Why You Shouldn't Layer Vitamin C and Retinol

Now that layered skincare products have become the norm, and new serums and facials are popping up daily, it might be tempting to combine them together in the hope that they work on your skin at the same time. Although sometimes it can be truehyaluronic acid goes well with a large list of things), in some cases it is better to use them separately. This is the case with retinol and vitamin C. As a refreshing agent, retinol increases cellular turnover and Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin barrier from environmental stressors.. When both are used in everyday life (albeit separately), they become what skincare.com consultant and California dermatologist Ann Chiu, MD, calls "the gold standard in anti-aging." Ahead, she shares how to effectively incorporate vitamin C and retinol into your skin care routine.

Use one in the morning and the other in the evening

“Apply vitamin C right after you wash your face in the morning,” Chiu says. She recommends it for use during the day because that's when the skin is most exposed to the sun and pollution. However, retinols should be used in the evening because they can increase sun sensitivity and worsen with sun exposure. Chiu also advises Gradually Incorporate Retinol into Your Routine and applying them every other day to start.

But don't mix them up

However, you should stay away from two layers. According to Dr. Chiu, using retinol and vitamin C separately ensures the effectiveness of the products and maximum benefits for the skin. They work best in environments with varying pH levels, Chiu says, adding that some vitamin C formulations can even make skin too acidic for some retinol formulations to stabilize. In other words, layering these two ingredients can reduce the effect of both, which is the complete opposite of what you want these two powerful ingredients to do.

And always wear SPF!

Daily SPF is non-negotiable, especially if you use active skin care products like retinol and vitamin C. Chiu recommends applying sunscreen daily, even if you use retinol at night, due to potential sun sensitivity. Look for a formula like CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen for Face Lotion, which contains ceramides to help restore the skin's natural barrier while also locking in hydration to combat the potentially drying effects of retinol.

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