If fighting acne or anti-aging are your main skincare goals, here are two ingredients that you shouldn't skimp on:  Vitamin C and Vitamin A.  Though acne and anti-aging can be two very different skin issues (unless you are unlucky enough to battle both at the same time), these super vitamins fight both very effectively. 

I've been a believer in the powers of Vitamin C for anti-aging over the last couple of months as I've been testing some expensive yet potent serums from SkinCeuticals such as their Serum 10 AOX.  Just a few drops a day and I'm seeing results that make them worth every penny.  

High-end skincare brands aren't the only ones jumping on the vitamin band wagon.  Many affordable lines are incorporating these powerful ingredients into their product lineup, such as Neutrogena's Rapid Tone Repair line with Retinol and Vitamin C. You can also go the DIY route and make your own Vitamin C serum.

I had the chance to sit down with one of Neutrogena's Dermatologists, Dr. Paul Cohen M.D, to help explain in layman's terms why Vitamins A and C are so essential for fighting age and acne.

ChickAdvisor: 
Can you help me understand the difference between Retinol, Vitamin A and Tretinoin?

Dr. Cohen:
Essentially, these are all synonyms; both Retinol and Tretinoin  (aka Retin-A) are a form of Vitamin A. Retinol is the natural form of Vitamin A and Tretinoin is the prescription strength version of vitamin A. Tretinoin is only available by prescription and it’s very strong. The majority of people who use Retin-A experience a lot of irritation from it, so Retinol is the better tolerated choice.

ChickAdvisor:
So to break it down 'stupid simple' ('cause that's how I like it):
- Tretinoin - is the acid form (strongest, found in prescription drugs)
- Retinol - Animal form of vitamin A in an alcohol format (commonly found in skincare products)
- Retinol is not as strong as Tretinoin and is better tolerated by skin.

Dr. Cohen:
Correct.

ChickAdvisor:
How do Vitamin A and Vitamin C fight both age and acne?

Dr. Cohen:
For acne, Tretinoin and Retinol promote the exfoliation of the dead skin cells, which in turn keeps the skin pores and hair follicles free of blockage and prevents the acne from forming.

For age, Both fight age spots/irregular pigmentation, wrinkles, and produce collagen, which naturally plumps the skin.

ChickAdvisor:
They say Retinol/Tretinoin is best applied at night. Why? 

Dr. Cohen:
Since Tretinoin is prescription strength, it can cause irritation to skin.  I suggest applying it at night, before bedtime, so the medication can work while you're asleep. If you apply it during the day, you might experience irritation from Tretinoin's interaction with cosmetics and sunlight. Additionally, it may make your skin more sensitive to sun. Because Retinol is a higher tolerated form of Vitamin A, it can be used during the day – in fact, many now include SPF in their formulations.


(1) Kate Somerville Retasphere 2-in-1 Retinol Night Cream 
(2) Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Moisturizer
(3) La Roche-Posay Redermic R
(4) Philosophy Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Moisturizer
(5) SkinCeuticals Serum 10 AOX
(6) KORRES Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial

ChickAdvisor:
You mentioned Vitamin C is best applied in the morning. Why is that?

Dr. Cohen:
I recommend applying Vitamin C in the morning because it is an antioxidant.  Antioxidants such as Vitamin C help protect against oxidative damage from the sun; in essence, it forms an extra layer of protection on your skin which helps protect skin and to fight sun damage.

ChickAdvisor:
It surprised me to learn that Vitamin C is more effective being applied directly to the skin than being ingested.  Do you know why that is?

Dr. Cohen:
It is very difficult to reach a high enough concentration of Vitamin C for your skin by simply ingesting it, therefore, the easiest way is to directly apply it to your skin.

ChickAdvisor:
What makes Vitamin C such a powerful skincare ingredient?

Dr. Cohen:
Vitamin C does a lot to improve skin's appearance including:
- Helps boost collagen production (which makes skin appear more youthful/plump)
- Helps prevent pigment transfer from the deeper skin layers where it starts to the upper level, where it becomes visible
- Stabilizes blood vessels making conditions like rosacea and blushy/blotchy skin less visible.
 
So there you have it!  Vitamin C in the morning and Vitamin A at night.  Are you using either of these ingredients in your skincare regimen and if so, how is it working for you?