How satisfying to write about two of my absolute favorite skincare actives in one post, aka resveratrol vs. retinol. If you’re like me, you can never have enough of either of these powerhouses, whether it’s sipping a glass of resveratrol-rich red wine or slathering on a retinol serum. These two ingredients have been a staple in my beauty routine for as long as I can remember, and I’m so thrilled to share my knowledge with you all. And if you’re wondering if you can use retinol and resveratrol together let me tell you by now that you can definitely do so and your skin will love you for that. Buckle up because you’re about to find out all the dos and don’ts of mixing retinol with resveratrol.
Resveratrol vs. retinol
Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant needed to stay shielded so that free radicals don’t wreak havoc on the skin. But its strengths don’t stop here. Resveratrol improves cellular function, calms skin, soothes inflammation, brightens and hydrates. How could you not love it? On top of everything, resveratrol has small molecules that allow it to penetrate the skin, going deep into the tissue layers where it does its magic. It’s a fitting addition to your beauty arsenal if your goal is to plump and protect your skin.
On the other hand, retinol is a vitamin A derivative that increases cell turnover, helping improve texture, reduce wrinkles, and diminish dark spots. Besides, its tiny molecules go beneath the epidermis where it stimulates collagen and hyaluronic acid production. The result? Plump, smooth, clear, and wrinkle-free skin. The right way to target your skin woes.
Can you use resveratrol with retinol?
There’s no problem with using resveratrol with retinol as a part of your skincare routine. In fact, this combination can double the protective, anti-aging, and repairing benefits of these powerhouses.
Pairing resveratrol with retinol increases the antioxidant protection your skin receives and also reduces the risk of irritation associated with retinol use. This is because resveratrol has soothing and anti-inflammatory that aid in minimizing the redness and peeling after retinol. This is great news for those with easily reactive skin. David McDaniel, M.D., a dermatologist in Virginia Beach, Virginia, specializing in antioxidants and anti-aging medicine, said via Vogue, “We can combine fairly potent retinoids with these antioxidants (resveratrol) for enhanced anti-aging benefits, and also avoid most of the irritation typical of vitamin A creams.”
Moreover, both ingredients stimulate collagen production, so they work great to maintain your skin firm and elastic.
How to use retinol with resveratrol
As the skincare loyal that you are, you know during the day, the skin needs antioxidants to fight against external threats, and at night, it needs repairing ingredients to restore the protective barrier. So it makes total sense to use resveratrol in your AM routine and leave retinol for the night. However, resveratrol isn’t the best ingredient to use in the morning since it’s easily deactivated by sunlight. So, the right way to use resveratrol with retinol together is in your nighttime skincare regimen.
Cleanse, tone, apply retinol serum, and follow up with a resveratrol-rich moisturizer. Or you can use a resveratrol serum and follow up with a retinol cream. Another way is to use a formula that gently blends both ingredients together like StriVectin Advanced Retinol Nightly Renewal Moisturizer.
The verdict
All in all, if you want to use resveratrol with retinol, do it at night. It’s a powerful skincare cocktail that’ll make your skin love you back—and it does all the work while you sleep. Ease into it, starting with mild products and working your way up to more potent formulas as your skin gets used to this combo is the best approach. To be on the safe side, perform a patch test before using both ingredients on your face. P.S.: Our skincare dictionary is a great place to keep an eye on all skincare ingredients and learn how you can mix them to max out your beauty routine.
