How To Combine Actives in a Routine | CAIS, Retinoids, Vitamin C, AHA.

After my last video on my favourite Well-Ageing Essentials, many of you were asking how I would incorporate these in a skincare routine. So I'm sharing with you as simply as I can how I combine, alternate and layer my actives. Please take note that these are suggestions only that may or may not work for your skin. For beginners, always start conservatively. I tend to follow my "skintuition" so sometimes there will be variations to this sequence, and that's ok! Skincare shouldn't be legalistic! And remember, you don't need to use everything! Enjoy, my skin squad!
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Best Skincare Treatments for Well-Ageing Skin • Best Skincare Treatmen...
Skincare Ingredients that Can & Cannot Be Used Together • Skincare Ingredients T...
Skincare Pairings That Work Better Together • Best Skincare Pairings...
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• Formulas Mentioned •
AM :
The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% (Anhydrous)
go.shopmy.us/p-1932905
SK-II The Pitera Essence
shop-links.co/175630676234378...
Rohto Hada Labo Gokujyun
Regular: shop-links.co/173331190595118...
Review : Hada Labo Lotions • Hada Labo Lotions Review!
Sachi Triphala Skin Pigmentation Corrector bit.ly/30AdRWZ
How To Fade Dark Spots : • Treating Hyperpigmenta...
Dr Sam Bunting Flawless Moisturizer
myshlf.us/p-197864
Skinceuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30
shop-links.co/174637448002141...
PM :
Allies of Skin Prebiotics & Niacinamide Pore Refining Booster
shop-links.co/172794189852208...
NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3 1:1
go.shopmy.us/p-1933257
NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Lipid 1%*
go.shopmy.us/p-1933255
Reviews : NIOD Brand Review • NIOD Brand Review | Go...
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
go.shopmy.us/p-1932977
Dermaflash LUXE Anti-Aging Dermaplaning Exfoliation Device
shop-links.co/173724580970903...
NuFace Trinity mynuface.pxf.io/yndqy
20% off site wide with code NF-gothamista20 (exclusions may apply)
The Light Salon - Boost LED Face Mask bit.ly/3luTajD
Code : GOTHAMISTA20 for 20% savings!
CHAPTERS :
0:00 How to approach well-aging actives in your routine
3:18 General Guidelines
3:38 A.M. Routine Actives - Vitamin C
5:49 L-Ascorbic Acid vs Copper Peptides
6:34 P.M. Actives - Retinoids, Copper Peptides, Direct Acids
8:03 Retinoids & Copper Peptides
9:14 Exfoliation
11:20 Devices
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My skin type : Dehydrated, sensitive. You may have a very different experience with the products I review if you have a different skin type or preference.
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This video is not sponsored. PR samples or gifts are marked with an (*) and sent to me without any obligation to review. All my reviews and opinions are based on my own experience with the products which may not be the same for everyone. This contains affiliate links which will help support this channel! If you choose to use them, thank you for your support!

[@bibicheknauf4163]

You thought me so well over the years: I practically do exactly what “you” do and, I am 75 year old😜

[@ruebenromero2497]

Taught 😉

[@bibicheknauf4163]

@@ruebenromero2497 thanks for the correction. I hope you never make typos😳

[@radinwasir4426]

@@ruebenromero2497 its maybe her auto correct mistake

[@davidbennet1181]

We could learn a lot from you as well, I'm certain

[@kristinsato]

You've been my go to skincare person for so many years now, thank you for continuing to put out high quality videos that are endlessly relevant

[@AlannaStLaurent]

This video was integral for me to know what order to use my products (I typed it out and taped it inside my cabinet door in the bathroom). I started following your channel because we are the same age range, plus having sensitive skin with hyperpigmentation (oh what fun it is!). I’ve learned a lot about what products are helpful for my skin. THANK YOU for your videos!

[@k.huelle]

Thank you! You do such an incredible job of explaining your routine that it makes crafting one's own routine so much better and well informed!

[@robsgil1]

Best skincare person out there! Period!!!!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@officejccp7058]

As usual, wonderful skincare advise! Your advise over the years has made my 65 year old skin glow!!

[@radiantbeauty-evelyn]

I'm on the right track! 🤩 Thanks so much, Renee for this video! Because of you, I'll be trying some Hada Loba products soon; just waiting on my order to arrive. Take care!

[@jenniferdecker1424]

Extremely informative video!!! I’ll be rewatching. Thank you! 💗

[@melbygrace]

THANK YOU! You are my favorite skincare teacher. I am ready to try CAIS but I’ve wondered where to put it in my routine.

[@irisyeo07]

Thanks Renee for this video 🥰🥰❤️❤️ - I am rewatching this for the third time! ❤️❤️❤️ I started getting Melasma in the last 1 year and I went see my dermatologist about two months ago as it got worse. She has prescribed me with Triluma and I have seen great improvement with it. Now I’ve also asked my dermatologist to prescribe tret (first time & need to start my well aging routine as I’m 48 yo !) and I am alternating with Triluma, and also using the OTC retinol on non-tret & non-triluma days. My skin is quite sensitive and watching this video again reminds me it is ok to skip a few times sometimes, as my skin is quite sensitive….. Skin-tuition right like you always say! 🥰🥰🥰

[@fiddyteen]

I’ve been on an all hydration routine. After a summer with temps at 111 F in Seattle, I’ve dropped exfoliation. My skin is drinking in all the moisture. I do miss my P50V and Josh Rosebrook though. Btw the Medik8 Retinal is working well, thanks for the tip!

[@cecilieharris]

This video is so helpful and answered so many of the questions I was having. I'm very early in my retinol journey and drinking up all knowledge and tips I can get for someone my age, so this insight is extremely valuable.

[@MarissaCooperButPoor]

I just got 2 of CAIL 1% and I cannot wait to try it ❤❤ CAIS is my favourite product from NIOD, so I have been curious to try the lipid version ever since you talked about it in your NIOD video. Queen you always give the best recommendations.

[@jananiethirraj]

Excited to see you again!

[@gothamista]

😘

[@mariewarne5727]

Thanks, Renée. You've answered all of my questions.

[@rayliur]

Thank you for this video, Renee! Really helpful!

[@chuyaoli2724]

yeap! Just watched all the past skincare routine video to figure out! Still find this video very useful! Thank you!

[@skincarecataloger]

This was helpful. I’ve been wanting to incorporate copper peptides and I wasn’t sure how to do it. Thank you.

[@arinco6944]

Thank you. Most informative and comprehensive video. I rewatched it a couple times.

[@cstewart3759]

Oh, Renee, you are a godsend!! I just ordered CAIS yesterday and have been Googling ever since how to incorporate it into my routine of tret, vit c, and Good Genes! You are the BEST!! 🙌🏼💕

[@ric25feb]

i ordered one too yday 😂

[@volcomwave]

So I finally went to a new dermatologist and did a 6-month stint of Accutane. It’s been a month since I’ve stopped and my doctor gave me 0.025% tretinoin for management/anti-aging. I can’t believe how much my skin prefers 0.025% to the 0.05%. My skin feels amazing every morning and very well hydrated! Definitely is a case of stronger isn’t necessarily better for me! I spent the 6 months using the most basic routine ever: LRP Dermo Cleanser, Rovectin Treatment Lotion, and Avène’s Xeracalm cream. It worked wonders and I was so happy to have an excuse to parse down my routine. Slowly expanding what I’m using again… I think I’m gonna splurge on SkinCeuticals Vitamin C!

[@melbygrace]

I am 41. Same thing here. Lower dose. No drying. Still seeing great results!

[@16ssd]

Did you ever get the skinceuticals? If so how is it?

[@mauriciosanchezrojas3101]

The queen is back! 😁

[@lynngrover1194]

Awesome informative video for those that have a few sensitive areas. Anything strong near my eyes causes them to get red, irritated and goopy. Your note to use eye cream first to help protect that area from the stronger serums/creams you put on your face is something I will make sure to do from now on. I have also been having trouble with my prescription Tretinoin cream causing really flaky patches in my more super dry areas…going to start using every other night and if needed every 3rd night. Post menopausal skin can be a hot mess. I don’t need anything exacerbating it;)

[@eueua9141]

This video was perfect especially since I just stocked up on my fave NIOD products and staring Retin-A.

[@Moskinlab]

a cup of herbal tea, blanket and this video is all I need now 😍😍

[@lkpnda287]

Lol yup I have been a skincare junky since 12 years old! My korean mix grandmother taught me how to take care of my skin and now being 44 I am so Grateful she did! She’s almost 90 and Oh my goodness! Not only is she up and about like she’s my age, but she Literally looks in her 40’s! I am not blessed fully with her skin because 1/2 my ethnicity is the kind that Ages bad so I am constantly counteracting that and have to be more diligent and caring for my skin 🤦🏻‍♀️ I love skincare and it’s a ritual with me! I practice Super will power and self discipline to NOT use all my skincare I have! 😆 Mahalo for your videos I just found and binge watching!

[@sherryhilliard5310]

Hi Renee! Thanks as always for your content!

[@felixw1353]

Love this so much!!! The Sachi serum will be my next!

[@debmurray2734]

New sub here ... I have appreciated your pragmatic approach to sensitive skin care ... Following the guidelines you have outlined works for me. The actives my rosacea prone skin cannot tolerate well are Ascorbic acid, Tretinoin and AHA. I moved to alternating days with Ascorbic acid and Tretinoin. On my "off days" I added copper peptides and about once per week I will replace that with a mild resurfacer like lactic acid serum or enzyme mask Even with that infrequency, resurfacing can trigger a rosacea flare. But on the whole, alternating product frequency and making sure I am sealing in hydration with heavily occlusive moisturizer has been a game changer to calming my skin.

[@jenniferolson3206]

This was amazing, thank you!! Where to use what just continues to confuse me and this helped so much!!!

[@alishahemp8272]

This was such a great video, so helpful!!! Thank you 😊

[@saddybarr4551]

I started following you recently. Thanks for your advices

[@ErikaHamilton1]

Amazing video, like always thank you Gothamista. I was waiting for this video.

[@gothamista]

Thank you, Erika!

[@stephaniesnider6178]

Brilliant primer …as per usual-Cheers 💙xx❣️

[@MminaMaclang]

Perfect timing, since I just bought my first retinol 1% ever, and wanted to know when to use them for how often in a week, and when do I get to use my exfoliators.

[@trinichandy3049]

Thanks for all the information on how to use these products.

[@antonshmonov7935]

Trank you so much ! You did more than just unswering my questions . Gread Video!

[@fiddyteen]

Heyyyyy! 👋🏾 Great as always.

[@gothamista]

Luv ya Britt!

[@catalinarandle6420]

Always full of advice 🙏

[@angeh9995]

Thank you. This was super helpful.

[@belonging9200]

Just what I wished for. Thank You so much.

[@SusanSlattery]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I bought the NIOD CAIS, and was wondering about how to incorporate with C, Lactic and CoQ10.

[@aitotheko]

so informative! thank you!

[@Peachy_Pikachu]

Omg, this video was everything! I've been using toner before my Vitamin C and quicky realised with your video, the brand does recommend applying the active after cleansing. I'm such a sucker for toners and didn't even think of going first with Vitamin C. I wanna maximise my Vitamin C serum and going to try as you do.Then toner and after another brightening serum, which is my Azelaic Acid derivative serum. Thank you so much for this comprehensive guide. You're the best!

[@Rose-ux7hd]

It’s as if you read my mind. I had bought the CAIS based on your last video, just received it last night and had been unsure how to incorporate it into my routine. Thank you so very much for this. So helpful.

[@anncleary8148]

So helpful as usual thank you.

[@patrycjasporysz2448]

Great and very helpful video like always 😊😘 thank you 🙏🏻

[@SteppingOut957]

Awesome video!

[@Miss_Cali]

It’s been a minute but this video is right on time. Waiting for this year’s box to go on sale.

[@gothamista]

Stay tuned! ♥︎

[@marthastewart2658]

Thank you for such a great video lots of wonderful information so helpful ❤️

[@wereskikate5259]

Omg.i really needed this video

[@marthastewart2658]

Thank you so much for this video it answered my questions how I incorporate my copper peptides into my routine

[@lunameimei]

I totally needed this video! Perfect timing!

[@irisyeo07]

Yay, first time I’m the first one to comment! Thanks Renee for this video! 👍 one random question - have you relocated out of US permanently and staying in HK? Greetings from Singapore …. And I’ve been following your channel for a long time now.

[@joshuaransome907]

Renee please do a video about your favorite eye creams. Many say eyecreams are bogus

[@gtan307]

I no longer use vit c serum in the morning due to frustration of it being oxidized. So instead I use leave on brightening acid (PC BHA 2%) to replace vit c in the morning before moisturizer (contain niacinamide) and sunscreen. And at night I use retinoid instead of BHA. I find this routine is more effective for my acne prone skin (with hyperpigmentation).

[@MyLoVeLyMaN]

I do similarly, but instead of BHA I've been using prescription Azelaic acid AM. Apparently Azelaic acid is also an antioxidant!

[@gtan307]

@@MyLoVeLyMaN I’ve never tried Azelaic Acid because I’ve used BHA from PC for 9 years and love it. But I heard it’s an amazing ingredient.

[@adrianasusunaga5671]

Love this video, makes it so much easier to understand. In what country are you? You mentioned that is humid!

[@hpham2101]

Thanks so much for this Renee. What LED mask do you use? I'd love to see you do a video on that :)

[@GETFITJADA]

I love you channel, thank you

[@jenniferdang2013]

Thank you for this🙏🏻

[@susansscentstreet8043]

YES.....exactly!

[@eschwarz1003]

"skintuition" great concept

[@oth23hugger44]

Thank you so so much for this! I use a toner, essence, serum, moisturizer, eye cream than of course sunscreen. Would i apply vitamin c after the toner or after the essence? Or somewhere else? Thank you so much for your amazing videos! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. You are so beautiful and so youthful!

[@ginafriend1690]

Thank you! 💜

[@aostafy2118]

Thank you! I have CAIS and was wondering if I can use it with a different form of Vit C from Peter Thomas Roth THD Ascorbate? Versus the L-Ascorbic Acid form? So enjoy your videos, Amy

[@remysplace]

Thank you!

[@poetickayoss]

I always love your videos but wanted to ask if you've changed something in your hair routine? It looks extra beautiful in this video.

[@asmarashid2221]

Thank you for this, so helpful! One thing I'm still not clear on is copper peptides and antioxidants. Everyone mentions not combining it with vitamin C and 'strong antioxidants' like the NIOD survival 0 but what about antioxidants like green tea and other plant extracts?

[@carolkhoo4129]

Thank you so much for always clearing our doubts. I was watching a video by a dermatologist about combining hyaluronic acid with retinol. She advised against using them together to avoid irritation coz hyaluronic acid will draw retinol deeper into the skin. Any thoughts?

[@jessicafung7565]

Miss you!!

[@mary-qc3rf]

what great resource....thanks so much. bwt i was wondering if you tried la mer or augustine bader creams and whats your take on it

[@binteabbas9839]

Pleaseee we needv a much needed detailed video for neck lines.plzxzzx

[@nala972]

Thanks!

[@maureenbennett809]

Great!😁

[@dangaw6392]

Renee, are you waiting between Niod CAIS and Tretinoin? Do you apply right away?

[@KK-cs6ou]

Just the information I was looking for. Thank you. One question, can I use Tretinoin with CAIS?

[@neptunians]

I love your videos! I will turn 25 this month and 4 months ago I started with Vitamin A, wish I knew it before since I had bad teenager acne. Now I am also using Salicylacid and Lactic acid, I want to start with Vitamin C as well but I don't really know how to routine them. I am using vitamin a, salicylacid serum pm, salicylacid and lactic acid and spf at am. Any advices?

[@theval7099]

Hi Rene! How long are you waiting before applying moisturizer after prescribed retinoid like Aklief?

[@debrabutler7452]

It's Rene time!!!

[@alinad2928]

Vitamin c irritates my skin during the day, haven’t tried cais but used the inkey list Q10 for the antioxidant protection during the day. Eager to try the anthelios 70 spf sunscreen. At night I use the Inkey list niacinamide then retin a .025% then a thick moisturizer (I like the cosrx moisturizer/L’Occitane shea butter moisturizer). Got one of those micro current massagers for nighttime 😅

[@QuirkyBoy]

I hope you making a vids about products/active your using Synergistically with tret

[@Diana-mu9vd]

Hey Renee, love this hair cut and colour on you! Thank you so much for sharing your skin knowledge, just picked up a few of your recommendations yesterday, eek! Anyone have a derma flash dupe? Its too pricey for me :{, I was about to pick up an eyebrow razor.

[@albeeinla]

Thanks for sharing this, I’m using prescription tret at nightI put aside my red led mask. Any tips on when / how to pair these 2?

[@belerinah]

Hi Renee, I'm not sure I undertood everything; I want to try copper peptides in my routine but am also actively fighting adult acne and use a lot of BHAs. Can these two be used together or is it a no go ? Love you

[@corinneo5558]

What great timing for me. I also have sensitive skin but live in a very dry climate so I alternate Tret and CAIS at night and use Vitamin C (C glow by G&G) in the morning. I was struggling to find a place for exfoliation and whether I needed a serum, toner or mask. I have the Ordinary toner so will try using that before CAIS once or twice a week. Also - using hada labo premium for hydration because of you and it is the best! Thank you! Question - what are your thoughts on CAIS vs CAIL and efficacy? I have both but am unsure if CAIL is worth it.

[@anonymous6594]

I do two nights retinoids, two nights AHA, and two night copper peptides.

[@Agl_dsgns]

Do you still have to put vitamin C even when you don’t go out ? And do you need to apply sunscreen afterwards even if you don’t go out. Like do both have to be applied together ?

[@echuang1635]

Hi Renee, I note that you mentioned you use red LED light. Just like you, I am hyperpigmentation prone. Have you noticed any increase in hyperpigmentation with red LED light or how do you use it to protect against colouring? Thank you

[@BriseisMusic]

Thanks, Renee! I've been starting vitamin C, and I'm so interested in copper peptides. Been wondering how to add them into my routine when I already use tretinoin.

[@sharonjohn9430]

I use it on alternative days😀

[@BriseisMusic]

@@sharonjohn9430 I've since decided to try Dear Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner. Using up my serums before I buy anything else lol! This has copper peptides, but I'm not sure about the percentage. I'm still young and already using 2 great anti-aging ingredients, so I figured I don't need to go all into copper peptides just yet. 🙂

[@elenavaldambrini7304]

Do you ever exfoliate with acids before applying CAIS? I've been reading that they are not supposed to be used together

[@nxx4333]

Hi! Can you please guide on micro current device? I recently bought foreo bear but im not too sure when and how to use it (with what type of product)

[@bear07hub]

Not sure if you have answered this before may I know when do you guasha? Do you do it before or after the routine since it consists facial oils

[@luci4087]

thank you for putting timestamps.

[@giladddable]

What is your favorite eye cream to plumpen sunken eyes, without makeup ingredients?

[@HangNguyen-ih8rf]

I do hydration 1st after cleansing and then vit C

[@cafeconcremas]

"I think my skin would invert or something" lol i wasn't expecting that 🤣

[@lavayuki]

I like to combine everything other than vitamin C with niacinamide and arbutin, like my Tranexamic acid serum, Retinal , PC BHA and AHA. With my Vitamin C I just use it with arbutin. I was just wondering, if you use a sheet mask how to do you combine this with actives in a routine, and what order so you do it? I currently use it after my toner but before serums

[@annaantonio8673]

Renee can I apply sum 37 essence mist before skinceuticals phloretin?

[@mahikaar]

We have almost the same routine 😁 AM: Hada Labo Cleanser, Hada Labo Lotion, Inkey List Vit C & EGF, The Ordinary Moisturizer + HA, Biore UV Essence PM:Inkey List SA Cleanser, Hada Labo Lotion, Inkey List Retinol, The ordinary Moisturizer + HA Lately, been planning to add that Ordinary Vit C +AA in the AM and Ordinary The buffet in my PM routine.

[@hananeelkoundi3805]

Can I use in the morning routine BHA paula s choice before vitamine c serum?is there a problem with the skin pH?