Can You Layer Peptides and Retinol?

It’s easy to consider layering skincare as an easy task when you have a vague understanding. If you are new to all thing’s beauty, then the thought of layering skincare products, especially if they go by the name of as unusual as peptides and retinol, can feel very daunting. But don’t panic, things will make a lot more sense after today’s blog post, so let’s dive in and find out can you layer peptides and retinol.

Before we get started, here is a brief recap of the skincare benefits of peptides and retinol and the results you can expect to see.

What are the skincare benefits of peptides?

• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Helps to strengthen the skin barrier
• Provides anti-inflammatory properties in the skin
• Helps make the skin feel and look firmer
• Boosts the production of collagen
• Repairs damage caused to the skin barrier

What are the skincare benefits of retinol?

• Combats signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles
• Brightens the complexion giving an all over glow
• Regulates oily skin types
• Reduces the frequency of breakouts and acne
• Fades the pigmentation of dark spots and hyperpigmentation

Can you use peptides and retinol together?

Yes, indeed you can, using peptides and retinol together is something that needs some careful time and consideration due to the high potency of these two ingredients. Many skin experts believe as effective as peptides are for the skin, they tend to penetrate too far into the lower layers. This is something that can help many of those with oily or combination skin types, but those with a dry or sensitive skin it can lead to skin irritation and severe dryness.

If you are unsure about using peptides and retinol together, you can alternate when you apply each of these ingredients, ideally leaving retinol for your evening routine due to any UV exposure leaves the potent vitamin A useless and ineffective at delivering its results. If you are wanting to know more about using peptides and retinol together, check out our dedicated blog post.

What goes on first peptides or retinol?

If you are deciding to layer peptides and retinols together then applying retinol first would give you optimal results. This will give your skin the chance to reap the rewards of many benefits provided by retinol followed with the nourishment of peptides. This will counteract any over-drying of the skin and keep the protective barrier fully functioning.

If you are using both ingredients separately then it is best to apply peptides during your morning routine and retinol in the evening. This is not only because retinol needs to be applied overnight, but also because our skin has a daily circadian rhythm, meaning its needs change between AM and PM every 24 hours. For the morning your skin needs a helping hand in protecting itself from exposure to UV rays, pollution, and other free radicals, whereas the evening requires help repairing already existing damage.

Can you use peptides in the morning and retinol at night?

Absolutely, by using peptides in the morning and retinol at night you are ensuring your skin gains the best results from each of these powerhouses. Even if you have built the tolerance towards the potency of retinol, you can still unintentionally cause the skin to become irritated. By using peptides in the morning, you are giving your skin a boost in nourishment whilst ensuring the peptides can kick start the collagen production. You are then able to repair damage caused from any exposure to free radicals throughout the day.

If I could add a brief side note, retinol can cause an increase in your skin’s photosensitivity so ensuring you apply a daily SPF of 30 and above, even on days that are cloudy and raining.

Are peptides good for wrinkles?

Yes, peptides are very effective at reducing wrinkles. Peptides are short chains of amino acids and are able to form building blocks of collagen and elastin in the lower layers of the skin. When applied topically onto the skin in serum or moisturiser formulations the peptides are able to act as messengers ensuring the compounds of collagen are stimulated to create more. This then results in the skin looking firmer and feeling tighter with a youthful bounce and healthy complexion.

What can you combine with peptides?

Although peptides are generally considered highly effective and are easily tolerated by other skin ingredients, it is considered best to avoid using vitamin C in conjunction with peptides. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that delivers several results, from reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots, it is also able to combat fine lines and wrinkles. The trouble with mixing it with peptides is the fact they cancel each other out rendering each of them useless on the skin, and in some cases can often cause irritation and dryness.

Can you layer serums over retinol?

Yes and no, this is because the consistency of the product enriched in retinol plays an important role. As a general skin rule the best way of layering skincare products is from thinnest to thickest. With serums often formulated as a lightweight, water or gel like consistency they tend to absorb into the skin rapidly allowing you to apply thicker moisturisers and oils on top. When it comes to retinol formulations you will find that it comes in serums, face oils and moisturisers which are applied towards the final steps of your routine. If you wanted my opinion, I would suggest using two serums, one enriched in retinol and another in hyaluronic acid. This will ensure you avoid any severe skin dryness or irritation, but still benefit from the skin renewal properties of retinol.

There you have a little more information about how you can layer peptides and retinol, don’t forget if skin is your thing you can find more over on the Procoal Instagram so come and give us a follow.