Not only can hyaluronic acid and vitamin C be used together, many skin experts emphasize that these two powerful ingredients can bring the best skin results.

You'll often find effective formulas that contain both vitamin C and hyaluronic acid because they work synergistically and complement each other on the skin's surface to make the complexion more hydrated, protect against free radical damage, and repair damage. You'll also find that hyaluronic acid can relieve common irritation and dryness that can sometimes be caused by vitamin C. The moisture barrier keeps it replenished and fully functioning, and it radiates radiance.



So let's take a deep dive and find out if hyaluronic acid can be used with vitamin C. Don't forget you can connect with us via Instagram. So follow us and join the skincare conversation.



Which should I apply first, vitamin C or hyaluronic acid?
If you're using a skincare product that contains vitamin C and hyaluronic acid separately, you should apply the thinnest consistency first and then the thickest. Vitamin C serums are usually lightweight and watery, which is why they're usually applied to the skin first. Applying vitamin C first and then following up with a gel serum or moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid can help prevent the dryness, redness, and skin irritation that sometimes occur when using vitamin C in your daily routine.



If you want to learn more about the use of hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, you can read the corresponding blog post on The Beauty Insiders.



Can I use hyaluronic acid with vitamin C and niacinamide?


As I mentioned, the combination of hyaluronic acid and vitamin C is a double whammy for skin rejuvenation. What you may not know is the story behind using niacinamide and vitamin C. To give you an idea, both niacinamide and vitamin C have similar benefits and, according to outdated research, they can cause a chemical reaction. This reaction, called niacin, can irritate the skin and render all ingredients ineffective. Modern formulas are much less likely to cause this reaction than products from the 1960s that contained an unstable form of ascorbic acid (vitamin C).



What not to take with vitamin C?


Due to its history of instability and common skin irritation side effects, there are certain ingredients that are best avoided when using vitamin C. Here’s a quick overview of how to effectively incorporate Vitamin C into your daily routine while avoiding unnecessary skin irritation.



Vitamin C and AHA/BHA


Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a powerful acid that delivers impressive skin results as well as chemical peels. This essentially means that using other acids and exfoliants like AHA/BHA is not a good idea as they can coat the surface of the skin and cause breakouts, acne, redness, and extreme dryness of the skin. If you want to use Vitamin C with other acids like glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acid, it’s best to alternate the time of day, using Vitamin C in the morning and the other acid in the evening.



Vitamin C and Retinol


Using these two together is a recipe for disaster! Both ingredients are powerful, and applying active amounts of each to the skin at the same time can lead to extreme redness, flaking, and dryness on the face. Similar to AHA/BHA, you’ll get the best results by using Vitamin C in the morning and Retinol in the evening.



Vitamin C and Niacinamide


As I mentioned earlier, there are several different, outdated opinions about using niacinamide and vitamin C together. To avoid all of them, you should try to use them separately so that each ingredient can work its unique benefits without interfering with each other.



Below are three examples of ingredients you should avoid when using vitamin C. If you have questions about incorporating certain ingredients into your daily skincare routine, consult a doctor or dermatologist to make sure they are beneficial for you and your skin.



Which is better for wrinkles, retinol or hyaluronic acid?


Retinol is considered one of the most effective ingredients for the skin, fighting signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of collagen and elastin. It speeds up the turnover of skin cells and removes the buildup of dead skin cells, which, if not removed, can cause the complexion to appear dull and fine lines and wrinkles to become more noticeable.



When our skin lacks moisture, you will notice a large number of visible fine lines that are very obvious. Using retinol is not as effective in reducing these fine lines as using hyaluronic acid. The moisturizing properties of HA ensure that the skin remains fully hydrated, plump, and elastic.

As you can see, both of these powerful ingredients fight wrinkles in their own unique way, but are you wondering what the best part is? You can use both retinol and hyaluronic acid together for optimal results and all-around better skin.


Does Vitamin C clean pores?


No, Vitamin C is known to be non-comedogenic, meaning it does not cause breakouts. H. It does not penetrate pores and cause a buildup of dead skin cells, debris, and excess sebum. Instead, you will find that everything on the surface of the skin is peeled away due to the exfoliating action of ascorbic acid, revealing glowing, healthy skin cells underneath.



How long does it take for a Vitamin C serum to work?


This depends on the percentage of active Vitamin C content in the formula. The higher the acid content, the quicker the effects, but it is believed that an all-over radiant complexion will appear soon after applying Vitamin C to the skin. With consistent use, your skin will be noticeably improved after 4-6 weeks: signs of hyperpigmentation are significantly reduced, as are fine lines and wrinkles.

Yes, both are called acids, but they have different benefits and, more importantly, they work perfectly together. The question is, how exactly do hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid work together? What specific benefits can you expect from using both products in your skincare routine? Stay tuned as we explore together how you can benefit from the combination of these two powerful ingredients.

Which came first, glycolic acid or hyaluronic acid?
When it comes to using hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid, while they are both labeled as acids, they are actually quite different. Glycolic acid is part of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family and can help exfoliate the top layer of skin by removing dead skin cells and debris while clearing excess sebum, dirt, and bacteria from pores. Without them, pores can become clogged, leading to blackheads, blemishes, and spots. Due to glycolic acid’s exfoliating properties, I recommend using it first as you’ll find that the hyaluronic acid-rich products you use afterwards will absorb into the skin quickly and effectively.

However, if you find that your skin tends to feel tight and sensitive, try applying hyaluronic acid first and then glycolic acid. By doing this, you ensure that your skin barrier is fully hydrated and able to absorb every gram of water or other formulas around your skin, allowing your complexion to thrive with constant hydration.

What Not to Mix with Glycolic Acid?
Since glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant, it is best not to mix it with other exfoliants, such as members of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) group like lactic acid and members of the beta hydroxy acid (BHA) group like salicylic acid. By avoiding using these ingredients together, you will not overload your skin and deprive it of the important water and oils it needs to stay healthy. You may find that using these acids together can cause your skin to become tight, uncomfortable, and dry because sebum (the natural oil in your skin) is overproduced, making your face greasier. This can lead to the development of acne, blackheads, and other impurities.

You will also find that it is best to avoid using niacinamide and glycolic acid together, as they have similar pH levels and can cause an imbalance in your skin, often leading to an allergic reaction.

If you want to learn more about what not to mix with glycolic acid, you can read the related blog post.

Can I use glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide together?
The short answer is: yes, you can. The longer answer is: you can use all three ingredients together if you use them in the right order. What I mean by that is, you need to know what time of day is best to use which ingredient for the best results. For example, after cleansing, you can use an exfoliating toner with glycolic acid to remove any residue and layers of dead skin cells that remain on the surface of your skin. You can then apply a serum with hyaluronic acid, which will help lock in moisture to your skin and keep it hydrated all day long. You may even find that some products have both ingredients in their formulas, which work even better than when used alone, but again, this is a matter of personal preference. As for using niacinamide in your daily skincare routine, I recommend using it at night, as this powerful antioxidant and hydrating properties will reverse any skin damage done throughout the day and give you a plump, hydrated complexion in the morning.

What should I put on my face after glycolic acid?

After using glycolic acid, it is best to use a hydrating serum or moisturizer that is rich in hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. This way, you ensure that fresh and newly emerged skin cells benefit from continued hydration throughout the day. You will also notice that the skin's protective barrier is strengthened and can function properly. This protects the skin and defends against damage caused by free radicals such as UV radiation, pollution, and other environmental influences.

Another important product to apply to the skin after using glycolic acid is an SPF of 30 or higher to ensure that the skin is protected and able to defend against skin-damaging UVA and UVB rays.

Is glycolic acid or hyaluronic acid better for wrinkles?

The beauty of glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid is that you can use them together! When dead skin cells build up, the complexion often appears dull, dry, and lackluster, and fine lines and wrinkles appear more severe than they really are. By utilizing the chemical peel benefits of glycolic acid, you can remove this layer of stratum corneum to reveal new, vibrant, and youthful skin, minimizing the appearance of signs of aging.

When it comes to using hyaluronic acid, many people often confuse dehydrated lines on the skin with signs of premature aging. In this case, the extremely beneficial moisturizing properties of hyaluronic acid can keep the complexion plump, moisturized, and free of fine lines. As I mentioned earlier, you can use these two powerful ingredients separately or use a powerful formula that includes both ingredients.

Can glycolic acid be used daily?

Yes or no, that largely depends on your skin type, as those with dry, sensitive skin should use glycolic acid every other day to avoid dry skin. Of course, don't forget that it's always best to consult with a doctor or dermatologist to make sure any new product is safe to use. Another point to note is that the concentration of glycolic acid can affect how often you can use it. If this is your first time using glycolic acid, many experts recommend slowly introducing it into your routine to avoid unnecessary irritation or allergic reactions.