One question that gets asked a lot is “Can you use retinol and vitamin C together?” There’s a popular myth that these two powerful ingredients can’t be used in conjunction with one another but that’s not actually true. In fact, many dermatologists agree that retinol and vitamin C are a skincare dream team!
So why the persistent rumors that say you can’t use them both? Let’s break it down.
What’s so great about retinol?
Retinol is a vitamin that is part of the vitamin A group. It is often used in skincare products as it’s effective at stimulating collagen production. And as we all know, it is collagen that keeps skin looking plump, smooth and firm.
It also encourages the skin’s natural process of cell renewal and works to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, improve skin tone, and diminish hyperpigmentation and dark patches.
Retinol is also a powerful ally if you’re fighting a battle with acne as it reduces the production of oil and inflammation.
What does vitamin C do?
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that repairs damage to skin and, like retinol, can help prevent those signs of aging that we all dislike so much such as fine lines and wrinkles and dark spots.
It also helps to protect the skin from potential damage caused by pollution and the blue light from your device’s screen, all while working to keep skin looking vibrant and dewy.
Can I use retinol and vitamin C together?
Both retinol and vitamin C should be a vital part of your skincare routine. Because they share many of the same traits and solve many of the same problems, they’re a dynamic duo when it comes to fighting the signs of aging.
Why do people say you can’t use retinol and vitamin C together?
Because both retinol and vitamin C are powerful ingredients, you do need to exercise a little caution if you’re adding them to your skincare regime.
While you’ll be boosting your skin’s health and appearance and upping the protective factor, you need to be careful not to cause irritation, which can be a problem, especially if you have sensitive skin.
When used together, vitamin C and retinol can lead to itchiness or redness which is why many skincare experts recommend applying your product containing vitamin C in the morning and your retinol before bed.
Finally, if you’re worried about potential issues, when it comes to choosing a product with retinol as an ingredient, go for one that has a low concentration and is specially formulated for sensitive skin types.