Doing my skincare routines is one of my favorite parts of each day. And as a result, my skin looks and feels better than it has in years. Active ingredients are the foundation of most effective skincare routines. These ingredients are designed to target specific concerns. However, this is a lot of questions about whether ingredients can be used together safely and effectively. Retinol and hyaluronic acid are among the most common ingredients for skin aging, so I am going to talk about whether or not you can use hyaluronic acid and retinol together.
Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid With Retinol
Combining skincare active ingredients can be confusing for many people including myself at times. A skin cycling routine can often help simply the process of how best to use your active ingredients to be the most effective. Getting the most out of retinol and hyaluronic acid is less about using the strongest products and more about building a routine that you can maintain consistently. Retinol and hyaluronic acid can absolutely work together to create a balanced routine that improves both the appearance and overall health of your skin over the long term when used correctly.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found throughout the body. It functions as a humectant, meaning it attracts and holds water. It is often referred to as a hydration powerhouse, but how it naturally declines with age. As a result, aging skin can become dehydrated much easier unless we are putting that hyaluronic acid back into the skin with our skincare products.
What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do?
Increasing hydration
Because hyaluronic acid can draw and bind moisture to the skin, applying it can help to increase surface level hydration.
Improving skin elasticity
By adding back moisture into the skin, it can help improve elasticity and firmness.
Creating a plumper appearance
When the skin has improved elasticity and firmness, it will naturally appear more plump and supple.
Softening the appearance of fine lines
Hydrated skin tends to show less fine lines.
Supporting skin barrier function
In order to have a healthy barrier, the skin must be properly hydrated inside and out.
Helping skin feel smoother and more comfortable
Dry and dehydrated skin can feel so uncomfortable so adding in moisture will help to relieve many issues with discomfort.
What Is Retinol
Retinol is one of the most studied and recommended skincare ingredients available. It’s main function is to help speed up cellular turnover and stimulate collagen production.
What Does Retinol Do
Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
By helping to boost collagen production in the skin, the skin will appear more plump and fine lines less noticeable.
Improve skin texture
By speeding up the cellular turnover process, new cells are being produced on the skin giving it a more youthful and smooth appearance.
Support collagen production
Retinol can penetrate the epidermis in order to boost collagen and elastin production.
Address acne concerns
Retinol can help exfoliate the surface of the skin helping to prevent dead skin cells from clogging your pores.
Improve uneven skin tone
By speeding up cellular turnover, pigmented skin is diminished leading to a more even tone complexion.
Minimize the appearance of dark spots
By helping the skin shed those pigmented and damaged cells, it can break up dark spots and areas of hyperpigmentation.
Can You Use Retinol With Hyaluronic Acid
Yes, retinol and hyaluronic acid are compatible ingredients that can be used in the same skincare routine. They do not interfere with each other’s effectiveness. Hyaluronic acid helps support skin hydration while retinol focuses on long-term skin improvement.
How To Use Hyaluronic Acid And Retinol Together
Start with a gentle cleanser.
Ensure you are properly washing your face each night which should include double cleansing if you are wearing makeup or sunscreen. A nourishing cleansing balm is a great first step and be sure to follow it up with a gentle face wash tailored to your skin type.
Apply retinol according to the product directions.
It’s important to follow the exact product directions or prescription instructions when using retinol to avoid any damage to your skin barrier. When used properly, retinol can be incredibly beneficial to the skin but depending on the strength can cause dryness, flakiness, irritation, etc.
Follow with hyaluronic acid to support hydration.
It’s not a necessity but I like to apply my hyaluronic acid serums to damp skin instead of dry skin. I will often just spray a face mist right before I apply the serum so that it traps the moisture on my skin.
Apply a moisturizer to help lock in moisture.
Finishing off your skincare routine with a moisturizer is key to help nourish the skin and protect the skin barrier.
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning.
No matter what time of year it is or what the weather is outside, you should always have sun protection on the face. Sun damage even on cloudy days can occur. In order to protect all the hard work you are doing with your skincare routine, be sure to wear a sunscreen every single day.
My Recommended Hyaluronic Acid Products
Sarah Creal Beauty Moisture Source
This is the only skincare product I have tried from Sarah Creal but it is a best seller for good reason. It’s one of the most hydrating and plumping essences I’ve ever tried. An essence is heavier than traditional toners. So it is best used after you have cleansed/toned, but before you apply your serums. Skip a cotton pad and pour the essence into the palm of your hands so you can press it gently into the skin. It’s a bi-phase formula so be sure to shake it up before you apply.
On the Sarah Creal website, it’s described as a liquid moisturizer which is a great description. You could even use it as a serum in your skincare routine if you are in need of added moisture. I use it both morning/night and find that it helps my skin hold onto moisture longer throughout the day. My skin is less dehydrated at the end of the day when I use this regularly in my morning routine. For my nighttime routine, I find it adds another layer of hydration that helps my skin stay balanced.
Medik8 Liquid Peptides
Many hydrating serums focus on simply providing moisture. But the Medik8 Liquid Peptides hydrates the skin as well as visibly plump. From the first time I used this serum, I could instantly notice a difference! My skin immediately looked firmer, more supple and fine lines were noticeably smoothed. After 4 weeks of using it every day, my skin looks so plump and actually feels thicker (not sure if it is but it feels that way LOL). If this is your first time trying the Medik8 line, this serum is a must have! It would easily work into any skincare routine and really targets fine lines and wrinkles better than most of my other hydrating serums. A definite repurchase for me.
The Retinol Products I Love
Mother Science Retinol Synergist (discount code: MAREESYE)
Retinol Synergist helps to minimize fine lines and wrinkles, smooths texture and firms the skin. It will also help to reduce the appearance of pore size. The additional benefit of supporting the skin barrier is one of the reasons I was so excited to try this serum because retinol products can often be quite harsh on the skin. So to find one that also provides skin barrier support is rare and what made me love this product even more.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal
This retinol product uses retinaldehyde which works faster than traditional (over the counter) retinol. There are various strengths depending on what your skin can tolerate and you can work up to the stronger levels over time or stick with what works for you. If you really want to target anti-aging concerns such as wrinkles, uneven skin tone and firmness, retinol products are a must have for your skincare routine. I started with using this once a week and worked my way up to every other night.
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