Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C Serum: A Good Pairing?

Published June 17, 2024

In the realm of skincare, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are two ingredients that are becoming increasingly famous and staples. Hyaluronic acid helps to keep our complexion moisturized. Vitamin C guards against sun damage. The latter also fades skin discoloration. 

Many might think they must choose one or use one during the day and the other at night. Yet, believe us, the two make an ideal pairing. When used together, both ingredients can assist in graceful skin aging. 

Keep reading to learn all about why hyaluronic acid and vitamin C serum work together. We’ll discuss their wonders separately, their benefits when used together, how to use them, how to layer them, and more. It’s going to be a nerd skincare talk. Let’s start. 

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a molecule naturally derived from the body. It is found in bones, connective tissue, cartilage, hair follicles, and skin. As a humectant, it helps the complexion retain moisture. 

Hyaluronic acid is a fantastic moisturizer. It can hold one thousand times its weight in water. It crafts a barrier for the skin, sealing in moisture and boosting texture. 

This incredible ingredient can: 

• Moisturize skin 
• Decrease the appearance of wrinkles
• Guard transepidermal water loss
• Firm and plump skin 
• Increase skin elasticity
• Aid in wound healing
• Repair and regenerate skin 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant naturally occurring at high levels in the skin. It helps guard the complexion from ultraviolet (UV) sun and other environmental harm. 

Photodamaged skin or complexions exposed to high levels of UV light tend to have lower levels of this antioxidant. Thus, vitamin C is perhaps the best-studied ingredient available for topical application. 

Vitamin C can: 

• Protect the skin from damaging UV rays 
• Prevent premature skin aging as it guards the skin from oxidative stress
• Enhance collagen synthesis
• Reduce skin pigmentation
• Have an anti-inflammatory property to help combat acne and rosacea
• Exfoliate skin
• Brighten dark spots
• It helps control sebum levels 
• Neutralize free radicals 
• It helps minimize the look of acne scarring 

The Benefits of Using Both Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C in Skincare

Combining hyaluronic acid and vitamin C makes for a significant all-in-one skincare step. 

The two are promoted to be used together because they complement each other. They can hydrate, protect, and repair aging skin. Also, too much vitamin C can be irritating. It may trigger dryness and even cause acne breakouts in certain skin types. For this, hyaluronic acid is an excellent addition to vitamin C. The latter will not overwork your complexion. Instead, it nourishes it by helping to craft a moisture barrier. It will allow the skin to heal. 

Research affirms that both hyaluronic acid and vitamin C help moisturize and smooth skin. The two even out redness and discoloration. They also aid in skin repair and reduce signs of aging.   

How Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C in Your Routine?

If you use hyaluronic acid and vitamin C separately, apply the formula with a lighter consistency first. Then, layer up to a thicker serum and moisturizer. If your hyaluronic acid is a cream and your vitamin C is a liquid or serum, you would layer the vitamin C product first and vice versa. 

How To Layer Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid?

1. 1. Cleanse: Begin with a gentle cleanser. It will remove any impurities and prepare the skin for the active ingredients. 
   2. Toner (optional). If you use a toner, apply it after cleansing. It will help balance the skin’s pH and enhance the absorption of subsequent products.
   3. Vitamin C Serum 
      – Apply the vitamin C serum first. Vitamin C is often formulated at a lower pH. For optimum performance, it should be applied directly to a clean, dry complexion.
      – Dispense a few drops into your palm and delicately press your face and neck. 
   4. Allow absorption: Give the vitamin C serum a minute or two to absorb into your skin thoroughly. 
   5. Hyaluronic Acid 
      – Next, apply a hyaluronic acid serum. It works best on slightly damp skin. If needed, you can also lightly mist your face with water. 
      – Dispense a few drops into your palm and delicately press your face and neck. 
   6. Moisturizer: A moisturizer will lock in hydration. It also further protects your skin barrier. 
   7. Sunscreen (Morning routine): Finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen in the morning. This is vital as vitamin C can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. 

Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C Under Eyes?

Yes. You will be in awe of the results of doing so. Vitamin C stands out in decreasing the visible appearance of dark circles. With its plumping talent, hyaluronic acid is a natural for easing crow’s feet and bettering fine lines around the eyes.