How to use Vitamin C Serum and Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol

There’s no denying that vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and retinol are three of the most potent and effective ingredients available. Whether they are combined or use them separately you’ll be amazed with the positive skin results you’ll see after a few short weeks.

Now if you have found yourself reading this and realising you haven’t introduced these ingredients into your daily routine, well, you’ve come to the right place as today I intend to explain how to use vitamin C serum, hyaluronic acid, and retinol together. So, let’s get stuck in and find out more about these powerful ingredients and how they’ll improve your complexion.

Is it OK to use retinol and hyaluronic acid together?

Absolutely, in fact it is more than OK to use hyaluronic acid and retinol together. The pH levels of skincare products play an important role in determining which formulas can work together effectively. When there is an imbalance in the pH levels on the skin surface will result in flushing, redness, and other forms of skin irritation. 

Luckily for us, retinol, and hyaluronic acid work perfectly together. Whilst retinol tackles build-up of dead skin cells, blemishes and helping to boost the collagen production of the skin, hyaluronic acid can draw in moisture and lock it into the outer layers keeping the complexion plumped, hydrated and full of bounce. To get a better understanding of how to layer hyaluronic acid and retinol together check out our blog about it over on The Beauty Insiders.

Is it OK to use retinol and vitamin C together?

The short answer is yes you can use vitamin C and retinol, but its best to avoid using them all together as this can be too much exfoliation for the skin. To get optimal results try applying retinol in your evening routine and vitamin C during the morning. 

By using vitamin C serum in the morning, you are preparing your skin to be fully protected to any exposure to free radical damage, such as pollution, UV rays and other environmental aggressors. This is because vitamin C is packed with antioxidants which can combat these skin damaging particles and can maintain an overall healthy, glowing complexion.

Following this with an evening routine consisting of retinol will ensure your skin is rejuvenated whilst you sleep. It’s able to do this by increasing the speed of your skin cell turnover revealing a fresh layer of skin that is younger looking and luminous. By using each of these potent powerhouses during separate routines will allow enough time between applications to minimise the risk of any irritation or allergic reactions. I would also suggest using each ingredient as mentioned as the potency of retinol is destroyed when exposed to UV light. Applying a daily SPF of 30 and above will result in your skin being fully protected from any further damage.

Can I use vitamin C and hyaluronic acid at the same time?

You can indeed! You’ll find that many formulas, particularly serums containing vitamin C quite often include some type of hyaluronic acid in the blend. They can complement each other and work at hydrating, protecting, and repairing the skin that is showing the first signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles. You will also find that too much vitamin C can trigger some severe dryness, irritation and even a flare-up in acne breakouts, by teaming this with hyaluronic acid will help calm and soothe the skin ensuring each ingredient works effectively at creating a balanced and healthy moisture barrier.

Do you use hyaluronic acid or vitamin C first?

With both vitamin C and hyaluronic acid often blended into water-based formulations it can get a little confusing to establish which should be used first. It really boils down to the thickness of the consistency of each product as this will determine which should be applied first. Having said that, I personally find that the most effective vitamin C serums come in a light-weight serum that should be applied before a heavier hyaluronic acid moisturiser or gel. If you’re wanting to know more about when to use hyaluronic acid and vitamin C check out this blog post as it’ll no doubt clear up any questions you have.

Should I use hyaluronic acid before or after retinol?

By applying hyaluronic acid before retinol, you are ensuring that the skin surface contains the correct levels of water. This not only ensures the natural protective barrier is able to function correctly, but your skin will act similarly to damp sponge soaking up every drop of retinol allowing it to absorb fully into the lower layers of the dermis.

Don’t forget before using any new skin ingredients or formulations you should first consult with a doctor or dermatologist to ensure your skin will tolerate them. Next you need to perform a patch test for 24 hours before applying the product to your face, this will avoid any unwanted reactions and irritation.

When should vitamin C serum be used in routine?

When you use vitamin C serum in your routine is down to personal preference. However, if you ask me, there is really no point in applying vitamin C during your evening routine. As you know this acid is packed with antioxidants that help to protect the skin from free radicals. The exposure you have to free radicals are limited during the night whilst you sleep (unless you’re sleeping under the stars of course). Therefore, I suggest you can use your potent retinol or other evening formulations to repair, restore and replenish the skin whilst you sleep.

So, there you have a little more information about how to use vitamin C serum and hyaluronic acid and retinol. With this potent cocktail I wouldn’t be surprised to hear you say your skin will look the best it ever has. Just remember to use them correctly and you’ll gain optimal results with these three skin heroes. If you had any questions, come and follow me over on Instagram and why not check out the latest episode of The Green Sofa, over on YouTube.