How long should you wait between Tretinoin and Vitamin C?
Does It Mix engine · wait time
Waiting a few minutes isn't the fix here: use Tretinoin and Vitamin C in different routines (morning vs night) or on different nights.
The routine
- AM: vitamin C serum, moisturizer, sunscreen.
- PM: Tretinoin, then moisturizer.
- If both feel fine after a few weeks, keep going. If not, use vitamin C fewer days.
Why: full Tretinoin + Vitamin C answer and sources.
FAQ
Does waiting 20 or 30 minutes between products help?
We haven't found good evidence that a set wait of many minutes changes how most skincare works. The practical reason to pause is letting each layer absorb so the next one doesn't pill or sting.
Sources
- Zaenglein AL, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(5):945-973.
- Martin B, et al. Chemical stability of adapalene and tretinoin when combined with benzoyl peroxide in presence and in absence of visible light and ultraviolet radiation. Br J Dermatol. 1998;139 Suppl 52:8-11.
- Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The roles of vitamin C in skin health. Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866.
- Al-Niaimi F, Chiam NYZ. Topical vitamin C and the skin: mechanisms of action and clinical applications. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017;10(7):14-17.