Key insights

• ⚗️ Vitamin C serums can be mixed with retinoids
• 🌞 It's preferable to use vitamin C in the morning and retinoids at night to avoid potential irritation
• 🚫 Mixing retinoids with exfoliants like salicylic acid, lactic acid, or glycolic acid should be avoided
• 🧼 Using benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid cleansers is preferred with retinoids
• 💧 Peptides and niacinamide are suitable for mixing with retinol in skincare
• ❌ Avoid using thick ointments like aquafor or Vaseline over retinoids due to occlusion and potential irritation
• 💦 Layering hyaluronic acid serum, retinol, and moisturizer is recommended for sensitive skin
• ❄️ Use thicker cream like Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with retinol in winter

Q&A

• What are the winter skincare tips for using retinoids?

  Use a thicker cream like Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with retinol in winter. Do not mix retinol with moisturizer to preserve its potency. Layering retinoid and moisturizer is key. Use sunscreen during the day, especially with photo-stable retinoids. Maintain a consistent skincare routine.

• What should be avoided when using retinoids?

  Avoid using thick ointments like aquafor or Vaseline over retinoids due to occlusion and potential irritation. Leave-on treatments with benzoyl peroxide, as well as benzoyl peroxide spot treatments, should be kept separate from retinoids.

• Is it okay to use benzoyl peroxide with retinoids?

  Certain products, such as those combining benzoyl peroxide with retinoids, can be effective, but may not be suitable for all individuals. It's important to keep benzoyl peroxide and retinoids separate to maintain efficacy.

• Can exfoliants be used with retinoids?

  Mixing retinoids with exfoliants like salicylic acid, lactic acid, or glycolic acid should be avoided, and it's better to use products that combine these ingredients. Using benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid cleansers is preferable with retinoids as they are less likely to irritate the skin compared to leave-on treatments.

• What skincare products can be mixed with retinoids?

  Vitamin C serums can be mixed with retinoids, while peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid serums are suitable for combining with retinol in skincare.

• 00:04 Dr. Suay discusses what skincare ingredients can be mixed with retinoid cream or serum. Retinoids can cause irritation but can help regenerate collagen and reduce fine lines. It's important to be cautious when mixing skincare products.
• 01:35 You can layer certain skincare products like vitamin C and retinoids, but it's best to use them separately to avoid irritation. Mixing retinoids with exfoliants like salicylic acid, lactic acid, or glycolic acid can cause irritation, so it's better to rely on products that have already been formulated together.
• 03:02 Using benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid cleansers is preferred with retinoids as they are less likely to irritate the skin compared to leave-on treatments. It's important to keep benzoyl peroxide and retinoids separate to maintain efficacy.
• 04:35 Peptides and niacinamide are great for combining with retinol in skincare. Peptides help with collagen production, while niacinamide can be soothing and anti-inflammatory. Slugging, using a small amount of petrolatum over retinol, is also an option.
• 06:07 Applying thick ointments like aquafor or Vaseline over retinoids can cause irritation by pushing it deeper into the skin (occlusion). However, using hyaluronic acid serums with retinol is totally fine and can be applied as a layering technique.
• 07:32 Winter skincare tips for using retinoids: Use a thicker cream like Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with retinol. Do not mix retinol with moisturizer to preserve its potency. Layering retinoid and moisturizer is key. Use sunscreen during the day, especially with photo-stable retinoids. Maintain a consistent skincare routine. Stay consistent and enjoy your winter skincare routine with retinoids!