Should I use Hyaluronic Acid Before or After Vitamin C?

By now you all know just how much hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are equally adored by skincare experts. With both of them containing a vast selection of skin benefits and working on different layers of the skin to improve the complexion and overall appearance. As amazing as these ingredients are, the main hurdle we encounter is how to apply these skincare heroes to achieve your skin goals.

So, without further a due, let’s find out whether you should apply hyaluronic acid before or after vitamin C.

Can you use hyaluronic acid and vitamin C together?

These ingredients are able to work successfully with each other and are in fact considered highly effective skin duo. Whilst hyaluronic acid is able to balance and hydrate the skin allowing the outer surface of the skin to fully function with the correct levels of water. This is vital to maintain the general health and appearance of the skin allowing it the ability to combat any free radical damage, such as pollution, exposure to UV rays and other environmental skin stresses. With the benefits of hyaluronic acid keeping the skin moisturised and act like a wet sponge resulting in it becoming more absorbent allowing other skin ingredients to penetrate further into the lower layers. This also results in vitamin C gaining a helping hand at reaching the dermis layer of the skin and being able to treat the skin reducing dark spots and pigmentation more effectively. You can find out more in our dedicated blog post about how to use hyaluronic acid and vitamin C together.

Which is better vitamin C or hyaluronic acid serum?

Both ingredients carry a variety of skin benefits both of which target different concerns as well as allowing hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to compliment each other effectively in a daily skincare routine.

Vitamin C

The main benefits of vitamin C are its ability to minimise any damage to the skin caused by UV exposure. It is able to do this with the high volume of antioxidants it contains as well as creating a boost in the body’s natural collagen production giving the skin a plumped and youthful glow.

Hyaluronic Acid

This acid acts as a humectant, meaning any water surrounding the skin or found in other product formulations are drawn into the skin and locked into place. This is something HA is able to continuously do for the rest of the day keeping the skin at its healthiest state, this not only helps other skin ingredients perform better, but free radical damage is combatted more effectively.

When considering which of these ingredients are better, I may be as blunt to say that using them both will be the best option for you resulting in a potent daily skincare routine that will deliver the best results.

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

When introducing vitamin C, retinol and hyaluronic acid into your daily regime there are some important points to remember as this will prevent any unwanted skin irritation or reaction.

Retinol

Known as one of the most potent skincare ingredients, this powerhouse form of vitamin A needs to be used in the correct way as it does cause the skin to become dry with areas of flaking. This is a common side effect when you first introduce retinol to your routine, but not to worry as it is very short-lived. You’ll find that retinol has the ability to speed up the skin cell renewal process resulting in the skin appearing youthful with signs of fine lines, wrinkles and any spots or breakouts are all significantly reduced.

When it comes to using retinol, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C together to avoid the skin from becoming irritated I would suggest using these products in your daily routine as follows:

AM Skincare Routine

• Vitamin C
• Hyaluronic Acid

Using vitamin C in your morning routine will not only give you a glowing start to the day, but with the ingredients high volume of antioxidants, you will ensure your skin is protected from exposure to free radical damage. Whilst it protects the skin, it will also work tirelessly at reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. You can also give your skin a boost in hydration by applying hyaluronic acid which will keep the skin moisturised and functioning correctly.

PM Skincare Routine

• Retinol
• Hyaluronic Acid

Remembering to follow the skin rules when using retinol, you must also remember to use it in your evening routine. This is due to the fact it that when retinol is exposed to UV light it begins to loss its potency rendering it useless and unable to deliver the results on your skin. By teaming it with a serum packed with hyaluronic acid you will combat any further dryness to the skin allowing you to see the results quicker.

In what order do you use hyaluronic acid?

This is really dependent on you and your skincare products, I have mentioned in previous blog posts about the application rules when using your daily skincare routine. Generally speaking it is best to apply products depending on their consistency, aim for applying products from thinnest to thickest. This will determine at which stage you will apply hyaluronic acid, remembering of course that no matter when you apply HA it will deliver the results and leave you with a hydrated and healthy complexion.

Can I use hyaluronic acid every day?

You can indeed, in fact, you can use it twice a day as it is gentle but effective at hydrating the skin. Hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring in the body and is one of the skincare ingredients that can be used by all skin types with the peace of mind there won’t be any concerns with unwanted skin irritations or reactions.

So, there you have a little more information about hyaluronic acid and whether you should apply it before or after vitamin C. Come and find us on Instagram for more skincare expert tips, exclusive codes, giveaways and product launches.