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.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
