The final step in my anti-aging treatment is to apply a thin layer of coconut oil on my face to help “lock in” the retinol product. The coconut oil creates a moisture barrier, which prevents the retinol cream from evaporating too quickly.
Retinol + Jojoba Oil
Geria loves the pairing of retinol (a derivative of vitamin A) and jojoba oil. “This is one of the most hydrating oils out there, and is perfect for combating any dryness experienced from retinol products," he says.
Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol.
Regular use of coconut oil can help stimulate collagen production in the body thus reducing wrinkles. Research has shown that coconut oil has positive antioxidants that can help slow down the appearance of wrinkles and delay the aging process.
A combination of retinoids and humectants such as niacinamide, panthenol, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid can help slow down TEWLs during application of retinoid. Hyaluronic Acid is an excellent ingredient to alleviate some of these concerns.
It's best to apply Vitamin C before Retinol, as Vitamin C has a lower pH than Retinol. Once your skin absorbs the Vitamin C serum, your skin will return to its regular pH levels after 30 minutes or so. (You want your skin to return to its normal pH levels so vitamin C doesn't lower the pH of retinol.)
What Are the Benefits of Combining the Two? Good news: Retinol and hyaluronic acid actually have a synergistic effect. “They can be combined so that the benefits of retinol can be achieved more easily with concomitant use of hyaluronic acid, which helps to prevent retinol irritation,” says Hartman.
Yes, you can use coconut oil on your face every day and night. All you need to wash your face, dry it, and apply a small amount of coconut oil on your face at night and every morning.
Coconut oil is associated with boosting collagen (a natural protein present in your skin that is responsible for giving it strength and elasticity) production and thus, preventing signs of ageing such as wrinkles and fine lines on your skin.
Researchers attributed this to increased collagen components from the coconut oil. Collagen itself is important in creating skin elasticity. In fact, this is what makes your skin firmer and wrinkle-free. Your skin loses collagen with age, causing fine lines and wrinkles.
Retinoids work best if you use them daily. Specifically, they should be used at night because some types are deactivated by light and air. It's important to start slowly and allow your skin time to adjust. Using too much too quickly can cause redness, dryness, and irritation.
Rouleau says the best time to use a scrub is in the morning. Overnight you've loosened up dead skin cells with your glycolic acid or retinol products, making the morning a perfect time to brush them off.
A formula with retinol, like the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Eye Treatment, should be applied after your serums and before moisturizer due to its consistency.
It is soluble in absolute ethanol, methanol, chloroform, ether, fats and oils.
Rosehip and Carrot Seed Oil
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative, so it makes sense that there are natural oils also rich in the vitamin, like rosehip and carrot seed. Rosehip oil is exceptional in regenerating and healing the skin, while increasing collagen production and skin elasticity.
Will Coconut Oil Help Crepey Skin? In a nutshell, the answer is: Yes. According to research, saturated fatty acids that have emollient properties can be found within coconut oil.
Benefits of coconut oil for wrinkles and sagging skin:
It contains Vitamin A which boosts collagen production, thus, keeping your skin wrinkle-free. It helps to protect your skin from antioxidants which are responsible for loose, sagged and wrinkled skin.
Night Cream: Add a few drops of coconut oil to your moisturizer and apply it at night before sleeping if you are prone to face acne. If not, then you can apply the oil as it is on your face.
The study also showed that coconut oil can help to improve the elasticity of the skin as well. As a result, using the oil can result in firmer skin that is less prone to sagging. This, too, can help to prevent wrinkles while making existing ones look less noticeable.
When applied overnight, it will trap the moisture into your skin making it soft, supple and hydrated. Lauric acid in coconut oil will help boost collagen production. Coconut oil is said to reduce any signs of inflammation like redness or irritation but its anti-inflammatory properties are yet to be proven.
When using hyaluronic acid and retinol, apply retinol first, then hyaluronic acid.
For prescription retinols, you'll typically apply this step onto dry skin before your moisturizer—but always check with your dermatologist. You may be advised to use it after a moisturizer, which buffers the retinol and lessens risk of irritation.
Niacinamide and retinol can be combined in one product, which may be easier and more convenient. But they're also available as separate products. If you're using these ingredients in separate products, it's recommended to apply niacinamide first and to then follow with retinol.