To reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of ageing, vitamin C and retinol are two key ingredients to keep in your arsenal. Vitamin C is known for its brightening benefits, while retinol boosts cell turnover. Using both ingredients in your skin-care routine will help you achieve a radiant and youthful complexion.
The Benefits of Vitamin C.
L-ascorbic acid, or pure vitamin C, is a powerful antioxidant that is one of the best ingredients for targeting signs of ageing, according to industry experts. Much of that has to do with its role in neutralising free radicals. Triggered by various environmental factors such as pollution, smoke and UV rays, free radicals can break down your skin’s collagen and cause visible signs of ageing to form. This can include wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, dry patches and more. Vitamin C is the only antioxidant proven to stimulate the synthesis of collagen and minimise fine lines and wrinkles.
The Benefits of Retinol.
Retinol is the gold standard of anti-ageing ingredients. A derivative of vitamin A, retinol naturally occurs in the skin and is proven to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture, tone and even acne. Unfortunately, your naturally occurring stores of retinol deplete over time. By replenishing the skin with vitamin, A, lines can be minimised, as it helps build collagen and elastin. Because retinol is quite powerful, start with a low concentration of the ingredient and minimise the frequency of use to help build up your skin’s tolerance to it. Start by using retinol once or twice a week at night, and gradually increase the frequency as needed to every other night, or every night as tolerated.
Note how your skin is to begin. If your skin is dry, dehydrated or very sensitive – address these conditions first – restore hydration – heal the skin barrier first – this in self will make a significant impact on how your skin feels and looks.
Patch test a tiny patch of retinol for a night or two to see how your skin tolerates it.
Once you know its ok to use – put a little moisturiser on the corners of your nose and around your eyes and on your lips – these are the most sensitive areas. Another option is to apply a thin layer of moisturiser all over your face – then apply a pea sized amount of retinol.
NOTE ; Your skin on your neck is sensitive,
How to Use Vitamin C and Retinol in Your Routine.
First, you will need to select your products. For vitamin C, dermatologists suggest opting for a high-quality serum with stabilised concentrations of the ingredient. The serum should also come in a dark bottle, as vitamin C can become less effective with exposure to light.
When it comes to selecting a retinol, you have a few options. Prescription retinoids — like retinoic acid or tretinoin — are stronger, while over-the-counter drugstore retinoids — like retinol or retinyl palmitate — are usually milder. SkinCeuticals do a very good retinol - with different % of retinol to suit specific skin types.
Vitamin C serums are typically recommended for morning use with sunscreen when it is exposed to UV rays- and free radical-fighting benefits can be most effective. Retinol, on the other hand, is an ingredient that should be applied at night, as retinol is deactivated when exposed to UV.
Pairing the two together can be beneficial - Cocktailing these two ingredients together does make sense. In fact, vitamin C can help stabilise retinol and allow it to work more effectively against your ageing skin concerns.
However, because retinol and vitamin C are both potent, we recommend combining the two only after your skin is used to them and always with a broad spectrum sunscreen. If you have sensitive skin or experience irritation after application, stagger use of the ingredients.
Retinol 0.3%
https://www.nualawoulfe.ie/collections/skinceuticals/products/skinceuticals-retinol-0-3-30ml
