Retinol and Vitamin C are two popular favorites in the skincare world. Both are loved and utilized by a large population for their multiple skin benefits. Two of them are great anti-aging ingredients. However, not all good things make a great duo. Such is the case with Retinol and Vitamin C.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin found in citrus fruits, vegetables, and other food items. It has known to have many health benefits for our bodies. And like our body, our skin too reaps benefits from Vitamin C.
Benefits of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is known as the powerhouse ingredient in the skincare arena because of its multiple skin benefits:
- Combats aging signs– Vitamin C is involved in the biosynthesis of collagen, the protein responsible for skin’s elasticity and strength. This action makes the skin stronger and more resilient. It prevents the occurrence of aging signs like fine lines and wrinkles.
- Protects against sun damage– Skin exposure to the sun leads to UV rays inducing free radicals in its dermal layers. This leads to the appearance of dull spots and premature aging. Vitamin C’s antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals, reduce the risk of skin damage, and soothe sunburns.
- Supports wound healing– Vitamin C’s protein synthesis also helps promote wound healing. The antioxidant properties of Vitamin C help in calming skin inflammation and healing wounds. It also boosts cell turnover, which aids in eliminating scars.
- Reduces hyperpigmentation– Melanin is a substance found in the body that gives pigment to hair, eye, and skin. Its overproduction in the skin leads to sun spots, melasma, and hyperpigmentation. The antioxidant property of Vitamin C aids in minimizing melanin production in the dermal cells. The cell turnover is caused by it fading out the hyperpigmented spots on the skin.
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What is Retinol?
Retinol, a form of Vitamin A, is a fat-soluble vitamin found in food and dietary supplements. In skincare, it is used to increase cell turnover, boost collagen, and plump up the skin. It helps reduce aging signs like fine lines, wrinkles, and visible pores.
Benefits of Retinol
Retinol enhances the skin through its various actions. Using it regularly in your PM skincare routine will provide you with multiple benefits:
- Improves skin elasticity– Retinol encourages cell turnover which improves skin elasticity. This leads to the building of the protective layer called the epidermis, which makes the skin elastic and ‘bouncy.’
- Boosts collagen production– Retinol boosts collagen which makes the skin look plump and appear young.
- Minimizes aging signs– Due to the collagen boost, the skin becomes hydrated and rejuvenated. This brings about a reduction in aging signs like fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol’s exfoliating nature and cell turnover also help in minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.
- Reduces Acne– Retinol molecules penetrate the dermal layer of the skin and stimulate collagen and elastin production. Both of these compounds reduce the appearance of pores and acne scars.
- Boosts skin radiance– Retinol helps the skin become even, elastic, brighter, and better. The exfoliating effect and improved circulation help the skin become radiant and glowing.
Can you use Retinol & Vitamin C together?
You may use Retinol and Vitamin C in your skincare routine at different times but not together. The two should not be layered together. But you can use Vitamin C in your AM skincare routine and retinol at PM. The reason why these two should be used at the said time is that—Retinol can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun while Vitamin C works best during the day, protecting the skin from sun damage and free radicals that attack the skin during the day.
The reason why this combination is not recommended is that both of them are potent exfoliating ingredients. Both are loaded with antioxidants to revive your skin and combat aging signs. Using them together will irritate the skin and cause purging due to excess exfoliation. If you have sensitive skin, it may cause more damage.
It is always advised to talk to a Dermatologist when it comes to using active ingredients for your skin. If you accidentally use the ingredients together and experience harmful side effects, consult a doctor immediately.
In conclusion, using Retinol and Vitamin C is great as long as they do not meet your skin at the same time. There are other combinations that you can use in your skincare routine, like retinol with hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, and Vitamin C with Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid, or again, hyaluronic acid. These are powerful combinations that you can try. But for the two concerned ingredients, there is no best of both worlds.
