Retinol and Vitamin C
Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid
Retinol and Niacinamide
Retinol and Salicylic Acid
Retinol and Glycolic Acid
Retinol and Azelaic Acid
Retinol and Ferulic Acid
Retinol and Ceramides
Q: Can you combine retinol with vitamin C?
A:
Retinol and vitamin C can be used in the same routine, but they need to be used at different times of the day. As retinol makes the skin more photo-sensitive, it should be applied in the evening, rather than in the morning. Vitamin C, on the other hand, works best when applied in the morning as its antioxidant properties help to protect the skin from free radicals and pollutants in the environment. Vitamin C and retinol also work in different pH environments which means they shouldn’t be layered on top of each other.
Q: Can you combine retinol and hyaluronic acid?
A:
Yes, and they make an ideal pairing. As retinol exfoliates the skin and increases skin cell turnover, humectants like hyaluronic acid help to protect the skin’s natural barrier function. Hyaluronic acid also helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin so it helps to keep the skin soft, smooth, and hydrated. You can apply hyaluronic acid as a serum after retinol in the evening, and again the next morning. Experience this ingredient combination with SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3, our concentrated facial cream with pure retinol, and HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan, our serum proven to amplify the skin’s own hyaluronic acid levels, leaving the skin looking plumper and more contoured.
Q: Can you combine retinol and niacinamide?
A:
Yes, Niacinamide (or B3 as it’s also known) complements retinol well as it’s a water-retaining humectant and antioxidant.
Q: Can you combine retinol and salicylic acid?
A:
You can combine retinol and salicylic acid in the same skincare routine, but they must be used carefully as they both have an exfoliating effect on the skin. Salicylic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that can help control sebum production, remove dead skin cells, and clear excess oil from blocked pores. This makes it a very effective treatment for blemish-prone skin.
As such, salicylic acid should be used first in a routine. You should only use both ingredients together once or twice a week to see how your skin tolerates it. If you have a very sensitive skin type, this combination of ingredients may be best avoided unless instructed by a dermatologist.
Q: Can you combine retinol and glycolic acid?
A:
Yes, but both should be used carefully and in the right way. Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that sloughs away dead skin cells and leaves the skin softer. As such, it works in a very similar way to retinol - the main difference are the layers of skin that they target. Glycolic acid targets the top, superficial layers of the skin while retinol, targets the visible signs of ageing impacted by collagen decline and skin-cell turnover on a cellular level.
This means that while both ingredients can be used to complement each other in the same routine, they work at significantly different pH levels so should be used at different times of the day. On the days you plan to use retinol, apply this ingredient at night, whilst using a glycolic acid cleanser or serum in the morning. If you have further queries, please consult your medical professional.
Q: Can you combine retinol and azelaic acid?
A:
Yes, you can. Azelaic acid is a naturally derived dicarboxylic acid which has a gentle effect on the skin, so it complements retinol well. It’s used in skincare to improve skin texture, reduce the appearence of hyperpigmentation, and reduce congestion. It also doesn’t affect oil production so is ideal for drier skin types. It’s best to use these ingredients at different times of the day. Try applying azelaic acid in the morning, and retinol in the evening.
Q: Can you combine retinol and ferulic acid?
A:
Yes, retinol and ferulic acid can be used in the same skincare routine. Ferulic acid is a powerful antioxidant that’s derived from the cell walls of plants such as apples, wheat, peanuts, rice, and oranges. Its antioxidant properties mean that it is very effective at neutralising free radicals in the environment and preventing radiation-induced oxidative reactions in the skin. Ferulic acid is usually applied as a serum to the skin each morning. Retinol should be applied in the evening as it makes the skin more photosensitive.
Q: Can you combine retinol and ceramides?
A:
Yes, you can! When starting to incorporate retinol into your routine, the skin barrier can be disrupted, leading to sensitivity which appears as dryness. The skin can also experience sun sensitivity, making it prone to sunburn and dehydration. Therefore, to compliment retinol it is recommended to use a broad-spectrum, high SPF (50+) sunscreen, and also a formula with ceremides to help restore the skin barrier function to act as a shield against external factors and prevent moisture loss. Discover SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore, formulated with 2% pure ceramide and proven to help reduce the retinoid adjustment period, improve the barrier properties of the skin, and significantly improve dryness.
Discover our products with retinol: Retinol 0.3, a concentrated facial cream with pure retinol, and Tripeptide-R Neck Repair, a retinol cream specifically formulated for the neck, and start adding this powerful ingredient to your routine!
Shop Featured Products
Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan
A hyaluronic acid volumising and plumping serum.
Triple Lipid Restore For Ageing Skin
Anti Ageing Lipid moisturiser cream for Dry Skin
Retinol 0.3 Face Cream For Ageing Skin
Concentrated facial cream for Normal & Oily Skin
Tripeptide-R Neck Repair
High-performance retinol cream targeting visible neck ageing, clinically proven to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
