Today we have more choices than ever when it comes to skin care products. It's easy to get confused when trying to determine what products to use and when. This is especially true when it comes to combining ingredients. Some are complementary, and some don't work well together, are redundant, or can even cause skin damage if used with each other.
With products that help combat the signs of aging, it is important to be mindful about how you use them. Some products should not be used together, or should be used together with caution. Two such products are vitamin C and retinol.
Can You Use Retinol & Vitamin C Together?
This question and combination demands a logical explanation. Holistically, Vitamin C and Retinol are loaded with antioxidants to rejuvenate your skin and combat visible signs of aging.
However, it is generally recommended by dermatologists to use them at different times of the day to avoid irritation and purging.
L-ascorbic acid is the purest form of vitamin C which has high exfoliation properties and may even cause skin irritation. Such a highly effective form of vitamin C was used earlier. Nowadays, very few brands use this pure form, while many use it in lower concentrations with certain other active ingredients. On the other hand, Retinol is also known for its exfoliating actions on the skin.
The problem with using the more powerful and concentrated Vitamin C serums combined with Retinol is that they can lead to excessive exfoliation and purging. This is the reason that dermatologists strongly recommend using these products separately in different regimes of the day.
How Does Vitamin C Work On Your Skin?
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that neutralises free radicals on your skin. Free radicals include environmental and internal toxins and other factors that contribute to premature aging that create dull, lifeless-looking skin. Vitamin C also has the power to exfoliate and helps to impede melanin production. The benefit of this is in reducing dark spots because of UV exposure.
It's important to note that normal skin contains a high concentration of vitamin C. Over time, the supply is depleted by age and exposure to toxins and UV rays.
Regular application of vitamin C serum helps protect and nourish skin and delivers multiple benefits that are backed by science.
How Does Retinol Work On Your Skin?
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and speeds cell turnover while helping to rebuild collagen. It is also effective in enhancing epidermal thickness. There are various ways how Retinol is beneficial for your skin when you are dealing with the signs of ageing.
6 Benefits Of Retinol And Vitamin C For Ageing Skin
You can use Vitamin C followed by sunscreen during the day and Retinol cream followed by a moisturiser in the night. As an added benefit, vitamin C is an SPF booster, meaning it increases the sun protection of your SPF sunscreen.
1. Improves skin elasticity
Retinol improves skin elasticity by encouraging cell division. This action helps build the protective layer of skin known as the epidermis. This gives skin "bounce" and the ability to snap back into shape. Elasticity diminishes as we age, causing the skin to sag. Vitamin C also works to improve elasticity by building collagen.
Most people think of wrinkles and lines when they think of aging skin, but it's more than that. Youthful skin is tight, plump and radiant. Aging skin can sag and thin. Because cell turnover slows, dullness becomes a factor. Vitamin C and retinol help skin retain its shape and gives a plumper, more youthful appearance.
2. Boosts collagen production
Both retinol and vitamin C boost collagen production. This helps give skin a more plump, full appearance. Working together, both ingredients improve the look and feel of your skin over time.
3. Slows the breakdown of collagen
Just as important as new collagen production, retinol helps to slow the breakdown of collagen. As we age, not only does collagen production slow down dramatically, existing collagen breaks down. This causes sagging skin and a lack of fullness, hydration, and elasticity.
4. Minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
When collagen production is boosted and skin is hydrated, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. The exfoliation and increased cell turnover also help minimise the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
5. Thickens epidermis
Retinol products thicken the epidermis. This increases elasticity, reduces wrinkles and gives skin a more youthful appearance. When skin becomes thinner, imperfections such as scars, discolouration and uneven tone become more obvious. Retinol helps combat this effect by bolstering the epidermal layer.
Not only does retinol thicken the epidermis, it also thickens the basal cell layer of the epidermis, which is where skin's stem cells live. This is where the magic of collagen and elastin building happens.
6. Gives a boost of radiance to skin
Both retinol and vitamin C help create clearer, brighter, more even skin. Skin that looks hydrated, smooth and supple. The exfoliation and improved circulation help give the skin a radiant glow. Vitamin C also helps fade dark spots and retinol helps boost moisture and even out skin tone. Retinol and vitamin C combined are two of the most powerful anti-aging ingredients on the market today. While there are other ingredients than can benefit your skin, these two are research-based winners when it comes to creating dramatic improvements in your skin.
If you are looking for quality retinol and vitamin C products that will improve your skin, Re'equil products offer clinically proven results with vitamin C serums in different strengths and formulations, as well as retinol moisturising night cream.
