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Retinol vs. Vitamin C: Which Should You Use in Your Skincare Routine?

When it comes to building an effective skincare routine, few questions are asked more often than whether you should use retinol or Vitamin C. Both are powerhouse ingredients, proven to deliver visible results, and both have their loyal followings. Retinol is praised for its ability to transform skin texture and reduce signs of ageing, while Vitamin C is hailed as the gold standard for brightening and antioxidant protection. But which one deserves a place in your routine—or should you be using both?


At Pt78 Skin and Body in Melbourne, we’ve seen firsthand how these ingredients can transform skin when used strategically. With access to our own carefully designed Pt78 range and the globally respected SkinCeuticals collection, we help clients achieve radiant, youthful skin that feels healthy, strong, and protected. This blog will walk you through what each ingredient does, how they differ, and how to combine them safely for maximum results.




Understanding Retinol



Retinol is derived from Vitamin A and has been studied extensively in dermatology. Its primary role is to accelerate cell turnover, which means encouraging your skin to shed dead cells faster and replace them with fresh, healthy ones. This process leads to smoother, more youthful-looking skin over time.


The benefits of retinol include reducing fine lines, improving uneven skin tone, minimising acne scars, and stimulating collagen production. These effects make it one of the most reliable anti-ageing actives available. However, retinol can cause initial irritation or dryness, which is why dermatologists recommend starting slowly—just two or three nights per week—before building up to nightly use.


For those new to retinol, a gentler formula like the Pt78 Refine A 0.4 Retinol is an excellent entry point. SkinCeuticals also offers a progressive system:




Since retinol increases sun sensitivity, it’s always used in the evening, followed by a nourishing moisturiser.




Understanding Vitamin C



Vitamin C is equally iconic in the skincare world, but it works very differently from retinol. Rather than accelerating cell turnover, Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant. It defends your skin against free radical damage caused by sun exposure, pollution, and daily environmental stressors. This protection helps prevent premature ageing and keeps skin looking bright and even.


Vitamin C also supports collagen synthesis, helping to maintain firmness and elasticity. It’s especially effective for fading pigmentation, tackling dullness, and giving the skin a natural glow. Best of all, Vitamin C is used in the morning, where it layers perfectly under sunscreen for daily protection.


Some of the standout Vitamin C products available at Pt78 Skin and Body include:






Retinol vs. Vitamin C: The Key Differences



Although retinol and Vitamin C are both essential for healthy, youthful skin, they work in completely different ways. Retinol’s focus is on renewal—it speeds up your skin’s natural repair cycle, targets wrinkles, and restores smoothness. Vitamin C, on the other hand, is protective and brightening, shielding skin from damage while encouraging a more even tone.


In practical terms, the biggest difference comes down to when and how you use them. Retinol is always a nighttime product because of its sensitivity to sunlight, while Vitamin C is best applied in the morning to guard against daily environmental stressors. Retinol is more corrective, addressing established concerns like wrinkles and scars, while Vitamin C is more preventative, helping stop damage before it sets in.




Can You Use Retinol and Vitamin C Together?



A common misconception is that retinol and Vitamin C can’t be used in the same routine. While it’s true that layering them at the same time may cause irritation, they are actually perfect partners when used at opposite ends of the day.


Here’s how a combined routine might look:


Morning


  1. Gentle cleanser such as the SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser.

  2. Vitamin C serum like C E Ferulic.

  3. Hydrating moisturiser, for example the Pt78 Moisture.

  4. Sunscreen such as the SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF50.



Evening


  1. Thorough cleanse with the SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser.

  2. Retinol treatment, starting with Retinol 0.3 or Pt78 Refine A 0.4.

  3. Nourishing night cream such as SkinCeuticals Emollience.

  4. Optional antioxidant booster like Resveratrol B E.



Used in this complementary way, Vitamin C protects during the day while retinol repairs at night, ensuring your skin is constantly supported.




Why Australians Benefit From Both



In Melbourne and across Australia, the sun’s UV radiation is stronger than in most parts of the world. This makes antioxidant protection a non-negotiable. Vitamin C not only fights oxidative stress but also enhances the effectiveness of sunscreen, creating a stronger barrier against sun-induced ageing.


Meanwhile, retinol works after dark to undo the visible signs of sun exposure, improving pigmentation and restoring elasticity. Together, they provide an ideal prevent-and-repair system tailored to the Australian climate, where skin needs both protection and rejuvenation.




Our Recommended Combinations



At Pt78 Skin and Body, we often recommend pairing:






Final Thoughts



The choice between retinol and Vitamin C isn’t an either-or decision—it’s about timing. Retinol rebuilds and repairs overnight, while Vitamin C protects and brightens throughout the day. Together, they offer one of the most powerful anti-ageing combinations in skincare.


Whether you’re just starting with actives or looking to refine your advanced routine, we recommend integrating both ingredients into your regimen with guidance from our team. Explore our full collection of SkinCeuticals products and Pt78 formulations to create a skincare strategy that’s as protective as it is restorative.

 
 
 

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