How do you incorporate retinol, vitamin c, and bha into your skincare routine together?

[Sahdshjs]

Sometimes I use retinol twice a day. In the morning I apply vitamin c serum then wait 10 minutes and apply retinol then wait 30 minutes and apply moisturizer. However I have really big/clogged pores so I want to start using BHA too. Can anyone tell me the best way to use all 3 of these together in my routine? Thanks in advance:)

[Katters]

Vitamin C and Retinol are both strong actives so you shouldn’t combine them to avoid irritation and if you want the full benefits. Vitamin C is great for AM routine as it helps fight free radicals and environmental stressors (but always follow with sunscreen). Retinols (i.e. your differin) makes skin more sensitive to the sun so you should use it PM. BHA should not be combined with Vitamin C as the acids will cancel each other out but it can go before you apply retinols in the evening.I recommend Paula’s Choice 2% BHA. 

[greeneyedgirl107]

@Sahdshjs What concentration of retinol are you using?  If you are using a low concentration, or are accustomed to retinol, then it may be easy to incorporate a BHA product.  I am quite accustomed to retinols/retinoids, BHA and AHA.  I use 9% BHA all over my face in the morning, the midday I use BHA only wear needed (T-zone), then at night I use a Vitamin C serum with .5% BHA all over my face followed by my retinols/retinoids.

If right now you are most concerned about the big/clogged pores, then you may wish to start with BHA in the morning, and retinol only at night.

Good luck!  🙂

[Sahdshjs]

I like to use this website called skincarisma to learn about the ingredients in products, and the only reason I was going to choose farmacy over paulas was because I read paulas choice contains polysorbate which may trigger fungal acne. But I think I will take that risk and give paulas choice a try because what you said about the ph was very eye opening and I need that exfoliation! Thank you for your help:)

[Sahdshjs]

I'm using .1% over the counter differin right now just because I'm a college student and its cheaper for the time being, but I used to use epiduo which is .3% so I'm pretty accustomed to it. I was just going to start with 2% bha from "farmacy." I just wasn't sure if I could use bha with vitamin C I read that it may reduce the effectiveness of vitamin c? I also know they are both usually used on bare skin so I can't figure out a way for them to co exist together. I might try alternating days like using bha m/w/f and vitamin c t/th/sa. Or maybe I can do vitamin c first then wait 20 min then use bha? I just don't want to decrease the effectiveness of anything by using them together

[greeneyedgirl107]

@Sahdshjs Are you going to use farmacy's BHA toner?  If so, I feel like I should mention it isn't a solid product.  Here's the review from Beauytpedia (3/5 stars):

Spoiler

Farmacy’s Deep Sweep 2% BHA Pore Cleaning Toner has most of the makings of a great leave-on exfoliant to reduce enlarged and clogged pores. We say “most” because a couple of formulary hiccups keep it from earning an unequivocally-deserved place in your skin care routine.

Housed in a weighty clear glass bottle is a green-tinted, water-light liquid. Farmacy added a plastic disc to the mouth of the bottle, and it’s capped with a tiny plug that needs to be removed before use. The disc makes dispensing easier, and this feels super-light on skin, leaving no sticky or greasy residue once dry.

2% salicylic acid (BHA, short for beta hydroxy acid) is on board, but the formula’s pH of 4.2 (confirmed via digital pH meter and tested twice to confirm) keeps it from working its exfoliation magic. At 4.2, you’ll get some efficacy, but today’s best BHA exfoliants have pH ranges between 3 and 4, which is what research has shown works best.

The other concern is the inclusion of eucalyptus water. Although not as potent as eucalyptus oil, the water’s refreshing tingle indicates skin is being irritated. On the other hand, the tingling sensation doesn’t last too long, but there’s no denying the initial hit of irritation even if you don’t see any signs of it.

We like that this exfoliant doesn’t just rest on its BHA, but also treats skin to several hydrating amino acids such as arginine and plant sugars like xylitol. These boost moisture without feeling heavy, and the brand also includes antioxidant plant extracts from moringa, peony, and tone-improving Scutellaria baicalensis root. The latter ingredients are light- and air-sensitive, so be sure to store the clear glass container away from natural light.

As for the papaya enzyme referenced in the claims, this refers to the ingredient lactobacillus/papaya fruit ferment extract. Although information from companies that supply this ingredient indicate it dissolves dead cells on skin’s surface, independent research supporting this benefit (not to mention the pore-improving benefits Farmacy states) is lacking. What is known is that this ingredient is highly light-sensitive, one more reason we’re puzzled he brand chose clear glass for this product.

PROS:

• Easy-to-use, water-light texture.
• Contains hydrating amino acids and plant sugars.
• Good mix of natural antioxidants for healthier skin.

CONS:

• The tingle from eucalyptus water means skin is being irritated.
• pH is outside the ideal range for efficacy.
• Clear glass bottle must be stored away from natural light.

I think you'd be better served by Paula's Choice 2% BHA.

As for BHA and Vitamin C being used in conjunction with one another, they certainly can be!  As for using products on bare skin, I think that would be hard for one to accomplish since so many of us on BIC use a ton of products - which means layering.  I just apply my products one after another (I don't usually give much wait time) and I've never had issues.  I know some on BIC like to wait, but I mainly see posts about waiting for products for dry rather than waiting for 20-30 minutes.  Of course I don't want to dissuade you - do what you feel comfortable with and then go from there.  I'm curious if other BICers would like to weigh in 🙂