Routines
Can you use PDRN and retinol together?
Short answer: yes. PDRN and retinol make an easy night-time pair, and it's the idea behind our first serum. Here's how to use them together.
By the Lemerence teamUpdated 3 min read
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Why pair PDRN and retinol?
They do different jobs. Retinol is the classic for smoothing the look of fine lines, wrinkles and rough texture. PDRN is loved for a bouncy, hydrated, healthy-looking finish.
Together, they cover two things most people want from night care: smoother-looking skin, and skin that looks plump and rested when you wake up.
How to layer them
Using one serum with both? That's the simplest option. Cleanse, pat dry, apply the serum, then moisturize.
Using two separate products? Apply the thinner texture first and give each layer a minute to settle. A common order:
Step 1: Cleanse
Use a gentle cleanser and pat skin completely dry.
Step 2: Retinol
A pea-size amount, smoothed over your face.
Step 3: PDRN serum
A few drops, pressed in gently.
Step 4: Moisturizer
To keep hydration in and skin comfortable.
If your skin is easily irritated, flip the order so PDRN goes on first, or use retinol and PDRN on alternate nights.
How often to use them
Let retinol set the pace. Start two nights a week, then move to every other night and beyond as your skin stays comfortable. Many people also use a PDRN serum on their retinol-free nights, or in the morning.
What else works with them
- Moisturizers with ceramides, glycerin or squalane keep skin soft while you use retinol.
- Hydrators like hyaluronic acid layer well under PDRN and retinol.
- Niacinamide is an easygoing partner for most routines.
- Keep for other nights: exfoliating acids, scrubs and strong vitamin C. Vitamin C works well in the morning instead.
The morning after
Keep mornings simple: a gentle cleanse or rinse, moisturizer and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Retinol can make skin more sensitive to the sun, so sunscreen is the step that matters most.
The two-in-one option
We built our PDRN + Retinol Night Serum around this pairing, in a serum-lotion texture with moisture barrier support. It is made to soften the look of fine lines, smooth rough texture and leave skin looking plump and rested by morning, all in one step.
It's launching soon. Join the waitlist to hear first.
Questions
Should PDRN or retinol go first?
Apply the thinner texture first. With two serums, many people apply retinol to dry skin, then PDRN, then moisturizer. If your skin is easily irritated, put PDRN first.
Can I use PDRN in the morning and retinol at night?
Yes. That's a popular split: PDRN with sunscreen in the morning, retinol at night.
Is PDRN and retinol a good combination for beginners?
It can be, as long as you start retinol slowly, keep moisturizer in your routine and wear sunscreen every morning.
Coming soon
PDRN + Retinol Night Serum
Anti-aging night serum. Softens the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Meet the serumThis guide is general skincare information, not personal advice. Lemerence products are cosmetics. If you have a skin concern that worries you, talk with your doctor.
