Can peptides and retinol be used together?

Yes, some skincare ingredients work just as well with strawberries and cream, but others are an acquired taste and require a lot of thought when applying. Now the question is: can peptides and retinol be used together? 

Is this the skincare combo you come across in your routine? Or did it all end in exasperation? Let's learn more together! 

What is retinol? 

Retinol, a form of Vitamin A, has a reputation as a highly effective skincare ingredient with a variety of skincare benefits. It increases the rate of skin cell renewal, making your complexion look more radiant and more youthful. 

You'll also find that it works to combat all breakouts, whether frequent breakouts or occasional blemishes. Not to mention, increased cell turnover also visibly improves all signs of hyperpigmentation and dark spots for an all-over, even-toned complexion. 

What are peptides? 

Peptides are amino acids that form short chains in the lower layers of the skin. These components are known for their bilingualism and cellular communication. 

This basically means they tell skin cells to increase collagen production. By doing this, you will find that your skin's barrier is strengthened, allowing it to protect itself from free radical damage. Skin also appears plumper, smoother and more youthful. 


Can retinol and peptides be mixed? 

Yes, you can! In fact, you'll find that the combination of these ingredients leads to an overall improvement. To get the most out of both of these powers, it's best to use both in your evening routine. 

This is because retinol is a photosensitive ingredient that becomes unusable when exposed to UV rays. You'll also find that peptides contain antioxidant properties, which make them effective at strengthening the skin's barrier and fighting signs of free radicals, such as pollution, UVA and UVB rays, and other environmental aggressors. 

Nothing prevents you from using these skin heroes together. However, if you want to use one at a time, start with the peptides in your morning routine and then the retinol at night. 

What belongs to the first peptide or retinol? 

When using these powerful ingredients, it's best to start with retinol first. This allows the potent active level of retinol to work its magic, accelerating cell renewal and revealing brighter, healthier-looking skin. 

Associated with this is the risk of irritation, dryness, and redness, which can be easily mitigated if you apply a nourishing, peptide-rich moisturizer. However, for many skin types, using both peptides and retinol can be extremely beneficial. 

However, if you are prone to dryness and sensitivity, it is best to slowly introduce these two ingredients into your routine. As with all skin care ingredients, I also recommend consulting a doctor or dermatologist to make sure you're using the option that best suits your skin's needs. 

What can't peptides be used for? 

There are very few skin care ingredients that cannot be used with peptides. The most effective thing to do after introducing peptides is to choose formulas such as serums and moisturizers, because they can ensure that the peptides remain on the face for a longer period of time. 

You can also substitute other ingredients you want in the combination, such as Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol, AHAs, and more. The way peptides work on the skin is by penetrating the outer layers of the skin and easily penetrating into the deeper areas of the skin. 

This makes them a convenient ingredient to incorporate into your daily routine and layer with other high-potency product formulations. Which is better, peptides or retinol? Since each of these ingredients provides unique skin benefits for different skin areas, there's nothing wrong with using the two together. 

In fact, they work together perfectly and together enhance the overall look and feel of the skin. As I mentioned before, unless your skin type is overly sensitive or prone to severe dryness, you will benefit from this powerful skin combination. 

If you're interested in learning more about peptides and retinol, but also which products are better to incorporate into your daily routine, read our dedicated blog post. 

When should I use peptides? 

The best way to use peptides in your daily routine is to apply the serum to freshly cleansed skin before moisturizing. By choosing a serum that contains active peptides, you can ensure your skin benefits without the possible side effects of dryness and irritation. If you use a moisturizer afterward, keep in mind that there may be active ingredients in harsh ingredients and can increase skin irritation. 

What are peptides for? 

Peptides are good for the skin for several reasons. Here are some of the main benefits you can expect from using peptides in your daily life. Improve skin barrier The protective skin barrier plays a vital role in maintaining skin health. Despite containing moderate amounts of water and oil, it protects itself from the damaging effects of free radicals. 

These are caused by everyday aggressors such as pollution, cigarette smoke, UV rays, bacteria and other pollutants. All of these can weaken the skin barrier, leading to signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles, loss of elasticity and dark spots with uneven skin tone. 

Reduces signs of skin aging Because of the peptides' cell-communicating abilities, they can tell skin cells to increase collagen production in the lower layers of the skin. 

As skin supports collagen and elastin with peptide building blocks, the complexion appears firmer, younger and smoother. Antioxidant Benefits Peptides are rich in antioxidants, all of which help reduce inflammation, even out skin tone, and repair damaged skin while protecting it from further damage.