Vitamin C or retinol? Which serum is better

Kiehl’s partners with dermatologists from Harvard for their Dermatologist Solutions line

If you have been following skincare Tiktok, you probably stumbled upon one of the most famous dermatologists on the app, Dr. Chris Tomassian. The skincare expert talks about grooming do’s and don’ts as well as the products that work best for every skin type. If you’re subscribed to his page, you already know how he countlessly praises vitamin C and retinol serums. But the question is, are these serums for you? 

If you don’t know much about it, serums are products with concentrated amounts of active molecules. Serums have active ingredients such as salicylic acid, activated vitamin C, proXylane, pure retinol, and niacinamide that provide hydration and additional protection the skin needs.

With this, Kiehl’s partnered with dermatologists from Harvard University to reveal scientifically backed facts about skincare serums and how users can achieve smooth and glowing skin no matter what their schedules and lifestyles are. The brand has come up with its Dermatologist Solutions collection which includes products that are clinically effective to ensure superior efficacy and overall quality results.

As for retinol, it promises to address fine lines and skin texture. However, retinol is known to exacerbate skin problems if concentration is too strong for your skin or misused in frequency and application. The Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Retinol Serum from Kiehl’s assures a minimized discomfort to the skin as it works with peptides and ceramides that strengthens skin barriers. This formulation makes this serum perfect for retinol beginners with any kind of skin type. 

If your concerns are dark spots and hyperpigmentation, Kiehl’s has the Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution under this collection which is packed with activated (vitamin) C, buffered salicylic acid, and proXylane that targets dull complexion, uneven skin tone, and post-acne marks in less than two weeks. 

The Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution and Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Retinol Serum can be used either in the morning and at night. The brand showed how your skincare layering should be and here’s how it should look like:   

My personal journey with retinol took time. I gradually added it to my routine twice a week until my skin got comfortable with the ingredient. For other retinol newbies, dermatologists also suggest a tip on how to minimize skin’s discomfort caused by the ingredient by doing the “sandwich method.” This involves applying a generous amount of moisturizer, followed by the retinol, then smearing another layer of moisturizer as the finisher. 

Although these serums have been clinically tested, everyone is still advised to see a dermatologist before diving in into new products. One can do so through free online or in-store consultation at any Kiehl’s store by registering through this link: https://bit.ly/FREEDermConsultsRMJ. 

Featured image by tonodiaz on Freepik