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

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. 

The information provided on this site is for general informational purposes only, to include blog postings and any linked material. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional health or medical advice or treatment, nor should it be relied upon for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of any health consideration. Consult with a licensed health care practitioner before altering or discontinuing any medications, treatment or care, skin care products or starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program. The content of this blog and any linked material does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Mindful Beauty facesbykatey and is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date.