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niacinamide and vitamin C, to keep you up to speed, both niacinamide and vitamin C contain similar benefits and with outdated research has shown to result in a chemical reaction.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.
