How to use Vitamin C and Retinol

The amount of ingredients in skincare products is overwhelming so when creating a skincare routine, it’s good to know what does what and to integrate different ingredients into your routine.

I’m here to help! 

What do Retinol and Vitamin C do?

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, it protects your skin from anything that may stress it out, like free radicals.

Retinol is another powerful ingredient targeting skin concerns such as skin texture, fine lines and wrinkles. Together these two ingredients are a powerful couple.

Vitamin C benefits

green tick icon Strong antioxidant properties protect you against environmental aggressors and free radicals 

green tick icon Brightens and reduces the visibility of pigmentation

green tick icon Anti-aging - increases the production of elastin and collagen  

green tick icon Helps prevent signs of aging and repairs skin damage 


Retinol benefits

green tick icon Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

green tick icon Minimizes pigmentation and evens skin tone

green tick icon Improves skin texture through increasing cell turnover

green tick icon Creates visibly firmer skin 


Can you mix Vitamin C and Retinol?

Yes you can. They should both be a part of your skincare routine, they are both powerful ingredients that address anti-aging, hyperpigmentation and dullness. To avoid any potential risk of irritation, I would apply Vitamin C in the morning and Retinol at night - it’s how I do it too. 


Alexa Tip 💡

Using them separately instead of layering together allows them to be most effective.


How to use Vitamin C and Retinol

  • Apply Vitamin C in the morning, it will help brighten your skin for the day ahead. 

  • Apply Retinol in the evening, avoiding the under eye area. Use a couple times a week until tolerance is built for daily use.

Vitamin C and Retinol order

  • Vitamin C - apply one pump to face in your morning routine, after cleansing and toning but before your moisturizer and SPF. 

  • Retinol - apply a pea sized amount, follow up with a hyaluronic acid or moisturizer. Only use retinol every evening if you have built up your skin’s tolerance. 

In summary

Two ingredients giving you results for brighter skin, supporting collagen production, protection, renewing skin cells and reducing pigmentation - it’s a no brainer having them in your skincare routine.

There are different types of Vitamin C and different %, the same as retinol - also offering different options.

Taking the time to find out which strengths and types suit your skin will benefit you more and get you the results with minimal irritation. 


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