Can You Use Retinol and Vitamin C Together?

Retinol and vitamin C are all over the skincare side of the internet. But why? To put it simply, they're two of the most powerful ingredients you can use to help your skin look its best. People who are new to the skincare world might have heard of these products before but may get overwhelmed when thinking about trying them. People say they're great products, but what is retinol or vitamin C? How do you use them? Can they be used together?

What is retinol, and what does it do?

Retinol, which is a form of vitamin A, is an important nutrient for skin health, helping to preserve healthy cell growth and improve texture and tone. It can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and age spots, even out blemishes, and help promote a more youthful-looking complexion. It's able to treat acne breakouts because it works within the pores to rid them of the dead skin cells that commonly cause the breakouts. Retinol also helps stimulate collagen production, making it an effective anti-aging ingredient.

What is vitamin C, and what does it do?

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental stressors, such as UV rays and pollution, which can cause premature aging. Not only does vitamin C encourage collagen production, but it's actually crucial for the body in order to make collagen. In addition to making it, vitamin C helps to stabilize the collagen you already have, reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Additionally, it can help even out skin tone, lighten dark spots, and reduce signs of sun damage. Vitamin C can even boost SPF's effectiveness, making it a good product to use during the day in combination with sunscreen.

Can you use them together?

Combining vitamin C and retinol can be beneficial for your skin because it combines two powerful antioxidants that work together to provide maximum results. The combination can help reduce wrinkles and fine lines, even out skin tone, improve cell turnover, and protect against environmental damage. It can also boost collagen production for more youthful, glowing skin. This combination can be especially beneficial for people with sun-damaged skin and anyone looking to reduce signs of aging.

So what should I know about using them together?

In order to get the most from combining vitamin C and retinol, it is important to start slowly with low concentrations until you find the right amount and type of product for you. These two products have been known to cause irritation, especially in those with sensitive skin. In order to avoid irritation it's recommended that you don't layer these two products. Instead, you should use vitamin C in your morning skincare routine as the first product after cleansing your face. Since vitamin C helps to protect the skin from environmental factors, using it in the morning will give you the most benefit. Retinol, on the other hand, should only be used at night, as it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. If you have very sensitive skin, it's recommended that you first put a layer of moisturizer followed by your retinol. The moisturizer will act as a buffer, while you're still able to reap the benefits of the retinol.

The bottom line

Retinol and vitamin C are not only safe to use in conjunction, but it's even recommended! They are a power couple, boosting each other's effectiveness. Just remember to choose formulas that are right for your skin type and concerns. By using both in addition to other products like sunscreen and moisturizers, you'll be taking steps towards achieving glowing skin that radiates health and vitality. So don't be afraid to embrace this combination – you won't regret it!

Here are our recommendations for retinol and vitamin C products.

Dermalogica Retinol Clearing Oil is a high-performance overnight oil that combats breakouts and encourages a brighter complexion by using the power of Retinol and Salicylic Acid. This active skin-soothing formula helps accelerate skin renewal and minimizes visible signs of aging.

Murad Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream is a nourishing, nighttime cream with the new, improved formula with added benefits, creamy texture, and lightweight finish to improve the skin's tone and texture effectively and immediately. It strengthens the skin’s protective barrier while combating the visible signs of aging overnight.

Skin Script Vitamin C/Green Tea Serum is an anti-aging serum with 15% Vitamin C, green tea, Co-Q10, and peptides. Enriched with vitamin C and antioxidants, it stimulates collagen production, melanin inhibiting properties. It nourishes and supplements the skin with moisture and vitamins for ultimate results while reducing wrinkle depth, smoothing, and promoting an even tissue. Skin Script Vitamin C/Green Tea Serum gives the skin a boost in brightening, cellular repair, hydrating and soothing for soft, glowing skin.

Sanitas Vitamin C Moisturizer is a fast-absorbing, oil-free treatment moisturizer that is packed with a clinical dose of vitamin C to provide immediate protection against oxidative stress and other environmental aggressors while illuminating and hydrating the skin.

Lira Clinical Pro C4 Retinol Serum with PSC is a nightly resurfacing 20% vitamin C serum which uses a vast array of plant stem cells to stimulate and polish skin. Lira Clinical Pro C Retinol Serum with PSC reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and manage acne with this multi-tasking serum while helping brighten and enrich skin.