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.
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.
