Is It OK to use Hyaluronic Acid with Vitamin C?
Not only is it OK to use hyaluronic acid and vitamin C together, many skin experts express how this duo of powerhouse ingredients will deliver optimal skin results.
Quite often you will find potent formulas contain both vitamin C and hyaluronic acid as they work together on the skin surface with complimentary benefits resulting the complexion receiving a boost in hydration, protection from free radical damage and repairing any damage. You will also find that hyaluronic acid is able to calm the common irritating and dryness that sometimes occurs from vitamin C. With the moisture barrier remaining replenished and fully functioning with a luminous glow.
So, let’s dive in and find out more about whether it’s OK to use hyaluronic acid with vitamin C, don’t forget you can get in touch with us via Instagram so do give us a follow and join the skincare conversation.
What should be applied first vitamin C or hyaluronic acid?
If you are using separate skincare products that contain vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, you want to apply the thinnest consistency first followed by the thickest. What you may often find is vitamin C serums are light-weight and watery, this usually results in them being applied to the skin first. By applying vitamin C first followed with a gel-based serum or moisturiser packed with hyaluronic acid will help counteract any signs of dryness, flushing and irritation to the skin that can sometimes occur when using vitamin C in your daily routine.
If you are wanting to know more about applying hyaluronic acid and vitamin C you can check out the dedicated blog post over on The Beauty Insiders.
Can I use hyaluronic acid with vitamin C and niacinamide?
As I have already mentioned, teaming hyaluronic acid and vitamin C is a skin reviving power duo. What you may not know is the history behind using niacinamide and vitamin C, to keep you up to speed, both niacinamide and vitamin C contain similar benefits and with outdated research has shown to result in a chemical reaction. This reaction, called niacin, causes irritation for the skin, and renders each ingredient useless. With modern day formulas the probability of this reaction is considerably less compared to the 1960s products containing unstable forms of ascorbic acid (vitamin C).
What should you not mix vitamin C with?
With its history of unstable tendencies and common side effects of skin irritation there are a few ingredients that are best avoided when using vitamin C. Here is a brief run-down of how to use vitamin C effectively in your routine whilst avoiding any unwanted skin irritation.
Vitamin C and AHAs/BHAs
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an effective acid that provides impressive skin results as well as chemical exfoliation. This basically means that using other acids and exfoliates such as AHA/BHA is considered a bad idea as this can be too much for the skin surface leading to flare-ups in breakouts, acne, redness, and severe skin dryness. If you are wanting to use vitamin C with other acids, such as glycolic, salicylic, or lactic its best to alternate the time of day to apply them, using vitamin C in the morning followed with others in your evening routine.
Vitamin C and Retinol
Using these together is simply a recipe for disaster! Both are so highly potent that applying active levels of each ingredient to the skin at the same time will lead to severe redness, peeling and dryness to the face. Much like AHAs/BHAs to gain the optimal results applying vitamin C during your morning routine followed with retinol in the evening.
Vitamin C and Niacinamide
As I have already mentioned, there is several different, outdated opinions about using niacinamide and vitamin C together. However, to avoid all this, try applying them separately allowing each ingredient to deliver their unique benefits without disrupting each other.
There you have three examples of ingredients that should be avoided when using vitamin C. Remember if you have any worries about introducing certain ingredients into your daily skincare routine consult with a doctor or dermatologist to ensure you and your skin will benefit from them.
Which is better for wrinkles retinol or hyaluronic acid?
Retinol is known for being one of the most potent skin ingredients at targeting signs of ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles and loss of collagen and elastin. With its ability to speed up the skin cell turnover removing the build-up of dead skin cells that if left can cause the complexion to appear dull and lack lustre with signs of fine lines and wrinkles becoming more prominent.
When our skin is suffering from dehydration, you’ll find there is a considerable amount of visible fine lines are very noticeable. These lines will not reduce as effectively using retinol compared to applying hyaluronic acid. The humectant traits of HA will ensure the skin remains fully hydrated, plumped, and full of bounce.
As you can see both powerful ingredients target wrinkles in their own unique way, but did you want to know the best part? You can use both retinol and hyaluronic acid together giving the skin the optimal results and an all-over amazing finish.
Does vitamin C unclog pores?
No, vitamin C is known for being none comedogenic, this means it does not penetrate the pores and add to the build-up of dead skin cells, debris, and excess sebum. Instead, what you will find is that thanks to the exfoliating benefits of ascorbic acid you will find anything sitting on the surface of the skin is sloughed away revealing glowing, healthy skin cells underneath.
How long does it take for vitamin C serum to work?
This is dependent on the percentage of active level of vitamin C is in the formula. Higher amounts of the acid will result in quicker results, but it is considered that shortly after applying vitamin C to the skin there is an all-over glow to the complexion. With consistent use you can expect to see visible improvement in the skin after 4-6 weeks with signs of hyperpigmentation significantly reduced as well as fine lines and wrinkles notably improved.
So, with any luck today I have cleared up a few questions you may have had wondered about whether it was OK to use hyaluronic acid with vitamin C. If skincare is your thing, why not check out our YouTube channel The Green Sofa for the latest episode.
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.
