Can retinol be used with ferulic acid?
Our blog posts have provided some lessons on mixing skincare products, and today we are adding another post to the series. Before we begin, I would like to say that even the most experienced skincare enthusiasts are often confused by the ever-expanding choice of ingredients, especially when their names are difficult to pronounce.
It’s not just the names that confuse us a bit, you’ll find that skincare formulas are more advanced than ever before thanks to modern technology. This means that there is a layering to consider when applying ingredients. It’s no longer a matter of applying from the thinnest to the thickest consistency, but rather focusing on the active ingredients themselves and how they interact with each other. So before you slather your skin with the latest trendy ingredient, wait because even if you use it in the right order, it may not fit into your existing routine. Don’t worry anymore because this is the topic we will be discussing in today’s blog. So stay tuned for more information on using retinol and ferulic acid.
The next section will give a brief summary of what these ingredients do for your skin and what their benefits are. If you are confident about this, you can move on to the next section.
What is ferulic acid?
Ferulic acid is an antioxidant that’s primarily found in anti-aging skincare products and dietary supplements, and is naturally found in certain foods like oats, rice, eggplant, and bran. Not only does ferulic acid protect against free radical damage from things like UV rays, central heating, and pollution, it also boosts the effectiveness of other antioxidants like vitamins A, E, and C on your skin.
The combination of ferulic acid and vitamin C is considered a highly effective skincare powerhouse. This is because ferulic acid stabilizes vitamin C while enhancing its ability to minimize sun damage by boosting photoprotection.
The main benefits of ferulic acid are its antioxidant properties, which can protect the skin from free radicals, repair existing damage on the skin’s surface, and reverse signs of aging by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. All of this generally improves the overall health and radiance of your complexion.
There’s more information on ferulic acid on Skin School, so stop by to learn more.
What is Retinol?
We’ve all heard the word retinol before, either it’s already a staple in your skincare routine or it’s an ingredient you avoid like the plague because the name alone is so scary.
Retinol is a form of vitamin A and is considered one of the most potent ingredients in skincare. It occurs naturally in the skin, and its production decreases after the age of 25. This powerful energy source promotes skin cell turnover and increases collagen production, making the skin appear firmer, tighter, and younger. Retinol not only fights signs of skin aging, but also existing skin damage caused by sun exposure.
As effective as retinol is at improving your skin, it is a highly potent ingredient that can cause some side effects if not used correctly. It is important to introduce retinol into your daily routine slowly to avoid increased redness, itching, irritation, and discomfort. Learn more about retinol and its effects on the skin in our blog post.
Now that you have the knowledge of these two ingredients, let’s take a closer look at how to use them together.
Can I use retinol with ferulic acid?
Yes, you can. In fact, using these ingredients together creates an incredible combination. When layered, retinol and ferulic acid can enhance each other’s benefits for the skin. Retinol evens out skin tone and increases firmness, while ferulic acid helps retinol penetrate deeper into the deeper layers of the skin and boost collagen production. When these two powerful ingredients complement each other, you get a radiant, healthy, even-toned complexion.
What can ferulic acid be used with?
The main benefit of ferulic acid is that it works effectively with other ingredients, but can enhance them and make them even more effective. Look for product formulas that contain other antioxidant ingredients like vitamin C and vitamin E.
Since ferulic acid can be combined effectively with other ingredients, it’s important to remember that introducing new skincare ingredients should only be done after consulting with a doctor or dermatologist. Here’s how to make sure you’re using the ingredients that are best for you and your skincare needs.
Which acid works well with retinol?
Blended acids like hyaluronic acid can even out skin tone and allow retinol to work on the skin without drying it out or irritating it. This is thanks to hyaluronic acid’s hydrating properties and its ability to attract and bind moisture to the skin.
If retinol isn’t used, other more effective ingredients like glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids should be used. The peeling effects of these acids combined with the increased stimulation of skin cell turnover can be too much for the skin. This can cause an imbalance in skin pH, which can lead to a loss of skin oils, causing irritation, redness, flaking, and general discomfort.
Can I use retinol every night?
Yes, you can eventually, but only after you build up your skin’s tolerance. The effectiveness and formulation of the product also play a big role in how often you should use retinol.
To begin with, it’s best to use retinol once or twice a week in your evening routine. After a while, many people find that they can use it every night. This depends a lot on your skin type and the product. Ideally, retinol should be used every other night. This ensures that it delivers results without causing unwanted side effects.
Below is more information on these powerful ingredients and how to use retinol with ferulic acid. If you have any additional questions, feel free to visit us on Instagram.
