How to Use Vitamin C + Retinol in Your Skin Care Routine
It’s best to use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night. The reason for that has a lot to do with how each ingredient works. Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant and may have sun-protective properties, so using it in the morning can boost your ability to limit potential damage from UV radiation.
Alternatively, retinol is an ingredient that can increase sun sensitivity and increase the likelihood of sunburn or UV damage. It is also sensitive to UV light itself, making it less effective. Using it as part of your evening routine is the best option so that it can work its magic while you sleep.
Benefit for vitamin C use:
- Combats hyperpigmentation/dark spots
- Evens skin tone
- Improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Brightens the complexion
Benefit for retinol use:
- Clears pores
- Reduces breakouts
- Fights visible signs of aging (fine lines and wrinkles, sagging, etc.)
- Evens the skin tone and reduces hyperpigmentation/dark spots
- Brightens the skin
Consider applying retinol in the evenings and vitamin C in the mornings. Both of these products can help rejuvenate your skin in many ways, such as improving your skin texture and tone, reducing fine lines, lightening dark spots and brightening dull skin.