Can You Use Retinol and Vitamin C Together?

Retinol (vitamin A) and vitamin C have long been recognized as two of the most effective ingredients for an anti-ageing and achieving smooth skin and a clear complexion. But with great power comes great responsibility. Using these ingredients together can cause skin irritation, redness, and even breakouts. 

Today, we’re going to talk about how you can have your cake and eat it too! No, it’s not magic. It’s just the Day C, Night A skincare routine!

Fighting for the same side

When taken at face value, both retinol and vitamin C perform similar functions. They are both sought after for their abilities to reduce the appearance of aging - smoothing fine lines and promoting skin cell turnover, leaving you with a dewy glow. 

“So if they basically do the same thing, why bother using both?”

For as many similarities as these ingredients have, they too have differences. They have the same goal: giving you smooth and clear skin - just slightly different ways of getting you there. 

Two is better than one

So if smooth skin is what we’re after, we’re going to want to consider incorporating both ingredients in our skincare routine. Most folks will find that having them in the same lineup of products can be a little bit overwhelming for the skin, so the best way to enjoy the benefits of both products (yes even if you have sensitive skin) is to use one in the morning and one at night.

Retinol helps to stimulate collagen production, communicating with your skin cells and encouraging them to behave like they are younger. With a product like the Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule that also contains cica (aka centella asiatica), you also get a soothing effect that helps you achieve your skin retexurisation without a worry!

Vitamin C, an antioxidant, is great for helping to regulate melanin production that causes hyperpigmentation. Dark spots, redness, roughness, and an uneven skin tone are all things that can cause your skin to diffuse light unevenly and appear dull. The INNISFREE Vitamin C Green Tea Enzyme Brightening Serum includes not just dual Vitamin C derivatives, but also Green Tea Enzyme to help dissolve dead skin cells to further even out your skin tone to unlock that inner glow!

The a.m./p.m. Routine

So can you use retinol and vitamin C together? Yes. And here’s how: 

A vitamin C product is a great way to start the day. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it helps protect your skin from free radicals over the course of the day. Just remember to apply an SPF product before you head out the door into the sunshine!

At the end of a long day, it’s the perfect time to kick up your feet and let your good friend retinol take over the heavy lifting. As you sleep, retinol will work to stimulate skin cell turnover to keep your skin feeling lovely and smooth.

A change you love to C

Using both a vitamin C and vitamin A product in the same day will allow you to maximise the benefits that they both have to offer. Not only will you get to experience their individual goodness, but you can experience the unique synergy created by using them in the same day. You can get the absolute most of each of them and hopefully also the best overall results. 

But if either (or both) of these products are new to you, make sure to listen to your skin. Keep yourself well hydrated, always do a patch test, and keep an eye out for any unwanted changes!