Skincare Comparison: Retinol versus Vitamin C, Examining Advantages, Distinctions, and Application Strategies
Jah buzzin', yeah? If you're wondering about retinol vs vitamin C, you're likely looking to address wrinkles, pigmentation, dullness, or acne. Guess what? It's all true, mate.
Both ingredients are found in a variety of beauty products, usually creams or serums, and are both vitamin-based. Retinol, derived from good ol' A-vit, works topically like vitamin C, but get this, they do their job differently.
The best vitamin C serums tend to focus on collagen synthesis, skin tone, and clarity to shift pigmentation. On the flip side, the best retinol creams can help get rid of acne, speed up cell turnover, and soften lines, all while providing general textural improvements.
Retinol vs Vitamin C: What's the Scoop?
Both vitamin C and retinol are skincare superstars. They can be included in the same routine, but there are a few rules to remember. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you sort them out.
Meet Your New Besties – Retinol and Vitamin C
Retinol: Retinol, a popular skincare topic, even has debates around retinoid vs retinol. In a nutshell, all retinoids are vitamin A. "Conventional cosmetics usually contain retinol esters called retinyl palmitate and tretinoin," explains cosmetic chemist Vanessa Thomas, founder of Freelance Formulations. "Your body breaks these down into an active form, retinoic acid, that can then be used by your skin cells."
Vitamin C: "Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that works to neutralize free radicals in the skin," explains aesthetic practitioner and founder of Natali Kelly Clinic, Natali Kelly. "It aids in your skin's natural regeneration process, which helps your body repair damaged skin cells."
Snap the Benefits, Man!
Retinol Benefits: Retinol is often touted as an alternative to Botox, but don't get expectations too high - it won't work the same way as injectable toxins. However, it will speed up cell turnover, helping shed dead cells and grow collagen, both of which contribute to skin smoothing and plumping. Due to this, retinol is often used in a skincare routine for acne and oily skin, as it helps purge congestion that can lead to breakouts.
Vitamin C Benefits: Aside from the repair and regeneration of skin cells, Vit C has other benefits. It wards off future damage and has amazing skin-brightening abilities, promoting collagen production, diminishing fine lines and wrinkles, and even serving as a hyperpigmentation treatment.
What's the Difference Between Retinol vs Vitamin C?
- Environmental protection: While both ingredients can treat lines, skin texture, and more, vitamin C offers extra protection from UV rays, pollution, and smoke.
- Potency: Retinol is extremely powerful and can irritate skin, especially for those who struggle to tolerate it. Vitamin C can have several benefits, but it is less likely to cause irritation overall.
- Who should use it: Vitamin C can be used while pregnant or breastfeeding, but it's recommended not to use retinol during these times.
How to Use Retinol and Vitamin C
Experts suggest using Vitamin C in the daytime for its environmental protection benefits, while retinol is an evening product to make the most of nighttime skin renewal processes.
If you're wondering how often you should use retinol, it requires a little more caution. "It's really important to integrate retinol slowly and gently to the skin, as when used too frequently or if the formulation is too strong for your skin, it can irritate," says Kelly, who advises that "low concentrations of retinol are great for those who are new to using retinol or those with sensitive or reactive skin."
Don't Use Them Like This, Mate!
- Layered up together: While using both in your routine should be tolerated by the skin, experts recommend not using vitamin C and retinol at the same time. "The skin can become irritated, and products could be compromised if layered on top of one another," says Dr. Harold Lancer, dermatologist of Lancer Dermatology.
- With AHAs: Thomas also recommends avoiding using either product layered up with alpha-hydroxy acids (like lactic or glycolic acid). You can still use skincare acids in a routine with retinol and vitamin C, but leave a day or so between them to avoid overstimulating your skin.
Wrapping Up – Retinol vs Vitamin C: Which is Right for You?
Much like niacinamide vs vitamin C, there's no need to choose between retinol and vitamin C. If your goal is addressing acne scars or other textural improvements, retinol might be the way to go. However, if you want a product that will improve skin tone, collagen production, and general health while protecting your skin from environmental damage, Vitamin C could be the answer, mate.
But remember, you don't have to decide between them; with careful use, you can combine both in a routine for optimal results. Just use Vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night, mate, and you'll be sorted. Until next time, cheers!
Our Top Retinol and Vitamin C Buys
beauty editor's pick: If it's OK to call any serum iconic, then this has to be one of the few that make the grade. One of the OG vitamin C products, this is never far from my skincare shelf thanks to its watery-light texture, high concentration of ascorbic acid, and inclusion of ferulic acid, which is known to supercharge the effects of vitamin C.
Budget Favourite:Combining no-frills packaging with an all thrills formula, this contains a whopping 30% ascorbic acid, the most powerful form of Vit C. It’s punchy stuff, so you might experience a little tingling. If you have sensitive skin, start a few mornings a week and build up.
Soothing and Active: This brand always surprises me with its excellent formulations. This is fragrance-free and contains 0.5% pure retinol, plus rosehip oil, for face-soothing and nourishing properties. The tinted dropper protects the actives from degrading, and it's under £20!
Handy Capsules: Putting Vit C in capsules is an inspired move, as it'll be in fresh, perfect, highly-active condition when you do decide to pop it out and apply. RoC has also included botanical antioxidants and nourishing glycerin in these little pods, plus they're perfect for travel.
Powerful Treatment: This brand is known for creating highly active skincare at affordable prices. A little goes a very long way with this 0.03% retinal cream (a retinol type that gets to work a little quicker). The formula applies smoothly, smells a little like sugared almonds, and will improve your skin in as little as four weeks.
Balanced Formula: Trust skincare obsessive turned entrepreneur Trinny to formulate retinol with a doubled-down approach. This combines fast-acting retinal plus granactive retinoid, (which is known to be ultra-stable) in a very pleasant texture and totally light and air-proof packaging. Pricy, yes, but this will absolutely get things done. End of Article.
[1] Skincare.com – Retinol vs Vitamin C: Which Is Right for Your Skin?[2] Byrdie – What Is Retinol and How to Use It for Glowing Skin
- Both retinol and vitamin C are essential components in a home-and-garden lifestyle, as they are incorporated in various skincare and beauty products.
- Despite their similarities, retinol and vitamin C serve distinct purposes - retinol is popular for its textural improvements, including acne control and cell turnover, while vitamin C aids in the regeneration and repair of damaged skin cells, promoting skin tone and collagen production.
- The wellness of one's home extends to the garden of one's skin, with the synergy of retinol and vitamin C products contributing to a holistic self-care routine, fostering health, beauty, and lifestyle.
