Can peptides and retinol be used together?
Yes, some skincare ingredients go as well together as strawberries and cream, but others are down to taste and require careful consideration when used. Now the question is: can peptides and retinol be used together?
Is this a skincare combo you use on a daily basis? Or is it all over the place? Let’s find out more together!
What is retinol?
Retinol is a form of vitamin A and is considered a highly effective skincare ingredient with a variety of skincare benefits. It increases the turnover rate of skin cells, making your complexion look more radiant and youthful.
You’ll also find that it works well on all breakouts, whether they’re frequent ones or occasional blemishes. Not to mention, the increase in cell turnover can also visibly improve signs of hyperpigmentation and dark spots, one of the things that ensures an even skin tone everywhere.
What are peptides?
Peptides are amino acids that form short chains in the lower layers of the skin. These components are known for their bilingual abilities and cellular communication.
This essentially means that they tell skin cells to increase collagen production. This strengthens the skin’s barrier, which protects itself from free radical damage. Skin also appears plumper, smoother and more youthful.
Can retinol and peptides be mixed?
Yes, you can! In fact, you’ll find that the combination of these ingredients brings an overall improvement. To get the most out of both powers, it’s best to use both together in your evening routine.
Retinol is a photosensitive ingredient that becomes inoperable when exposed to UV rays. You’ll also find that peptides have antioxidant properties that can effectively strengthen the skin barrier against signs of free radicals such as pollution, UVA and UVB rays, and other environmental aggressors.
There’s nothing stopping you from using these skin heroes together. However, if you’d like to use them in sequence, start with peptides in the morning, followed by retinol in the evening.
What counts as first, peptides or retinol?
When using these powerful ingredients, it’s best to start with the retinol first. This allows the powerful active retinol levels to work their magic, accelerating cell turnover and revealing brighter, healthier skin.
With this comes the risk of irritation, dryness, and redness, which can be easily mitigated by using a nourishing peptide-rich moisturizer. However, for many skin types, using peptides and retinol can be very beneficial.
However, if you are prone to dryness and sensitivity, it is best to slowly introduce these two ingredients into your daily routine. As with all skincare ingredients, I also recommend consulting a doctor or dermatologist to ensure that you are using the best options for your skin needs.
What can’t peptides be used for?
There are very few skincare ingredients that can’t be used with peptides. It is most effective to introduce peptides into a serum, moisturizer, or other formula as these will ensure that the peptides stay on your face for longer. You can also use other desired ingredients in the combination such as vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, retinol, AHA, etc. Peptides work on the skin by penetrating the outer layer of the skin and easily penetrate deeper areas of the skin. This makes it a convenient ingredient to incorporate into your daily routine and use in combination with other highly effective product formulas. Which is better, peptides or retinol? Since each of these ingredients offers unique skin benefits to different skin areas, there is nothing wrong with using both together. In fact, they work perfectly together to improve the overall look and feel of the skin. As mentioned before, as long as your skin type isn’t overly sensitive or prone to severe dryness, you’ll benefit from this powerful skin combo.
If you want to learn more about peptides and retinol, and which products are better to incorporate into your daily routine, read our dedicated blog post.
When should I use peptides?
The best way to use peptides in your daily routine is to apply a serum to freshly cleansed skin before moisturizing. By choosing a serum with active peptides, you can ensure that your skin benefits without causing any damaging
side effects such as dryness and irritation. If you use a moisturizer afterwards, keep in mind that harsh ingredients may contain active ingredients that can increase skin irritation.
What are the benefits of peptides?
There are several reasons why peptides are beneficial for your skin. Here are some of the main benefits you can reap by using peptides in your daily routine. Improves Skin Barrier The protective skin barrier plays an important role in maintaining
skin health. Although it contains the right amount of water and oil, it protects against the harmful effects of free radicals.
These are caused by everyday aggressors such as pollution, cigarette smoke, UV rays, bacteria, and other pollutants. All of these can weaken the skin barrier and lead to signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity and dark spots, which can lead to uneven skin tone.
Reduces Signs of Aging Because peptides have cell-communication abilities, they can tell skin cells to increase collagen production in the underlying layers of the skin.
As the skin supports collagen and elastin with peptide building blocks, the complexion appears firmer, younger and smoother. Antioxidant Benefits Peptides are rich in antioxidants, all of which help reduce inflammation, even out skin tone and repair damaged skin while protecting it from further damage.
