Should I Use Vitamin C or Retinol for Wrinkles?

Smooth. Youthful. Plump. Firm. Healthy. Those are all wonderful words to hear when it comes to your skin, aren’t they? (We’ll wait in case you feel like giving them a round of applause.) You may be wondering just how to ensure that your skin continues to look and feel youthful as long as possible — which includes minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And if so? You may also be wondering: “Should I use retinol or vitamin C for wrinkles?” Read on for the lowdown of each skincare ingredient and find out which is right for you.

The benefits of vitamin C
We’ve all heard that vitamin C is great when we have a cold. (Maybe the saying should be amended to: An orange a day keeps the doctor away.) But did you know that vitamin C also contains a multitude of benefits for the skin? The benefits of vitamin C in skin care include:

• Preventing visible skin damage like hyperpigmentation, dullness and uneven tone
• Diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Shields skin against environmental stressors, like free radical damage

The benefits of retinol
You’re probably still asking yourself, “Should I use vitamin C or retinol for wrinkles?” Well, here’s a little more info about the ultimate wrinkle fighter, otherwise known as retinol. Retinol is a form of vitamin A that helps to:

• Reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots and signs of ageing
• Speed cell turnover
• Enhance skin brightness and tone
• Smooth texture

So, should I use vitamin C or retinol for wrinkles?
Well, when it comes right down to it, the choice is really in what you’re looking to do for your skin. While vitamin C is incredible for the skin because of its ability to help brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, the best active ingredient for wrinkles is retinol.

And, if you really want to give your skin a one-two punch, why not try incorporating both into your skincare routine in small amounts? Start by using each ingredient 1-2 times per week—use a vitamin C product in the morning and a retinol product at night. And always pair your routine with an SPF, especially when using retinol since it can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.