Can I Use ( plated )® Skin Science Serums With Tretinoin, Retinol, or Vitamin C?
Retinoids and vitamin C are skincare heavy hitters—but pairing them with the wrong products can sometimes lead to dryness, irritation, or stalled results. The good news? ( plated )® Skin Science serums are designed to work with these powerful actives, not against them. Whether you’re using prescription tretinoin, over-the-counter retinol, or a daily vitamin C serum, here’s how ( plated )® fits seamlessly into your routine to support skin comfort while helping maximize visible results.
Can I Use ( plated )® Skin Science Serums With Tretinoin or Retinol?
Yes! ( plated )® exosome serums, including INTENSE Serum, can be used safely alongside over-the-counter retinol. In fact, many skincare professionals highlight that pairing ( plated )® with retinoids can help the skin tolerate them better while amplifying visible results.
Why They Work Well Together
Barrier Support: Retinoids can cause dryness or irritation in some users. ( plated )® serums are designed to support the skin and its resilience, helping soothe even during retinoid use.
Synergistic Benefits: Tretinoin and retinol encourage skin renewal. Platelet-derived exosomes in ( plated )® serums complement this by improving the look of fine lines, wrinkles, tone, texture, and luminosity.
Expert Endorsement: Leaders in regenerative science and dermatology suggest that combining ( plated )® exosome serums like INTENSE Serum and DAILY Serum with retinoids may improve both tolerance and outcomes.
How to Use Them Together in PM Routine
1. Start With Clean Skin: Always apply your ( plated )® serum to freshly cleansed skin.
2. Allow Full Absorption: Let the serum absorb completely (about 2–5 minutes) before layering actives like vitamin C, tretinoin, or over-the-counter retinol.
3. Moisturize and Protect: Follow with a gentle moisturizer and daily broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Additional Tips
- New to Retinoids? If you’re just beginning tretinoin or over-the-counter retinol, ( plated )® can be used from the start to help minimize dryness or tightness.
- Sensitive Skin? Apply ( plated )® in the evening, let it absorb, and then layer your retinoid. This sequence keeps things simple and comfortable.
- Consistency Counts: For best long-term results, use your serum daily and retinoids as prescribed or directed.
The Bottom Line
( plated )® serums are not only safe to use with tretinoin and retinol — they can actually make the experience smoother and the results more rewarding. Apply your serum first on clean skin, allow it to absorb, then follow with retinoids and moisturizer. With this simple routine, you can enjoy the benefits of both advanced science and retinoids without unnecessary irritation.
Can I Use ( plated )® Serums With Vitamin C?
Yes! ( plated )® serums pair beautifully with vitamin C. While vitamin C serums are loved for their brightening and antioxidant benefits, some users experience visible dryness or redness. ( plated )® helps support the skin barrier, making it easier to tolerate vitamin C comfortably.
Why They Work Well Together
Barrier Support: ( plated )® helps maintain the look of hydration and balance, reducing the chance of visible dryness that sometimes comes with vitamin C use.
Antioxidant Synergy: Platelet-derived exosomes contain antioxidants naturally found in the skin, including glutathione. Known as the “master antioxidant,” glutathione helps recycle and extend the activity of other antioxidants such as vitamin C. This means your vitamin C serum may work even more effectively when used with ( plated )®.
How to Use Them Together in AM Routine
1. Cleanse: Start with freshly cleansed skin.
2. Apply ( plated )®: Use your ( plated )® serum first and allow it to fully absorb.
3. Layer Vitamin C: Follow with your vitamin C serum.
4. Moisturize + Protect: Finish with a sunscreen during the day.
The Bottom Line
Using ( plated )® serums with vitamin C is not only safe — it can make your antioxidant routine more effective while keeping your skin comfortable and supported.
Pro Tip: Many estheticians, dermatologists, and skincare enthusiasts recommend an advanced routine that pairs ( plated )® with vitamin C in the morning and ( plated )® with retinol or prescription tretinoin at night. According to the buzz, this combination provides visible anti-aging benefits around the clock!
Written and reviewed by Josie Capozzi, Wilton, CT, Licensed Esthetician, specializing in regenerative and longevity aesthetics, barrier repair, and blemish prone skin