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!

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

Related Articles

Ad Blocker Detected