Best Ingredients to Combine with Retinoids
Retinol is great on it’s own, but why not get even more from it?!
Combine these three powerful skincare ingredients with your retinol at night for even more amazing results.
These are amino acids that act as messengers to the skin. They trigger skin cells to build collagen and elastin for a younger complexion. They can also improve the function of your skin barrier, reduce wrinkles, ease inflammation, and improve skin elasticity.
Also known as Vitamin B3. This ingredient helps your skin barrier and improves skin texture including enlarged pores. It has hydrating properties, brightens the skin, prevents signs of aging and reduces acne.
This substance helps your skin retain water and keep your tissues hydrated. It promotes healthier, more youthful and plump skin, reducing fine lines and dehydration. When you use it, you’ll notice your skin is instantly smoother and plumper from all the hydration!
How to Layer with Retinol
It might not seem like such a big deal, but the order you apply your skincare products is actually really important. Apply the smallest molecular weights first, and use the right combination of ingredients. You want to make sure all of the actives you’re using absorb properly so you get the most out of the products you’re using, especially your Retinol!
Layer your nighttime anti‑aging serums like this 👇
- Niacinamide – Apply Needle‑Free Filler Serum prior to your Retinoid for increased collagen production and less irritation.
- Retinol/Retinoids – Apply Tretinol Renewal Serum for protection against environmental damage, help with fine lines and wrinkles, and to clear your skin. Wait 5‑15 minutes before applying a moisturizer on top.
- Lightener – Apply Phyto‑Fade Serum for lighter and brighter skin. You can mix half and half with your Retinoid, or apply it on top mixed with a moisturizer.
Want to try any of these out? Head over to theskinsaint.com!
Don’t Mix These with Retinol!
Since we covered what skincare ingredients to combine with your retinol, here are three to AVOID mixing with it at the same time! Not all skincare ingredients play nice together.
Salicylic Acid ‑ Using the two together can result in overdrying the skin and even make your acne worse than if you were to use them separately.
Vitamin C ‑ Retinol and Vitamin C have different pH environments so they make each other less effective when used together (in most cases). They are also both active ingredients, which is why they’re better used at different times of the day.
Benzoyl Peroxide ‑ Retinol and benzoyl peroxide both have amazing acne‑fighting powers but when used together, they basically cancel each other out and increase irritation. Nobody wants that!
Don’t skip out on these ingredients completely! Just use them in the morning and your retinol at night. You’ll get all the benefits and none of the negative effects of mixing them!
Alternatives to Retinoids
Retinol is amazing but it’s best used at night and can cause skin sensitivity. I still recommend using it BUT if you’re looking for some alternatives, here are my top 5 favorites!
Try these ingredients instead:
- Glycolic Acid ‑ Exfoliates the skin, reduces fine line and wrinkles and fades hyperpigmentation.
- Bakuchiol ‑ Plumps, brightens and evens skin tone
- Niacinamide ‑ Protects against sun damage, minimizes pores & redness, regulates oil
- Mandelic Acid ‑ Improves skin texture and accelerates cellular turnover
- Azelaic Acid ‑ Smooths, brightens and clears the skin
