Can I use hyaluronic acid with retinol?
Do you want to hear good news?
You can certainly use hyaluronic acid with retinol, and you might be interested to know how many skin care experts consider this to be the best way to reap the benefits of both powerful ingredients.
Often, the drying side effects common with daily retinol use are offset by the moisturizing properties of hyaluronic acid. By using these two powerful ingredients together, you can fight signs of aging like fine lines and
fight fine lines and wrinkles as well as skin damage caused by exposure to free radicals such as pollution, UVB/UVA rays, and central heating.
Now that you know a little more about using hyaluronic acid and retinol, let’s take a closer look at exactly what you can expect when you combine these impressive powerhouses together.
Which came first, hyaluronic acid or retinol?
A lot depends on the formulation of the products that contain each ingredient. Because to get the best results from your skincare routine, you need to apply the products in the order of thinnest to thickest formula. For example, if your retinol is formulated as a moisturizer, you’ll want to use it after the hyaluronic acid in your serum. If you’re wondering how to best use this product, I recommend starting with retinol, followed by hyaluronic acid. This ensures that the retinol can penetrate into the lower layers of the skin, while the moisturizing properties of hyaluronic acid can reduce its drying effects and replenish the skin with moisture. What not to take with hyaluronic acid? The beauty of hyaluronic acid is that it can be used on almost all skin types and can be easily combined with other skin ingredients. However, some formulas, especially those known to be harmful to the skin, such as alcohol, fragrances, and high concentrations of powerful skin care ingredients, are not suitable. By avoiding these, you can ensure that your hyaluronic acid-rich products will perform optimally without interruption. For more information on hyaluronic acid, see our dedicated blog post.
What products should not be mixed with retinol?
The main ingredients of this mixture are vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and chemical exfoliants such as alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta hydroxy acid (BHA).
Avoid mixing vitamin C and retinol, as these ingredients are more effective at different times of the day. For example, it is thought that vitamin C is best taken in the morning to combat free radical stress due to its powerful antioxidant properties.
You can then use retinol in your evening routine to repair and rejuvenate your skin while undoing the damage that has already been done to it.
AHAs and BHAs work on the outer surface of the skin, shedding layers of dead skin cells and debris. Using retinol can over-irritate the skin, leading to irritation, dryness, and discomfort.
To prevent this from happening, I recommend using an AHA/BHA in an exfoliating toner and then using retinol in your daily routine once the acids have been absorbed into the skin and the pH has rebalanced.
If you use benzoyl peroxide with retinol, you will find that they cancel each other out. Therefore, it is best not to alternate days between using these ingredients.
If you want to learn more about retinol and its skincare benefits, you can find more information on Beauty Insiders, so be sure to check it out.
Should retinol be used before or after moisturizer?
As I mentioned before, a lot depends on the retinol formula. However, there is nothing wrong with mixing retinol with a moisturizer, especially if it contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
If you are using it alone, it is best to use a moisturizer after a retinol treatment. They ensure that moisture is retained without interfering with the powerful properties of retinol, which speed up the skin’s cell renewal cycle and keep
your skin fresh, youthful, and elastic.
How long should you wait after using retinol before applying a moisturizer? Ideally, you should wait at least 20 minutes after a retinol treatment before applying a moisturizer. This is considered the best time to ensure that the skin
absorbs the most effective form of vitamin A and restores the skin’s natural pH to balance.
This is an important step to remember because skin irritation or allergic reactions are often the result of an imbalanced pH when products with different pH levels are layered too quickly. In what order should
hyaluronic acid be used?
Hyaluronic acid is commonly found in skincare products that you use on a daily basis, such as serums, moisturizers, and face oils. Follow the skincare rule I mentioned earlier: thin to thick. This essentially means using hyaluronic acid later in your skincare routine. If you want to get the best results from HA products, I’ll give you a tip: use your serum first, then your moisturizer, as the water in the formula will help hydrate your complexion.
If you want to learn more about the best ways to use hyaluronic acid (especially with active ingredients like retinol), you should definitely read this blog post.
