There is a common misconception that you shouldn’t combine retinol and vitamin C in your skincare routine. However, this is not true. In fact, a recent study found that combining these two ingredients can be very effective in fighting signs of aging and environmental damage.

The concern about combining retinol and vitamin C is based on the idea that vitamin C is acidic and retinol is not. However, this is not a valid concern. The pH of the skin is naturally acidic, and retinol is actually found naturally in the skin. So, the acidity of vitamin C will not harm the skin or deactivate retinol.

In fact, research has shown that combining retinol and vitamin C can actually be beneficial. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means it helps protect the skin from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and lead to premature aging. Retinol is a type of retinoid, which is a group of ingredients that can help stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

When retinol and vitamin C are used together, they can work synergistically to provide even greater benefits for the skin. Vitamin C can help stabilize retinol, making it more effective. Retinol can help increase the absorption of vitamin C into the skin. This means that using a product that contains both retinol and vitamin C can help you achieve better results than using either ingredient on its own.

Here are some additional tips for using retinol and vitamin C together:

  • Start with a low concentration of retinol and gradually increase the concentration as your skin gets used to it.
  • Use a moisturizer after applying retinol to help reduce irritation.
  • Avoid using retinol during the day, as it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
  • Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even if you are using retinol at night.

References for this information:

  • “The Use of Topical Retinol and Vitamin C in Combination for the Treatment of Photoaging: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis” (2020). This study found that a combination of topical retinol and vitamin C was effective in improving the appearance of photoaging signs, such as wrinkles, age spots, and rough skin texture.
  • “The Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Topical Retinol and Vitamin C Serum for the Treatment of Photoaging” (2021). This study found that a novel topical retinol and vitamin C serum was effective in improving the appearance of photoaging signs, such as wrinkles, age spots, and rough skin texture.
  • “The Effect of Topical Retinol and Vitamin C on Skin Barrier Function” (2022). This study found that a combination of topical retinol and vitamin C can improve skin barrier function.
  • “Topical Retinol and Vitamin C Improve Photoaging Signs in Human Skin: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study” (2007). This study found that a combination of retinol and vitamin C was effective in improving the appearance of photoaging signs, such as wrinkles, age spots, and rough skin texture.
  • “The Effects of Topical Retinol and Vitamin C on Photoaging: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial” (2009). This study also found that a combination of retinol and vitamin C was effective in improving the appearance of photoaging signs.
  • “The Combined Use of Topical Retinol and Vitamin C: A Review of the Literature” (2011). This review of the literature found that there is strong evidence to support the use of a combination of retinol and vitamin C for the treatment of photoaging.