Should you use vitamin C or tretinoin first?

Author: Aron Pfeffer  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Vitamin C and tretinoin are both effective skincare ingredients for anti-aging. However, it is important to use them correctly in order to get the most benefit. By applying vitamin C before tretinoin, you can help to protect your skin from irritation and enhance the effectiveness of tretinoin.

Does vitamin C go before or after tretinoin?

By applying vitamin C before tretinoin, you can help to protect your skin from irritation and enhance the effectiveness of tretinoin.

Should I start vitamin C or retinol first?

Vitamin C and Retinol on Alternate Nights. Apply your vitamin C first, since it has the lower pH of the two. Then, wait half an hour before you apply your retinol the waiting period allows your skin's pH to return to normal and decreases the risk of irritancy.

In what order do you apply tretinoin?

gradually. The first key with starting to integrate tretinoin is to know when to apply it. Tretinoin should be applied to the entire face nightly — AFTER washing your face and in combination with a moisturizer.

Why can't you use vitamin C and retinol together?

Retinol and Vitamin C don't actually mix well and can degrade each other making them at best inert, at worst capable of causing a chemical burns or damage. Products like these use extremely low concentrations of actives to keep the products stable.

My Hardest Breakup... Why I Stopped Using Tretinoin in My Skincare Routine | Susan Yara

Do tretinoin and vitamin C cancel each other out?

Dr Malvina Cunningham: Retinoids like tretinoin and vitamin C work well together as they both promote collagen production and enhance each other's effect.

What order to use retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid?

In the morning, after applying your vitamin C serum, follow it with a layer of hydrating hyaluronic acid. In your nightly routine, apply hyaluronic acid serum before retinol, as it can increase its effectiveness while also helping to lock moisture in for maximum hydration.

What to layer on top of tretinoin?

Tretinoin should always be paired with a moisturizer and sunscreen with a SPF 50. In addition to these two items, you can also pair it up with Vitamin C (applied before your sunscreen in the morning) and hyaluronic acid or niacinamide 10 minutes after applying your tretinoin cream.

What should I put on my face before using tretinoin?

You can help protect your skin with a layer of moisturizer before applying the tretinoin. This generally doesn't reduce the effectiveness of the medication, but can help to soothe and moisturize the skin.

What is the sandwich method of tretinoin?

Option one: The sandwich technique

After washing your face, apply a layer of moisturiser. Allow it to dry down for 5-10 minutes. Then, apply a pea-sized amount of tretinoin to your entire face. Allow this to dry down for 5-10 minutes.

What is the correct order of serums?

Thin to Thick: Layer by lightest to thickest consistency. Many serums have a similar viscous consistency, but if you notice one is thicker, start with the thinner formula first. Take Your Time: Give each serum several seconds to set before moving onto the next.

Can I use vitamin C in morning and retinol at night on same day?

Yes, you can combine Vitamin C and Retinol in your skincare routine, but it's important to do so carefully to avoid irritation. Both ingredients are potent and offer significant benefits to the skin; however, they can also cause sensitivity, especially when introduced together.

Which is better for dark spots, vitamin C or retinol?

Vitamin C can help lighten dark spots and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol slows the breakdown of collagen and increases elasticity, giving you skin that looks firmer and plumper. The combination can help even out the texture and tone of your skin.

Do you put vitamin C or retinol first?

Apply Vitamin C first because it is water-soluble and has a lower pH than retinol, allowing it to absorb fully into the skin for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, your skin will return to its natural pH level-this is vital so that the Vitamin C doesn't lower the pH of the retinol and lessen its effect.

What not to mix with tretinoin?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it is especially important to avoid using the following skin products on the same area as tretinoin: Any other topical acne product or skin product containing a peeling agent (eg, benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, or sulfur).

Does tretinoin peeling ever stop?

Some people may notice that this side effect goes away within a few weeks of use, while others may have flaky skin for up to two months. Regardless of how long it takes to subside, tretinoin peeling is temporary and will go away once your skin gets used to the product.

How to layer vitamin C and tretinoin?

Here are a few tips:
  1. Start with a low concentration of tretinoin and gradually increase the concentration as your skin gets used to it.
  2. Apply vitamin C to the skin before tretinoin.
  3. Wait at least 30 minutes after applying vitamin C before applying tretinoin.
  4. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher during the day.

Is tretinoin 3 times a week enough?

Conclusion: After 48 weeks of once-daily treatment, the continued use of tretinoin emollient cream 0.05% at a dose of three times per week maintains and, in some cases, may further enhance improvement in photodamage.

What serum to use before tretinoin?

Which skin products are compatible with tretinoin? Hyaluronic acid is the standout topical compatible with virtually everything, followed by niacinamide. Some prescription formulations combine retinoids with other ingredients such as hydroquinone. Be guided by your skin care expert.

What is the best combination with tretinoin?

One of the most popular hydrating ingredients, Hyaluronic acid is excellent to pair with Tretinoin in compounded treatments. It helps to counteract the dryness and flaking effects of Tretinoin by drawing moisture into the skin, keeping it plump and hydrated.

Can you put hyaluronic acid on top of tretinoin?

Hyaluronic acid can also be used in combination with Clindamycin gel and Tretinoin when treating acne because it helps moisturize the skin. Hyaluronic acid can be combined with almost all other skin care ingredients because it helps to hydrate, plump, and protect the skin.

What is the best nighttime moisturizer to use with tretinoin?

The La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Multi-Purpose Balm.

It's a shea butter and glycerin-based balm, so it's super-rich and healing-- great for night routines. Tretinoin users have reviewed this product and named it the “holy grail of moisturizers.” It's helped countless people get through tretinoin irritation.

Can I use vitamin C in morning and retinol at night?

Specifically, it's best to use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night. The reason for that has a lot to do with how each ingredient works. Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant and may have sun-protective properties, so using it in the morning can boost your ability to limit potential damage from UV radiation.

What is the correct order for face products?

How to Layer Your Skincare Products in the Right Order
  • Step 1: Cleanser.
  • Step 2: Toner.
  • Step 3: Spot Treatment.
  • Step 4: Serums.
  • Step 5: Retinol.
  • Step 6: Eye Cream.
  • Step 7: Moisturizer.
  • Step 8: Face Oils.

Does vitamin C go first before hyaluronic acid?

To layer vitamin C and hyaluronic acid serums, always apply vitamin C first to cleansed, dry skin. Be sure to leave time for your vitamin C to sink in, then follow up with your hyaluronic acid. A prime example of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid joining forces is Lancôme's Advanced Génifique.

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