Did I destroy my skin using Vitamin C and tretinoin together?

Question

I've read a lot about layering skincare this week and since around February (it's May now) I've been using tretinoin almost immediately after my Vitamin C serum. I haven't had irritation but I'm wondering if this combo caused some permanent damage in my skin? I read that it is advised to wait 30-40 minutes after applying Vitamin C. Also, would it be advisable to use AHA/BHA's in the morning, and tretinoin at night? Or AHA/BHA's twice a week and tretinoin for the days not using the acids?

Fereydoon S. Mahjouri, MD · Answer

Not to worry, you cannot do damage to your skin by applying these products together. Vitamin C is best used in the morning. It is a fantastic antioxidant that can further protect your skin from the sun. Retinol is best used at night, as it breaks down in light and it causes your skin to be more sensitive to the sun. A regimen that includes both products is a fantastic idea. I would just alter the times you use the Vitamin C. Also, when using a Retin-A, you'll want to wait 20-30 min before putting anything else on. With Vitamin C, you don't need to wait that long, but I would wait 10-15 for best results.

Shehla Ebrahim, MD · Answer

Vitamin C and Tretinoin are the best anti aging topicals that are currently available on the market. They are very effective for anti aging.Retinoic Acid is very strong and it can cause the skin to peel or be red. It is important to build up to retinoic acid using retinol first.Vitamin C is a very effective topical agent for slowing down the aging process. Vitamin C, phloretin, resveratrol and other topical agents with growth factors are effective at blocking the dna damage that we incur.I recommend using topicals on a regular basis to slow down the aging process.

Did I destroy my skin using Vitamin C and tretinoin together?

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Did I destroy my skin using Vitamin C and tretinoin together?

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Everything you need to know about Retin-A

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.