We all love combos – whether it is for our favorite food or for the sale on top brands. The same goes for serums. Layering serums are lush and alluring since they are packed with coveted skin benefits. However, it is important to remember that bad combos can do more wrong if you don’t apply them the right way.
For instance, mixing Vitamin C serum and Retinol serum may seem incredible at first but it is not exactly the best combination to put on your skin. You need to know the art of layering to make sure these serums work fabulously together. And when you are finally able to crack how to layer them together, you can get a perfect pair to treat your skin with!
Before learning what are the best ways to use Vitamin C and Retinol serums, let us reveal the reasons why you cannot apply them simply at the same time:
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The pH Trouble:
Your skin requires a certain pH to absorb Vitamin C. While Vitamin C needs to be at pH 3.5 to get penetrated into your skin, Retinol requires a high pH of around 5.5 to 6. Mixing both at the same time leads to a reduction in retinol’s pH and an increase in vitamin C’s pH. The two ingredients ultimately become less effective; hence, it causes wastage of both the serums.
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The Solubility Issue:
The next factor is the solubility of the various serums. Vitamin C is water-soluble. On the other hand, Retinol is oil-soluble and can only work with oil. When you add a water-soluble vitamin C into oil-soluble retinol, it will not dissolve. In short, you will not get the desired skin benefits with this combination.
Best Ways To Layer Vitamin C And Retinol Serums
While it’s true you cannot use vitamin C serum and retinol serum together, there are some tricks to make sure you can get the best of both worlds. For instance, you can use them on alternate nights, or use vitamin C in the day and retinol at night to get the desired results. But when it comes to layering, here is what works best:
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The 30-Minute Trick:
As the name suggests, you can apply vitamin C serum and retinol serum at the same time, just separate the application by 30 minutes. Begin with a layer of vitamin C as it has a lower pH. Now, wait for at least half an hour to allow your skin’s pH to return to normal. Later, apply retinol serum. This method makes sure that your skin can absorb both the serums properly and let them work at their intended pH.
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Switch to Vitamin C Derivative:
At times, you do not always have a 30-minute waiting period. In such a situation, your best bet is a vitamin C derivative. They are more stable and less irritating and offer the same benefits as the active form of vitamin C. To make sure it works better with retinol serum, choose a vitamin C derivative whose pH is close to retinol’s pH.
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The Special Serums:
The last but certainly the most alluring option is using serums that have both ingredients. Brands like The Derma Co. take up the step ahead and have made products that cater to diverse skin needs. 0.3% Retinol Serum is one such product that is formulated with a soothing base. It carefully combines retinol and vitamin C to reverse aging and bring the glow to your skin.
Done reading? Incorporate these options into your skincare routine and say hello to healthy skin!
You must have some excellent fashion advice with your healthy and glowing skin.