Are you wondering: is it safe to mix hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C?
It may be difficult to to tell what’s the truth about these two fantastic ingredients, how long to wait between applying one and then the other, or if it’s maybe better to use one in the morning and the other at night?
You might also be worried that mixing hyaluronic acid with Vitamin C may have some negative effects on your skin.
This article will give a clear answer and bust some common skincare myths regarding these two potent skin care ingredients.
Keep reading to make sure you don’t use these products in the wrong way and end up having more side effects than benefits for your skin!
If you are worried that it’s unsafe to mix hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C because you’ve heard that they could cause blemishes, breakouts, or other skin problems, rest assured that it is safe to mix them.
In fact, there may even be some extra benefits to using both at once!
However, there are some things to keep in mind when you want to mix them: for example, if you don’t use them in the proper order these two products may be less effective and you might not get the full benefits of each.
Keep reading for all of the details below.
Can I Use Hyaluronic Acid And Vitamin C Together?
Yes, you can combine hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C together in your skin care routine safely! Experts agree that you can use both of these powerhouse skin rejuvenation ingredients without damaging or harming your skin.
Recent scientific research shows that you can layer Vitamin C together with hyaluronic acid without causing significant damage to your skin.
But keep reading for ways to do this in the safest and most effective possible manner!
Should I Use Hyaluronic Acid Before Or After Vitamin C?
Now the important question: What goes first, Vitamin C or hyaluronic acid?
There are multiple factors to take into account when deciding how to layer hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C. Take into consideration that both ingredients may be included in products with different textures.
For example: both as serums, as creams or moisturizers, or one as a serum and the other one as a face cream – does it influence the order which you should use them in?
Here’s a life hack: in general, you should layer products from thinnest to thickest in regards to product consistency.
Vitamin C is a bit less stable as an ingredient than hyaluronic acid. It can start to break down very quickly in response to being exposed to light, moisture, or the wrong temperature or pH balance.
For this reason, it is generally best to apply Vitamin C before you apply hyaluronic acid1.
This allows the Vitamin C to fully penetrate the skin’s moisture barrier and absorb into the lower layers of your skin before any of this breakdown happens.
Some experts recommend applying Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid serums separately (one in the morning, the other during night skincare routine), if you want to be extra safe and get best results.
How Long After Vitamin C Can I Use Hyaluronic Acid?
In general, wait at least until your Vitamin C serum has dried to apply another product to your face, especially one including hyaluronic acid.
Usually, just a few minutes will be enough.
Since Vitamin C is easily absorbed, you’ll usually be primed for maximum benefits just by waiting for that serum to dry before applying another skincare product.
So remember, if you want to use vitamin C and hyaluronic acid together in one skincare routine, vitamin C goes first, then wait a few minutes for it to dry and next layer your hyaluronic acid.
How Often Can I Use Vitamin C With Hyaluronic Acid?
The effects of a Vitamin C serum can easily last over twenty four hours, so there’s really no need to apply Vitamin C more than once per day. That’s why many Vitamin C serums suggest a once daily application.
Hyaluronic acid can be applied to the face multiple times a day, but the official recommendation is morning and night at most.
If you would prefer not to directly mix hyaluronic acid with Vitamin C in your daily skincare routine, you can use Vitamin C in the morning and a hyaluronic acid moisturizer at night.
Vitamin C Benefits For Your Skin
Vitamin C, also called L-ascorbic acid, is a potent anti-inflammation agent with anti aging benefits that lend improvement to a number of skin concerns.
L-ascorbic acid is key to collagen production in the skin, and skin experts love it for its brightening effect on the skin tone2.
Here’s a few things a good vitamin C serum can do for your skin health:
- Skin brightening
Vitamin C serum is often touted to improve hyperpigmentation, reduce dark spots, and lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Speaking from my personal experience – Vitamin C serum helped me to reduce the visibility of acne scars on my face and some other red scars on my legs!
- Antioxidant
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that reduces and prevents free radical damage – also minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.
- Fights sun damage
Topical Vitamin C helps protect and repair skin cells, providing a needed break for irritated skin.
It’s a great skin vitamin that reduces skin aging caused by photodamage from the sun’s UV rays.
How Is Hyaluronic Acid Beneficial For Your Skin
Hyaluronic acid is a powerful moisture locking agent that plumps and hydrates skin of all skin types.
It can absorb and hold up to one thousand times its own weight in moisture, leaving skin feeling plump and refreshed as well as improving skin firmness3.
Here’s just a few of the benefits of a good hyaluronic acid serum:
- Improved skin hydration
Hyaluronic acid serums are fantastic for dry skin because they leave skin hydrated without weighing it down. Hydrated skin is smooth skin4!
- Plump skin tone
Unlike other ingredients, hyaluronic acid is a great moisturizer for all skin types – sensitive skin, combination, you name it. According to studies, it improves smoothness, plumping, fine lines and wrinkles5.
Tips For Adding Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid To Your Beauty Regimen In A Safe Way
Here are a few bonus pro tips for getting the most out of both of the skin loving ingredients Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid in your skin care routine:
- Always, always patch test. When starting to use a new product, “test” your skin’s reaction to it by applying a small amount of the product to a less noticeable patch of your skin. Wait at least twenty four hours to ensure you don’t see any signs of allergic reaction.
- Choose the right product for your skin type and skin concerns. If you have oily skin, choose a more lightweight serum instead of a thick, heavy cream that can clog pores.
- For dry and combination skin types, thicker creams are generally safe as they lock in moisture without trapping excess oil like they would for oily or acne prone skin.
- For sensitive skin, consider using Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid separately for less risk of irritating side effects. If your skin is very sensitive, combining skincare products might trigger reactions or sensitivities more easily.
- Consider choosing a product that already contains both ingredients as a safe, convenient, and time saving alternative. Skincare products containing both of these skincare ingredients typically have a more stable form of Vitamin C6.
Benefits Of Mixing Hyaluronic Acid And Vitamin C
Combining skin care products doesn’t have to be scary! A good hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid can help lock in the skin barrier protectant benefits of the rest of your skin care routine.
One benefit of using hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C together is that they each increase the other’s effectiveness when used properly.
The plumping effect of hyaluronic acid serum seals in the anti-aging benefits of Vitamin C, leaving skin visibly smoother for benefits to the skin both inside and out.
Potential Risks & Side Effects Of Using Vitamin C With Hyaluronic Acid
Overall, there aren’t too many serious side effects to be worried about when using these two ingredients together. It’s always possible that your unique skin might react differently than others, so it’s a good idea to introduce new products slowly to make sure you tolerate it well.
If you experience, itching, pain, tingling, or swelling of your face, stop using these products together and consult with your doctor or dermatologist.
Is It Possible To Use TOO MUCH Hyaluronic Acid?
Yes, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. Excessive application of a hyaluronic acid serum can actually trigger breakouts.
Moreover, if you have dry skin, it’s best to go slow and steady when discovering how much of HA your skin really needs.
Applying too much hyaluronic acid to dry skin can make it even drier or even cause skin peeling and flaking7.
What Not To Mix With Hyaluronic Acid?
Although hyaluronic acid typically plays nice with other skincare ingredients, everyone’s skin is different. So there aren’t any one-size-fits all recommendations to not mix with hyaluronic acid, technically!
You can layer this powerful skin loving ingredient with nearly anything else in your daily skincare routine, worry free.
Keep in mind that any sensitivities your skin may have could be triggered by too rapid or dramatic of a change in your skin care routine.
It’s best to start with a patch test and make subtle shifts when changing up what you put on your skin to prevent unwanted irritation.
What Should You Not Mix Vitamin C With?
Some experts suggest not layering this vitamin with retinol, as the two substances can lead to skin irritation. You can use both in your beauty routine, you just need to know which one goes first and how long to wait between them (find out in this article).
What’s more, you should not mix Vitamin C with benzoyl peroxide.
Some experts advise caution when it comes to using Vit. C with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and taking longer break between applications or using them in different times of the day.
In my other article you can read more about how to use Vitamin C with glycolic acid (one of AHAs).
Can I Use Vitamin C And Hyaluronic Acid And Retinol Together?
Yes, you can use all three ingredients in your beauty regimen. However, because vit. C and retinol have quite strong effects on the skin, you need to be careful and avoid using them in the same skincare routine.
Dermatologists recommend applying vitamin C and retinol at different times.
For example: vitamin C serum and hyaluronic acid serum (or moisturizer) in your morning skincare routine, and using retinol (followed by a moisturizer with HA or other hydrating ingredients) in your night skincare routine.
Wrap Up: Can You Mix Hyaluronic Acid And Vitamin C In Your Skincare Routine?
Let’s review: research says that yes, you can! It’s best to apply vit. C first, wait for it to dry, then proceed with layering on your hyaluronic acid serum or moisturizer.
I hope this article was helpful for you! Now you can lather up your face with all of your favorite serums and moisturizers, and not worry about their interactions. Your best hydrated, glowing skin is just around the corner!
The purpose of this article is informative and entertaining. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Safety should be your priority.
All pictures in this article with YouAreBeautie logo belong to YouAreBeautie.com and were taken by the owner of this website. All these images are copyright-protected.
Resources:
- https://www.mindbodygreen.com/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/
- https://cleanbeautycoach.com/
- https://www.healthline.com/
