How to Combine Vitamin C, Retinol, and Hyaluronic Acid in Your Skin Care Routine

Of course, when ingredients are good when used individually, you have to wonder whether they would be even better when used together. We reached out to board-certified dermatologists and Skincare.com consulting experts, Dr. Erin Gilbert, Dr. Dendy Engelman and Dr. Ted Lain to find out whether or not it’s a good idea to use all three ingredients together.

HOW DO VITAMIN C, RETINOL, AND HYALURONIC ACID BENEFIT YOUR SKIN?

First things first, let’s review exactly why vitamin c, retinol, and hyaluronic acid are staple skin care ingredients on their own.

Vitamin C: Besides being a key part of your favorite citrus fruits, when used in skin care formulations, vitamin C can make a major difference in your skin tone. According to Dr. Gilbert, vitamin C has been shown to brighten the appearance of skin and help neutralize the damage from free radicals.  Serums are especially effective at harnessing all the benefits of vitamin C, explains Dr. Dendy Engelman. “A vitamin C serum will be most effective in delivering to the cellular level,” she explains. “Serums have the highest concentration of active ingredients, and they have smaller molecules which allows actives to penetrate further.”

Retinol: If you have any interest in skin care, chances are you know about retinol’s powerful effects on wrinkles. “Retinol causes the top layer of skin to turn over faster,” Dr. Gilbert says. “Which helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and gives your skin a fantastic glow.” If you’re not concerned about anti-aging yet, you can actually still use retinol. This multi-tasking skin care ingredient is known to help address additional skin concerns, including acne and an uneven skin tone. “Retinol can deliver increased collagen production at prescription strength, improved tone, and even texture,” says Dr. Ted Lain (@DrTedLain). “Acne will also respond favorably to retinol use.”

Hyaluronic Acid: It seems as if in the blink of an eye, almost every moisturizing formula now contains hyaluronic acid—and with good reason. “Hyaluronic acid binds 1000 times its weight in water,” shares Dr. Gilbert. “It provides your skin with fabulous hydration, making it feel hydrated and look dewy.” Hyaluronic acid is a powerful moisturizing ingredient, and it’s gentle, gel-like texture can actually be used on all skin types, including sensitive. Hyaluronic acid can be found in a variety of different products from face masks to serums and moisturizers.

HOW DOES USING ALL THREE TOGETHER BENEFIT YOUR SKIN?

You can (and should!) combine all three ingredients within your routine, Dr. Gilbert says. By using vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid together, you’ll receive the benefits of all three in one skin care routine.

HOW CAN YOU USE VITAMIN C, RETINOL, AND HYALURONIC ACID TOGETHER?

Adding extra ingredients and products into your routine isn’t always easy. Thankfully we have a dermatologist’s expertise to help the determine the best way to use vitamin C, retinol, and hyaluronic acid together. Try the following regimen, which encompasses your morning and night routines:

Step #1: Cleanse to start the day 

 

You may be thinking every routine starts the same way, and you’d be right. No matter which ingredients you plan to pair together, you need to start with a clean face. However, you can’t just pick up any ol’ cleanser and hope for the best. Do your due diligence and make sure that you reach for a cleanser that’s formulated for your specific skin type. Begin your search for your ideal cleanser by following our guide to the best cleansers for every skin type, here!

Step #2: Apply vitamin C serum

 

Dr. Gilbert suggests using a vitamin C serum straight after washing your face, as it can increase the penetration of the product to help you achieve the best results. Try the Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum. Formulated with 15% pure vitamin C, this serum is designed to help ward off signs of premature aging. As an added bonus, it’s paraben-, fragrance-, and silicone-free.

Vichy LIftActiv Vitamin C Serum, $28.50 MSRP

Another vitamin C serum we recommend is SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, This fan-favorite serum effectively neutralizes the damage from free radicals, while also working to restore your skin’s youthful-looking glow. The formulation of vitamins C and E with ferulic acid makes this serum a must-have in your anti-aging skin care arsenal.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, $166 MSRP

Step #3: Follow with hyaluronic acid serum

Once you’ve given your vitamin C serum a moment or two to sink in, you’re free to move on to layering hyaluronic acid—or a least a hyaluronic acid serum—overtop. Vichy Mineral 89, which contains Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water in addition to hyaluronic acid, is one of our favorites. The formula not only locks in moisture but can also help protect your skin against daily aggressors. Double win.

Vichy Mineral 89, $29.50 MSRP

Another serum formulated with hyaluronic acid that we can’t get enough of is the SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier. This multi-corrective serum helps boost your skin’s hyaluronic acid levels —restoring your skin’s hydration to help plump the look of your skin. Adding a hyaluronic acid serum into your skin care routine takes only a few extra seconds but can make a significant impact in amplifying your skin’s hydration levels. Especially with cooler weather on the horizon, incorporating a hyaluronic acid serum in addition to your morning and evening moisturizer is a great way to keep dry, flaky skin at bay.

SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier, $98 MSRP

Step #4: Cleanse again at night

 

Hopefully you already know the drill, before heading to bed it’s time to wash your face again, even if you’re not wearing any makeup. This is because your skin is exposed to aggressors like microscopic dirt and pollution particles over the course of the day. When these particles mix with bacteria on your skin, they can clog your pores and lead to subsequent breakouts. By removing dirt and impurities before they have a chance to wreak havoc, you can help ensure your skin looks and feels its best. In order to rid your skin of dirt, makeup and debris, we recommend using a micellar water. Micellar waters boast gentle micelles which cluster together to effectively whisk away stubborn makeup and dirt in one fell swoop without harsh rubbing, scrubbing, or rinsing.

Step #5: Use retinol

 

Retinol isn’t just for those with problematic skin. Anyone can use a retinol; the key is to start slow and work your way up. Start with the Vichy LiftActiv Retinol Treatment just three nights a week. You can increase frequency overtime if needed. No matter how often you’re using retinol, be sure you’re applying it to clean, dry skin. Since retinol can cause skin sensitivity to sunlight, it’s better to apply it at night and follow with broad-spectrum sunscreen and additional sun protection measures during daytime hours. This can include wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding peak sun hours when rays are strongest.

Vichy LIftActiv Retinol Treatment, $45 MSRP

Another retinol treatment you should consider picking up during your next skin care haul is the La Roche-Posay Redermic R Retinol Cream. This formula can be especially beneficial to those with mature skin. This dermatologist-tested cream helps to reduce to the appearance of aging on the skin. It’s also formulated with lipohydroxy acid or LHA.

La Roche-Posay Redermic R Retinol Cream, $56.99 MSRP

If you begin using retinol on a regular basis and discover you’re a fan, you may want to move up to a more concentrated formula such as SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0. This powerful night cream formulated with 1.0% pure retinol can help refine skin and improve visble signs of aging. However, due to its potency, it’s important to talk to your dermatologist first before using this cream. If you have sensitive skin or experience excess dryness or irritation when using this product, stop use and consult your skin care provider.

SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0, $76 MSRP

Step #6: Moisturize

 

Anyone with experience using with retinol will know the multi-tasking ingredient can be seriously drying. While gradually building up to a higher frequency can reduce how dry your skin becomes, it’s still an absolute necessity to moisturize afterwards. As we mentioned before, you should always be using the right product for your skin type. While dry skin types may need a heavier nighttime moisturizer, those with oily skin can opt for a formula that’s more lightweight. Not sure which moisturizer would be ideal for you? Take our simple moisturizer quiz to find out!