In short - yes, retinol and collagen can be used together! In fact, these two ingredients can be combined to make a strong duo when it comes to anti-ageing. Retinol and collagen can be found alongside each other in many different forms, including creams, serums, and of course, liquid collagen.
Apply Retinol First
There's your answer, folks. Apply retinol before collagen cream. Reasoning: Applying retinol first is crucial, akin to the lead-off batter in baseball; it needs an open field to make an impact. Your collagen cream, as marvelous as it is, can form a barrier that retinol struggles to penetrate.
Vitamins that have antioxidant effect can also act as pro oxidants, and these pro oxidants can oxidize collagen's amino acids. In other words, taking high amounts of vitamin C with collagen might be counter productive.
Don't combine retinol with alpha or beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C, and other retinols or retinoids. Don't skip sunscreen Retinols are usually used as part of nighttime skincare routines, but even when they're applied at night, they can lead to lingering sun sensitivity.
In essence, neither ingredient is inherently better than the other; they complement each other beautifully in a comprehensive skincare routine. If you're looking for immediate hydration and plumpness, collagen is your go-to. For long-term improvements in texture and firmness, retinol takes the lead.
The evidence from the reviewed studies suggested that both collagen supplements improve skin moisture, elasticity, and hydration when orally administered. Additionally, collagen reduces the wrinkling and roughness of the skin, and existing studies have not found any side effects of its oral supplements.
In addition to the 4 symptoms listed above, 10 other symptoms were classified as possibly related to retinol ingestion: alopecia, conjunctivitis, dysuria, epistaxis, exanthema, menstrual changes, musculoskeletal stiffness and pain, nausea or vomiting, peeling palms or soles, and skin infections.
Wait: Allow the retinol to absorb into your skin. Waiting 20-30 minutes can reduce the risk of irritation. Moisturize: Apply your moisturizer to lock in hydration and soothe the skin.
Retinol and other retinoids work best if you use them daily. But when you first start out, you should begin using retinol every 1 or 2 days. This helps your skin get used to it, and avoid irritation. After a few weeks, slowly work your way up to using it every night.
Collagen pairs well with protein powders (such as whey protein), vitamin C, zinc, supergreens, probiotics and multivitamins.
Risk of Liver abnormalities
While uncommon, there have been reports of collagen supplements leading to liver abnormalities in some individuals. These abnormalities may manifest as increased liver enzymes or liver damage, although the exact mechanisms remain unclear.
Timing for collagen supplements depends on the reason you are taking them. If you have experienced gases or gut issues with these supplements, it is best to have them in the morning blended in with your smoothies or in a cup of coffee. If you want a good night sleep, you can take it at night with a glass of milk.
For topical products, hyaluronic acid is the clear winner. Building collagen takes time and other methods, but it will give you the most long-term and visible results to prevent wrinkles and improve skin elasticity and strength overall.
While collagen serums tend to be on the higher end of the skin care scale, they're something you use everyday and are able to provide multiple benefits at once. This means they can be quite the high-value product. That said, you want to find a collagen serum that is both effective and in your budget.
Since retinol is such a powerful ingredient, it's important to be cautious about what you are pairing this with in your daily routine. To be specific, you cannot mix retinol with AHAs (Glycolic Acid Toner, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid Treatment, BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum, PHA Toner.
The Best Moisturizers to Use After Retinol
Hyaluronic acid is the ultimate hydrator, she says, while products with ceramides help restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture. She also suggests using a formula that's fragrance-free (to prevent further irritation) and non-comedogenic (to avoid clogging pores).
Apply each separately, start with collagen peptides in your morning routine (to replenish the skin's natural protective barrier when you face the elements) followed with retinol in the evening (when you won't be exposing your skin to the sun).
The retinol uglies can last anywhere from 4–8 weeks. The exact length of a retinoid purge depends very much on your skin type and sensitivity. The amount and strength of your retinoid product can also play a part. Some people experience a purge flare-up for only a few days, and others don't get it at all.
Going overboard on the potent ingredient (known to cause irritation and dryness at high concentrations) can dry out your skin and make your wrinkles look more noticeable, says Rebecca Kazin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington, D.C. Avoid this side ...
SkinCeuticals' Triple Lipid Restore is our top pick because it absorbs well and promises deep hydration while providing skin a youthful glow. Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream is a close second because it can moisturize and plump skin intensely. Aging is a beautiful thing, but change isn't always easy.