Can You Use Retinol, Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid Together?

• The Comparison

| What Is Retinol?

Retinol is a retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A which occurs naturally in your skin. It can support the skin on a cellular level, working to contribute to the natural processes of cell turnover and collagen production.

| Benefits of Retinol

Whichever form of retinol you use, once your skin converts it into retinoic acid it will speed up cell turnover, so help shed dead cells and grow collagen, both of which contribute to skin smoothing and plumping. 

Plus, retinol is highly effective in treating both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne. Acne develops when a combination of dead skin cells and oil collects inside hair follicles on your face. With retinol, those cells are shed and replaced more quickly. It also decreases oil production in these cells by binding to the specific receptors for retinol within the cells of the skin. Decreased oil production prevents oil from blocking your pores and helps to prevent acne. It also thins out the topmost cornified epithelial layer of the skin improving the tone and texture of the skin.

1. Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream 

($26.99, up to 6% cashback at Walgreens)

Designed for those with skin sensitive to retinol, this gentle facial night cream is formulated with a milder form of retinol in moisturizing cream to reduce irritation and keep the skin hydrated – not flaky.

It also contains hyaluronic acid to help bind essential moisture in your skin to re-plump wrinkles. Tested by dermatologists and clinically proven to visibly reduce the look of both fine lines and deep wrinkles in 12 weeks, RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream is oil-free and non-comedogenic.

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2. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Anti-Aging Serum

($24.59, up to 8% cashback at Rite Aid)

This daily facial serum formula contains Accelerated Retinol SA (Neutrogena's fastest retinol formula) and is clinically proven to leave skin feeling smoother and looking younger. Retinol is a powerful ingredient that fights fine lines, dullness, wrinkles and dark spots. Plus, Hyaluronic Acid adds plumping moisture to help hydrate & rejuvenate the look of skin, making it the perfect addition to an at-home skincare routine. While vitamin C helps to brighten skin, and tackle uneven skin tone and discoloration. 

3. Obagi 360 Retinol 1.0

($77.50, up to 12% cashback at SkinStore)

Obagi Retinol 1.0 fights the signs of premature aging caused by environmental aggressors to promote a more radiant and youthful-looking complexion. Powered by 1% retinol, this anti-wrinkle treatment boosts cell turnover to minimize fine lines and wrinkles while diminishing hyperpigmentation. This formula contains hydrating jojoba oil and shea butter to help reduce any irritation that usually comes with retinols. It also contains the antioxidant power of vitamins C and E which are great for neutralizing free radicals.

| What Is Vitamin C?

As far as your skin is concerned, vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals. Because of its antioxidant properties, vitamin C aids in your skin's natural regeneration process, which helps your body repair damaged skin cells.

| Benefits of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a much loved, multi-tasking skincare ingredient which is beneficial for patients with hyperpigmentation. It works by brightening hyperpigmented spots on the skin, but not lightening normal skin. What's more, it can help to create the healthy, glowing skin you're after.

This powerful antioxidant is also brilliant at tackling signs of ageing in the skin as it helps to protect it from age-accelerating aggressors in the environment such as UV, cigarette smoke and pollution. Regular use should help your complexion look brighter and smoother, while reducing fine lines, wrinkles and photo damage.

| Retinol vs. Vitamin C

Weighing up retinol vs vitamin C doesn't have to be an either-or situation. When used separately, vitamin C and retinol can target those specific skin conditions. If your only goal is learning how to get rid of acne scars or other textural improvements, retinol might be the way to go. If you want a product that will improve your skin’s tone, collagen production, and general health, as well as protect it day to day, Vitamin C could be the answer.

But as we say, you needn't choose. When used together, retinol and vitamin C create the ultimate skin-beautifying duo for any skin type. 

Apply a vitamin C booster serum in the morning, followed by a sunscreen (with an SPF of at least 30) to preserve your skin’s youth and improve the appearance of dark spots. At night, apply a natural retinol serum that works to tighten the skin and mitigate wrinkles, fine lines, and other imperfections while you sleep. Using vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night provides your skin with the ultimate brightening and firming treatment throughout the day and night. 

1. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

($166/30ml, up to 6% cashback at SkinCeuticals)

A bestseller and expert recommended, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic features a synergistic antioxidant combination of ferulic acid and pure vitamin C and E to enhance your skin's protection against environmental damage caused by free radicals. In addition to antioxidant protective benefits, this formula improves signs of aging and photodamage to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles while firming and brightening your complexion.

2. Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster

($49, up to 7% cashback at Paula's Choice)

Diminishes visible signs of aging for smoother, brighter, and firmer-feeling skin with a blend of 15% stabilized vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid) at a pH of 3.0, potent antioxidants including vitamin E and ferulic acid, and skin-smoothing peptides. Combined, they provide exceptional results including improving the appearance of uneven skin tone, brightening a dull complexion, and helping skin ward off the impact of environmental assaults.

3. L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Concentrate

($23.99, up to 6% cashback at Walgreens)

Validated in partnership with dermatologists, L'Oréal Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Serum formulated with 10% Pure Vitamin C can neutralize free radicals that lead to skin aging, which visibly reduces wrinkles and leaves skin looking brighter and feeling softer. 10% Pure Vitamin C has been formulated for the optimal vitamin C skin absorption and efficacy, at an optimal pH. Suitable for sensitive skin.

| What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in the skin, and it helps to bind water to collagen, trapping it in the skin, so that skin can appear plumper, dewier, and more hydrated. It can absorb more than 1,000 times its weight in water.

| Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

As the chief glycosaminoglycan in skin, hyaluronic acid works to keep every aspect of skin stable, safeguarded, and constantly renewed. Hyaluronic acid is also a moisturizer, a type of hygroscopic skin care ingredient that means it draws moisture from the surrounding. Humectants are commonly found in water-based moisturizers, serums, and other leave-on skin care products because they help boost hydration of all skin types, which is especially beneficial for dry, dehydrated skin.

Scientific researches have shown that Hyaluronic Acid helps improve skin hydration and collagen production, fight free radicals, maintain skin elasticity, and even has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which contribute to wound healing.

| Retinol vs. Hyaluronic Acid

Retinol provides more anti-aging benefits for the skin, so if your main concerns are wrinkles and fine lines, hyperpigmentation and dark spots, and a loss of firmness and elasticity, retinol is the better choice. If you are dealing with dehydrated and/or dry skin and simply need hydration and moisture, then hyaluronic acid is your best choice.

But you can use retinol and hyaluronic acid together. It's actually very common to have both retinol and hyaluronic acid in the same product or as part of the same skincare regimen.

Retinol boosts collagen production to give you a powerful anti-aging and acne treatment while hyaluronic acid can actually help increase the benefits of retinol and draw moisture to the skin, which helps to hydrate the skin and replenish the skin barrier.

1. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

($7.50, up to 5% cashback at Sephora)

This formulation combines low-, medium- and high-molecular weight HA, as well as a next-generation HA crosspolymer at a combined concentration of 2% for multi-depth hydration. This system is supported with the addition of Vitamin B5 which also enhances surface hydration. Infusing the follicle with moisture, this formula plumps the skin, smoothing out any fine lines, imperfections or wrinkles to provide long-lasting hydration.

2. SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator

($120, up to 8% cashback at Dermstore)

Witness instant smoothing action with the SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator; a moisturizing facial treatment that provides immediate smoothing in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and supports the skin's natural ability to retain moisture resulting in radiant, rejuvenated tone and texture. The intelligent formula is enriched with a proprietary blend of five forms of Hyaluronic Acid, which work in synergy to support skin's ability to produce its own hyaluronic acid, whilst having a visible smoothing effect on skin. Free of fragrance, it boosts the overall health of your skin and provides a staggering eight hours of continuous moisture. 

3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

($19.99, up to 4% cashback at Bed Bath and Beyond)

This Neutrogena face cream is a great example of what the brand does best: affordable, effective products that feel expensive. Unique Hyaluronic Gel Matrix – Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in skin. This acts as a sponge to absorb up to 1,000 times its weight in water, and the formula leaves skin more supple and smooth. 

In addition to helping to hydrate your skin, incorporating the ingredient into your daily skin-care routine via this gel cream can help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by enhancing the skin’s moisture content. This refreshing gel-cream works nicely on all skin types, thanks to its fast-absorbing, oil-free formula. 

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