I mean the order you apply your skincare routine plays a vital role in ensuring each ingredient and product is able to deliver their unique benefits for the skin. You will often find peptides are formulated into mostly cream based products that are applied after cleansing and before thicker moisturisers, face oils and SPFs.
How often should you use copper peptides?
You can use copper peptides every day, twice a day. Although copper peptides deliver impressive skin results, you’ll find that their performance is enhanced when teamed with hydrating humectants such as hyaluronic acid. By using them with these you’ll find the skin barrier is left fully functioning, healthy and able to protect itself from exposure to free radical damage. If you are planning on using a peptide serum separately you will still benefit and gain a glowing, healthy complexion, but expect to wait a little longer to see any results.
When do you apply peptides?
You can apply peptides twice a day in your routine so long as you are not following them with any overly potent ingredients such as vitamin C and retinol.
What makes peptides such unique skin ingredients are how they work, what I mean by this is, once a peptide enriched product is applied onto the skin, you’ll find these peptides will act as signals in the body. How is works is if you have minor surface injury, damage to the protective barrier or signs of premature ageing the peptides will send a message to the skin to react by either healing itself or boosting collagen production. Now, this may sound as though there is a perfect understanding of how peptides work on the skin, but as I have already mentioned, there is still an air of mystery surrounding exactly how they deliver such impressive results.
I hope this blog post answers some of the questions you may have had about copper peptides and Retin A, and whether they can be used together. If you have any further concerns, it is best to consult with a doctor or dermatologist for peace of mind. Much like all skincare ingredients it’s also advisable to perform a patch test for 24 hours before applying any product on the face.
Finally, don’t forget to come and follow us over on Instagram you’ll find one of our skincare experts 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.
