Skincare Ingredients: Vitamin C And Vitamin A — Can They Both Be Used Together?
— stocksy
Vitamin C and Vitamin A have gained significant popularity and praise in the skincare world, but one question I get all the time as an esthetician is can they be used together?
IN THIS BLOG POST:
- Understanding the ingredients: Vitamin C and Vitamin A
- The Apoterra and Osmosis difference
- Benefits of Vitamin C and Vitamin A for different skin concerns
Vitamin C and Vitamin A are two of the most coveted ingredients in skincare, but before you decide if you should use both let’s dive deeper into the benefits of vitamin C and Vitamin A individually.
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant with many benefits for the skin:
Supports collagen production, beneficial for elasticity and firmness
Neutralizes free radicals and protects the skin from oxidative dress
Help with natural regenerative process
Brightens dull skin helpful for the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation
Not all vitamin C’s are created equal! In fact, there are many forms commonly used in skincare such as:
ascorbic acid
sodium ascorbyl phosphate
ascorbyl palmitate
tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
magnesium ascorbic phosphate
A key difference to note about different forms of Vitamin C includes its pH compatibility with other ingredients. Apoterra uses a non acidic, vegan, oil soluble and stable version of Vitamin C called ascorbyl palmitate in the Vitamin C Regenerative Balm. This form is readily absorbed into the skin to immediately deliver the multiple benefits of this vitamin deep within the skin.
The unique formulation of the VO 15% Vitamin C Booster stands out by utilizing L-ascorbic acid in an oil-based form. This special design protects the vitamin C from going rancid and maintains its potency, ensuring you achieve the best results for your skin. Plus, it's enriched with gooseberry, carrot extract, vitamin E, and lemon extract, further enhancing skin brightness without causing irritation!
VITAMIN A
— Calm Gentle Retinal Serum, Correct Preventative Retinal Serum, Renew Advanced Retinal Serum
Vitamin A in skincare has the ability to reprogram how cells function, influencing them to behave in a younger, healthier way for a radiant glow. It also helps with problematic skin conditions like acne by normalizing oil production, and pigmentation by regulating tyrosinase (an enzyme that plays an important role in the production of melanin). Vitamin A speeds up the skin’s natural exfoliation process - restructuring the skin from the ground up. It helps smooth fine lines, target pigmentation, keep pores clear, and supports collagen.
Beta Carotene converts into Retinol, Retinol into Retinaldehyde and Retinaldehyde into Retinoic Acid. All of these vitamin A derivatives contribute to your skin health, but the struggle is to formulate products with the ability to penetrate the top layer of skin so they can work, and that is what often causes the skin irritation that some people experience with common forms of Vitamin A.
Osmosis MD’s Retinal serums are more bioavailable, meaning they absorb faster and more thoroughly, making them clinically-proven to work 11 times faster than Retinol.
Benefits of Retinaldeyhyde:
- Ability to accelerate skin cell renewal
- Stimulate collagen production.
- Reduces inflammation
- Antibacterial
- Decreases sebum production
- Increases the rate of wound healing
- Improves the skin's hydration
Benefits Of Combining Both Vitamin C And Vitamin A In Your Skincare Routine:
Using vitamin C and Vitamin A together in your skincare routine (this doesn't have to be at the same time) may result in smoother, brighter skin. Vitamin C defends, protects and supports collagen production, while Vitamin A renews skin cells and stimulates collagen.
For the purpose of this article, we are focusing on vitamin A in the form of retinaldehyde found in the Osmosis Retinal Serums, which are formulated to be gentle and help strengthen the skin over time and Apoterra’s Vitamin C Regenerative Balm, and VO’s 15% Vitamin C Booster which are formulated to be nourishing for the skin.
Vitamin A and C Benefits For Skin Concerns:
ACNE – Retinal found in Calm, Correct and Renew Osmosis vitamin A serums is antibacterial and helps encourage cell turnover, keeps pores clean and reduces the likelihood of breakouts while improving texture. The anti-inflammatory properties in the Vitamin C Regenerative Balm can help calm and soothe inflamed skin, reducing redness and irritation associated with acne. Both ingredients can have benefits for fading acne scarring.
PIGMENTATION – The consistent use of vitamin C and Vitamin A can lead to gradual improvements in hyperpigmentation over time. Vitamin C is well-known for its brightening abilities. Vitamin A derivatives such as retinaldehyde inhibit tyrosinase activity. It interferes with melanin production, lightens skin, and may also increase your skin's cell turnover ratio. This reduces the appearance of pigmentation spots.
REDNESS/SENSITIVITY – Both Vitamin C and A can contribute to improving the skin's natural barrier function, which is important for maintaining healthy, resilient skin, Calm Gentle Retinal Serum and The Vitamin C Regenerative Balm may help reduce redness and inflammation, contributing to an overall more even skin tone. Antioxidants like vitamin C are known to help strengthen the capillaries (which could mean less redness) and also improve skin flushing.
LINES/WRINKLES – Retinal stimulates collagen synthesis, helping to improve skin elasticity, firmness, and overall texture. Vitamin C also supports collagen production and helps maintain the structural integrity of the skin. Retinal helps to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by promoting cell turnover and encouraging the growth of new skin cells. Vitamin C's antioxidant properties protect the skin from further damage and support a smoother complexion.
General guidelines for introducing Vitamin A and C into your skincare routine:
Try A Patch Test. Perform a patch test before applying Vitamin C and Vitamin A to your entire face to ensure your skin can tolerate them without adverse reactions.
Start With Alternate Usage: Consider starting to use Vitamin C and Vitamin A on alternate days to avoid overloading your skin. Many people also like to use vitamin C in the morning for antioxidant protection and Vitamin A at night for rejuvenation. This can provide the benefits of both ingredients while minimizing potential irritation.
Choose Gentle Formulations: Look for products that are formulated for sensitive skin and free from potential irritants, such as fragrance and harsh additives. If traditional forms of vitamin A like retinol seem to be too strong for your skin, consider a retinol alternative like rosehip or bakuchiol or different vitamin a derivative such as retinal (aka retinaldehyde). Pairing your Osmosis retinal serum of choice with the Apoterra Vitamin C Regenerative Balm might be a great first step.
Remember that individual responses to skincare products can vary. If you experience persistent irritation or worsening of concerns, it's best to discontinue use and seek advice from a skincare professional.
THE TAKEAWAY:
Both of these ingredients can help rejuvenate your skin in many ways, such as improving skin texture, appearance of pores, brightening and reducing lines. I appreciate that Apoterra has created an effective Vitamin C product that is gentle and nourishing enough to layer with Vitamin A, and Osmosis created gentle but powerful retinal serums with intentions to strengthen and support the skin. Most of my clients are concerned with repairing and protecting their skin which makes the Vitamin C Regenerative Balm , 15% Vitamin C Booster, and one of the Osmosis retinal serums a perfect pairing for glowing skin.
Vitamin C Regenerating Balm is magic nectar in a jar that will bring your skin back to life. Its rich, creamy blend of organic plant butters & oils like rosehip, prickly pear, pomegranate and calendula sink deeply into skin to help retain hydration, radiance, and barrier support, sealing in moisture and preventing trans-epidermal water loss. Skin will feel perfectly supple, luminous and comforted. A team of skin-repairing antioxidants, a phytonutrient infusion & active botanicals like turmeric & calendula address premature aging. Thyme and chamomile help alleviate acne.
A comforting multi-omega, multivitamin, multi-nutrient for skin
Suitable for all skin types. Formulated to address dehydrated, aging, dull, sensitive, inflamed, or damaged skin states.
BENEFITS
Two advanced forms of vitamin C to help even & brighten the skin's complexion, protect the skin, and fade discoloration.
Acetyle zingerone, a cutting edge ginger derived antioxidant, slows visible signs of aging by protecting skin from multiple types of free radicals from UV exposure, pollution, and even internal stress, while helping prevent collagen and elastin breakdown for smoother, more resilient skin
CoQ10 boosts collagen production while rosehip seed oil is high in essential fatty acids Omega 3, 6 & 9.
Helps to diminish redness, repair skin barrier function, & speed up skin healing.
Rosehip • Pomegranate • Prickly Pear • Sea Buckthorn • Calendula Infused Jojoba • Pumpkin Seed • Vitamin C • Q10 • Elderberry • Cupuaçu Butter • Shea Butter • Patchouli • Jasmine • Immortelle
HOW TO USE
Mist skin generously with a toning mist & massage a small amount into skin.
In the summer, use this balm to repair skin from increased sun exposure, & in winter, use it to create a protective barrier against harsh cold & dryness.
Can also be used as an eye cream.
Blend balm + mist in the palm of your hand for the perfect customized emulsion of oil + water.
As a Mask: Vitamin C Regenerative Balm makes an ideal regenerating, nourishing and restorative treatment for dry and/or sensitive skin in need of rebuilding from over-reliance on harsh exfoliating acids, or over-use of exfoliating products.
97% certified organic ingredients
100% Natural
Leaping Bunny Cruelty Free certified
1.5 FL OZ
Note from Katey: This C-Balm is the real MVP glow getter you didn’t know you were missing in your skincare routine. Pro Tip: For a lighter experience, mist skin before applying the balm. It will emulsify into a cream to sink in deeper and faster. This balm can also work as a balm cleanser to remove makeup and makes an excellent facial massage medium.
The secret to brighter, clearer skin:
When it comes to supporting your skin's health and appearance, few things work as effectively as Vitamin C. The 15% Vitamin C Booster provides a potent antioxidant shield for your skin, and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness, irritation, signs of aging, and hyperpigmentation.
Not all vitamin C boosters are created alike. This unique formulation stands out by utilizing L-ascorbic acid in an oil-based form. This special design protects the vitamin C from going rancid and maintains its potency, ensuring you achieve the best results for your skin. Plus, it's enriched with gooseberry, carrot extract, vitamin E, and lemon extract, further enhancing skin brightness without causing irritation!
KEY INGREDIENTS:
L-Ascorbic Acid: Most stable and potent form of vitamin C and a powerful antioxidant, it promotes the recovery of cellular elements of the skin which brightens, evens out skin texture, and lightens acne scars and hyperpigmentation.
Carrot Extract: Containing beta-carotene (an antioxidant) that our bodies convert into vitamin A, it promotes cell regeneration which helps brighten and reduce redness and inflammation.
Gooseberry Extract: A powerhouse fruit that brightens, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and protects the skin's moisture barrier.
HOW TO USE:
Apply a 2-3 drops to freshly cleansed skin, or blend into your daily moisturizer to boost results.
1 oz | 30mL
Winner of the 2023 Aestheticians' Choice Awards
Osmosis MD Calm is a Vitamin A serum designed to rejuvenate deep in the skin with liposomal .035% retinaldehyde which is also known to benefit and calm sensitive skin. 7 liposomal antioxidants and many soothing botanicals combine to restore the lipid barrier and reduce inflammation. This serum calms sensitive skin and encourages innate cell renewal processes.
BENEFITS:
7 non-irritating collagen and elastin stimulators
Calms inflammation
Increases nutrient supply and moisture
Patented non-inflammatory Vitamin A
Gentle cell renewal with barrier protection
Increases nutrient supply and moisture
KEY INGREDIENTS:
Retinal (Retinaldehyde) – Vitamin A works with the skin to promote cellular turnover and helps reduce multiple signs of aging without causing irritation or sun sensitivity. Clinically proven to outperform retinoic acid in long-term collagen production.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 (Synthe-6) – Wrinkle filler derived from tripeptides comprised of 6 amino acids to help build the skin framework and form the matrix of collagen I, III, IV, fibronectin, Hyaluronic acid, and laminin 5; smooths wrinkles from the inside by stimulating the synthesis of macromolecules in the dermal/epidermal junction that are needed for structure.
Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Extract – High content of Omega 7 fatty acids, tocopherols, carotenoids, and phytosterols; enhances cell regeneration, promotes healing, is anti-inflammatory, firms and tones sagging skin smoothing out
wrinkles. Used to soothe, heal, and promote healthy barrier function in allergic and inflammatory skin.
Prunus Serotina (Wild Cherry) Bark Extract – Historically the inner bark of Wild Cherry has been used for its highly anti-inflammatory and astringent properties to treat rashes, psoriasis, and eczema, as it soothes, detoxifies, and stimulates healing.
HOW TO USE:
On Clean skin apply 1-2 pumps and gently massage into skin. Follow with additional serum(s) and moisturizer if needed. Retinaldehyde is sun-safe so you can use it in your morning routine as well!
1 FL OZ/ 30 ML
Note from Katey: This multitasking retinaldehyde serum is a great starter vitamin A and also suited for anyone with inflamed sensitized skin conditions such as but not limited to rosacea or acne because it helps to soothe the skin, prevent breakouts and reduce redness.
Correct is of the most powerful, non-inflammatory vitamin A rejuvenation serums available. Professional-grade liposomes deliver .083% retinal and proprietary nutrients beyond the surface to feed and remodel the skin. Real changes result from 9 collagen stimulators and 7 antioxidants that also offer UVB protection and barrier repair. A smooth, rejuvenated and luminous finish results from this concentrate of scientifically validated actives.
BENEFITS:
- Retinal is 1000x more effective at stimulating collagen than retinol, yet it is gentler to the skin
- Clinically proven to work 11x faster than retinol and absorbs more thoroughly
- Not sun sensitizing and doesn’t increase your risk of UVA/UVB damage so it can be included in your day time skincare routine
- Helps pigmentation, tone/texture, fine lines, aging and hydration
- Feeds collagen and elastin production - Prevents acne breakouts, improves pores
KEY INGREDIENTS:
Retinal (Retinaldehyde) | Vitamin A that works with the skin to promote cellular turnover and helps reduce multiple signs of aging without causing irritation or sun sensitivity. Clinically proven to outperform retinoic acid in long-term collagen production.
Thioctic Acid, Fulvic Acid, and Beta-Glucan neutralize free radicals and soothe inflammation.
Hydroxyproline (L) | From the amino acid proline; helps stabilize collagen, increases moisture and firmness in the skin, comprises roughly 4% of all amino acids found in our tissues; source of virtually every skin component including proteins, antioxidants, and peptides.
Dimethyl Sulfone (MSM) | Organic sulfur compound that strengthens skin’s support structure; promotes the synthesis of proteins and connective tissue.
Caprooyl-Tetrapeptide-3 (Chronoline) - Boosts collagen production, activates skin repair, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
HOW TO USE:
On clean skin, apply 1-2 pumps morning and/or evening.
1 FL OZ / 30 ML
Available exclusively through Osmosis MD skincare professional
Note from Katey: Use this non-toxic formula around the eyes to brighten, reduce fine lines and enhance the lipid barrier. Layer with Illuminate liquid crystal eye serum on top for optimal hydration.
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