How to use Sunday Riley Good Genes and A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum together?

[ttown]

Wondering if it’s a good idea to use these together and how to use? Do others use both?

[MmeMorningStar]

I reached out to Sunday Riley about this exact question about 2 weeks ago and they said that you can use the vitamin a retinol first and then follow up with good genes. I’ve been doing this every single night now and my skin looks great and it’s not too exfoliating for me. I don’t have any redness or dry or irritated skin. Hope that helps! 

[hoodoowoman]

I agree that neither of these products should be used together. Retinol/retinoid speed up the skin cell turn over, aids in moisture barrier, and a multitude of other benefits. Understand that retinol/retinoids are not like prescribed retina's by dermatologist. The highest a retinol can be over the counter is 1%. I believe that SR A+ serum is .5? But unless if your skin is use to that percentage then that should be potent enough. If you're looking for something to brighten your skin I suggest pairing the serum you have with vitamin C serum. Should also not be using retinol in the day. Personally any exfoliating I do in my routine I do at night. Lactic acid is the gentalist chemical exfoliant there is. the strongest AHA is Glycolic acid. I honestly suggest using the SR Lactic serum every 2 days or every other day. Once you finish I suggest upping to a strong chemical exfoliant, and again start with only exfoliating 2 times a week up to every other night. This should be alternated with the retinol serum. you dont want to over exfoliat because you will damage your skin. Definitely use a high SPF! cerva has some great ones and murad's SPF50 is awesome!

[Anonymous]

It was my understanding that if using  vitamin C and a retinoid/rational, you should be using the vitamin C in the am because the retinol breaks down the properties of the vitamin C. I may have that backwards.  I'm in 100% agreement to be using a sunscreen and the retinol at night!

[quspork]

What's your experience with active ingredients, @ttown? If your skin is used them, I'd recommend trying these two products on alternate nights. Be sure to wear a good moisturizer after each and a standalone sunscreen every morning. 

[ttown]

I like both but feel like A+ has been working great! Maybe i will try alternating both at night. I’ve never tried Good Genes in the am. Would that be too drying?

[quspork]

It all depends on your skin, @ttown. It might be worth a try, and maybe just use a good hydrating serum in between that and your moisturizer if you feel like it's a little dry. 

[carlym99]

Hi @ttown  - I personally don't recommend using them together. Reason being is that it would really dry out your skin. You might want to try using Good Genes every other morning and applying A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum nightly under your moisturizer. 

Hope this helps!

[ttown]

I might try that...never used Good Genes in the am. Do U think it could help with oil control during the day?

[carlym99]

@ttown - Yep! You might also want to try an oil control toner like  Murad Clarifying Toner 6 oz .