How to Apply Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C
Once you find the right products for your skin, the true test of their effectiveness is how you use them in your daily skincare routine. Although it may seem daunting, it is actually very simple and I am sure that after reading today’s blog post and practicing a little, you will know how to layer hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. Prepare to be shocked by the results!
Can you use vitamin C and hyaluronic acid?
Yes, you can! The combination of these two ingredients creates a potent skin-rejuvenating combination. Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C complement each other effectively. By using a serum rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, you can protect the skin barrier from free radical damage. When you use hyaluronic acid, your skin will receive a lot of moisture, keeping it plump, hydrated and youthfully elastic all day long. Due to the moisturizing properties of hyaluronic acid, you will not overstress your skin and ensure your complexion looks its best and stays at its healthiest.
Which came first, vitamin C or hyaluronic acid?
The general rule of thumb is that when applying skincare, you should start with the thinnest layer and work your way up to the thickest. This will determine when you use vitamin C and hyaluronic acid in your daily routine. Both ingredients are used in products that are usually one of the last steps in your daily skincare routine.
However, historically older vitamin C formulas contained unstable ingredients that often caused minor skin irritation when applied. Fortunately, the beauty industry has made great strides in recent years, and vitamin C has a new, stable and effective role to play in all skincare formulations.
From experience, I can say that serums rich in vitamin C usually have a thinner consistency than other serums containing hyaluronic acid. This leads to the use of hyaluronic acid after the use of vitamin C, which over time binds the moisture in the skin and keeps the protective barrier fully functional at the correct hydration level. As the protective barrier fights free radical damage caused by pollution, central heating and UV radiation, the powerful vitamin C can repair and restore the complexion.
In what order should hyaluronic acid be used?
As I mentioned before, hyaluronic acid is usually used in skincare products, in the form of serums and moisturizers to be used at the end of the daily care routine. It can be a little confusing to understand when to use HA in these formulas, so here’s a simple routine you can follow:
Step 1 – Cleanser
Depending on your skin type and skin concerns, you’ll find different formulas, from water, gels, balms, to lotions. Using a cleanser as your first step will leave your skin clean and free of makeup residue.
Step 2 – Toner
Exfoliating toners are my personal favorite, especially when they contain ingredients like lactic acid and glycolic acid. Both AHAs work to remove dead skin cells as well as lingering traces of bacteria and makeup, thoroughly cleansing the skin.
Step 3 – Serum
Once you’ve thoroughly cleansed your skin, you can apply your serum. Depending on the product’s formula, this step may contain hyaluronic acid or vitamin C. With the buildup of dead skin cells and impurities removed, your serum can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of your skin, ultimately meaning you’ll see results faster.
Step 4 – Moisturizer
This is another step that may contain hyaluronic acid, but unlike a serum, a moisturizer works on the outer surface of the skin, strengthening the skin’s protective barrier to keep it hydrated and healthy all day long. The physical barrier created by the moisturizer also benefits any other previously applied skincare products, allowing them to do their job without interference.
Below is a simple overview of the order in which you should use hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine. If you want to learn more about hyaluronic acid and its benefits for the skin, you can read our dedicated blog post!
Should hyaluronic acid be used before or after moisturizer?
The great thing about hyaluronic acid is that it is a humectant, which means it hydrates the skin. h. It draws moisture from the environment of the skin and other product formulations. This basically means that it doesn’t really matter whether you use hyaluronic acid before or after your moisturizer, as your skin will still benefit from it and stay plump, hydrated, and healthy for the rest of the day.
Which is better, hyaluronic acid or vitamin C?
Both ingredients are great for the skin, leaving your complexion looking and feeling its best. Both target different skin areas and concerns, and when combined, they can be a real powerhouse.
Hyaluronic acid
Since hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body, it’s one of the few ingredients in skincare that’s suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin. Praised for its hydrating properties, this moisturizer draws moisture from the environment into the skin and binds it there. Not only does this help hydrate the skin’s surface and give it a youthful appearance, but it can also help fight the free radical burden created from environmental pollutants such as pollution, UV rays, and alcohol.
Vitamin C
Rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C fights all signs of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. When applied to the skin, Vitamin C leaves the complexion rejuvenated, radiant, and flawless. Some skin types may experience minor irritation after using Vitamin C, so combining it with hydrating Hyaluronic Acid can fight any signs of dryness and make any Vitamin C serum more effective for problem areas of the skin.
As you can see, the two ingredients work differently on the skin. They have the unique ability to target different problem areas and achieve optimal results, leaving you with the best skin you’ve ever experienced.
What not to eat with Hyaluronic Acid?
There really aren’t many ingredients in skincare that hyaluronic acid can’t pair well with! Since it occurs naturally in the body, it’s completely safe for all skin types. However, other ingredients used with hyaluronic acid may not work as well. Therefore, you always need to make sure to perform a patch test 24 hours before use when introducing a new ingredient or product into your routine. If you have any further concerns, you should consult a doctor or dermatologist to ensure your skin stays happy and healthy.
What Not to Take with Vitamin C?
Powerful ingredients like retinol, glycolic acid, and other chemical peel ingredients like BHA salicylic acid should not be mixed with vitamin C. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t use these ingredients in your daily routine. By rotating this blend of skin-nourishing ingredients, you’ll be providing your skin with the best care possible without the side effects of drying or irritation.
For example, use a vitamin C serum in your morning routine to keep your skin glowing and protected by its antioxidant benefits all day long. Then, use retinol in your evening routine to repair damage and let this UV-sensitive powerhouse do its thing overnight while you catch up on your beauty sleep. Of course, don’t forget to combine it with a hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid, and you’ll be amazed at the results.
Can I use too much hyaluronic acid?
It might sound a little strange, but believe it or not, you can have too much of a good thing! The temptation to cover your skin with tons of hyaluronic acid can seem almost irresistible. But when the skin has too much hyaluronic acid in an environment lacking moisture and humidity, the hyaluronic acid starts to draw moisture from the underlying layers of the skin. This causes signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, to become more noticeable, leaving your skin very thirsty! When using hyaluronic acid, it’s best to follow the product instructions for the best results.
This will give you a better idea of how to layer hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. And if you have any questions, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram. One more thing: did you catch up on the latest episode of Green Couch? Then check it out on YouTube now!
