Can I use Hyaluronic Acid with Retinol and Vitamin C?

You can indeed use hyaluronic acid with retinol and vitamin C, however without really understanding how to use these powerhouses together can often lead to a few problems, from skin irritation, redness, and itchiness. It’s with this in mind that I’m planning to explore more and answer some questions we have recently received about using hyaluronic acid with retinol and vitamin C, so stick around and things will hopefully become a lot clearer.

How do you use retinol vitamin C and hyaluronic acid together?

When using all three of these skin heroes in your daily routine it is important to remember the best order to apply them to reap the rewards. To avoid any unwanted reactions, I suggest using vitamin C in your morning routine. This will enable the powerful antioxidants to work at protecting the skin surface from free radical damage and give a luminous finish to the complexion. You can then follow this with retinol during your evening routine as this will prevent any exposure to UV rays rendering any form of retinoid useless. As for hyaluronic acid, you can use this twice a day. In fact, by applying hyaluronic acid with both vitamin C and retinol will reduce the chances of skin irritation, flushing and redness that are common side effects when using both vitamin C and retinol.

By layering these ingredients in this manner you’ll find that the skin will benefit from quicker results with the bonus of knowing you are using each ingredient correctly. If you are unsure of how to use any of these ingredients it is best to consult with a doctor.

What goes first hyaluronic acid or vitamin C or retinol?

As I have already mentioned to get the best out of your routine, apply vitamin C in the morning, retinol in the evening and hyaluronic both times. Having said that, the thickness of the product’s consistency must be taken into consideration as the correct order for skincare application is thinnest to thickest. Vitamin C is usually formulated into serums that are more water-based and lightweight with hyaluronic acid coming in thicker gels and finally retinol in serums, oils, or creams. 

Should I use hyaluronic acid before or after retinol?

When using hyaluronic acid and retinol it is thought that the best application is to start with hyaluronic acid as this will regulate the water levels in the outer surface of the natural skin barrier. When this barrier can function correctly you will find it is able to combat free radical damage that is caused by exposure to factors such as, pollution, central heating, UV rays and other environmental aggressors. You will also find the skin acts in the similar way as a wet sponge meaning it is able to absorb other active ingredients quickly and effectively resulting in you being able to see impressive results in less time.

With the humectant traits of hyaluronic acid drawing water into the skin and locking it into place, you will also find that the drying and itchy effects of retinol are not as severe with the skin remaining constantly hydrated.

Can you layer vitamin C and retinol?

It is generally considered not the best idea to layer vitamin C and retinol together. This is because both ingredients can have drying effects on skin and if overused will result in severe dryness, itching and flakiness to the skin. To get the most out of both powerhouse skin heroes it is best to alternate the time of day you apply them to the face, vitamin C in the morning and retinol in the evening. The bonus of using vitamin C in the morning is the all-over luminous finish you achieve on the skin; it would be a huge waste to use it during your evening routine.

One important stage of your routine to remember is to ensure you are using a daily SPF of 30 and above every day, yes even on days that are cloudy. This is due to retinol and vitamin C increasing the photosensitivity of the skin making it more susceptible to UV damage, such as hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

Can I mix hyaluronic acid with retinol?

Yes! Mixing hyaluronic acid with retinol is the perfect skin duo. The anti-ageing and collagen boosting properties of retinol targeting signs of fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin can work more effectively with the help of hyaluronic acid. The ability of maintaining the moisture in the skin ensuring it remains plumped, hydrated, and full of youthful bounce. This will not only combat any potential dryness caused from the potent retinol but will ensure your skin avoids any chances of becoming dehydrated, dry, and uncomfortable. 

Do you apply retinol before or after serum?

This very much depends on the product consistency the retinol is blended in to. As I have previously mentioned the order in which you apply skincare products is from thinnest to thickest, by this I mean, face washes, cleansers, toners, serums, moisturisers, oils, and SPF for daytime use.  

Retinol is such a highly potent ingredient that is known for being temperamental and is difficult to use with various skincare ingredients. With this is mind, you are limited to the different types of serums you can use, formulas containing hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide are two humectants that can work effectively.

Do you use hyaluronic acid before or after moisturiser?

Applying a hyaluronic acid serum to the skin first will give the skin a boost in hydration which will also result in HA drawing in moisture from the area surrounding the face and other skincare products. Following hyaluronic acid with moisturiser will form a physical protective barrier on the outer surface of the skin, this will allow any products underneath the moisturiser to work uninterrupted. You will also find that the hyaluronic acid is able to draw in the water in the formulation of the moisturiser.

There you have a little more detail about whether you can use hyaluronic acid with retinol and vitamin C together, don’t forget if you have any questions come and find me on Instagram.