How to Use Vitamin C and Retinol Together

Vitamin C vs retinol

Both retinol and vitamin C are revered by dermatologists and skincare devotees alike, but not all of us are in the know when it comes to these potent ingredients. Let’s dive in!

Vitamin C: this mighty antioxidant is designed to neutralise free radicals, meaning it protects against molecules that can damage your skin. Vitamin C is renowned for its brightening prowess: targeting dark spots, dullness and uneven skin tone. It can also help tackle visible signs of ageing: such as fine lines, wrinkles and diminished skin elasticity.

Retinol: this beloved anti-ageing ingredient is derived from vitamin A and stimulates skin cell turnover. This quality helps to visibly improve fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, uneven skin tone, irregular texture, and enlarged pores.

While it is known for its effectiveness in managing a host of skin concerns, retinol is a potent ingredient that not all skin types can tolerate. At first, it is advisable to start with a lower percentage a couple of times a week and slowly build up tolerance. If you are unsure whether retinol is suitable for your skin, always consult a dermatologist.

The benefits of using both retinol and vitamin C together

Individually, retinol and vitamin C are powerful ingredients, but using both in your routine can be an even more effective combo – giving you clear, glowing skin. Whether layered together using serums or added into your routine with all-in-one night creams, these essential vitamins improve skin texture and tone to give you the best of both worlds. Vitamin C lightens, brightens, and gives free radical protection, while retinol encourages skin cell renewal. Both enhance your natural glow and stimulate collagen production.

Who should use retinol and vitamin C?

Finding the best formula for your skin type and sensitivity requires a little trial and error. How you layer skincare serums within your morning and evening routines will also impact their efficacy. It’s important to note that using retinol and vitamin C together can be too potent for sensitive or very dry skin. To avoid potential discomfort, we suggest that you introduce these ingredients slowly and monitor how your skin responds. You might find it beneficial to start with one ingredient until your tolerance builds.

Should you apply vitamin C or retinol first?

We know these ingredients can work well together for certain skin types, but what is the best way to combine vitamin C and retinol? Instead of layering these products, use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night. Vitamin C helps protect the skin from environmental stressors and UV rays, so it’s going to be more beneficial in the morning. Retinol, on the other hand, increases photosensitivity – which puts the skin at greater risk of sun damage. As a result, retinol should only be applied in your evening skincare routine.

Can I use retinol and vitamin C every day?

For noticeable results, vitamin C can be used every day in your morning skincare routine. However, if your skin is on the drier side, or you experience sensitivity, you might use it every other day.

How often you use retinol will be dictated by your skin’s tolerance to the ingredient. Since retinol can cause redness, tightness or even visible flakes, you might want to start out using it once or twice per week in the evening. Depending on how your skin behaves, you can always increase usage to several times per week – or even nightly.

Building a skincare routine with retinol and vitamin C

A simple way to incorporate retinol and vitamin C into your skincare routine is with serums. Start by taking our serum quiz to find the right serum for your concerns. From there, you can begin building your morning and evening skincare rituals.

Below are some tips to get you started:

Step 1 (AM only): After using your morning face cleanser, apply a vitamin C serum to clean skin to protect against free radicals throughout the day. Try Revitalift 12% Pure Vitamin C Brightening Face Serum for our ultimate protection against free radicals, and to reduce the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin tone.

Step 1 (PM only): Apply a retinol serum at night after cleansing. Our Revitalift Pure Retinol Night Face Serum does the trick, quickly absorbing into skin to target fine lines and wrinkles overnight, while you sleep. Wait at least 5 minutes before applying your next products.

Step 2: If your skin needs a boost of hydration, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C make a harmonious pairing. Since retinol can dry out the skin, hyaluronic acid can supplement that loss of hydration. After using either vitamin C in the morning or your retinol at night, apply Revitalift 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Plumping Face Serum to slightly damp skin. This will plump the skin and preserve its moisture.

Step 3: Day or night, lock in your serums with L’Oreal Paris moisturiser to prevent dryness and minimise sensitisation. In the morning, you might opt for a moisturiser that’s formulated with SPF like Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Day Cream SPF15.

Step 4 (AM only): Finish your morning routine with broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield your skin from UVA and UVB rays.

Retinol and vitamin C can be a winning combo, but what else pairs well with vitamin C? Next, discover how niacinamide and vitamin C can complement each other for even more skin-brightening benefits.