I am keen to start incorporating Vitamin C and Acids into my routine but am not sure where should they go in between my routine and which products would be the best at helping me with my skin issues. Hyaluronic acid helps keep skin moisturized, while vitamin C protects from sun damage and can help fade skin discoloration. Hello Gio I have very deep dark spots on my cheeks although I have a normal to dry skin . Ash, use only salicylic acid! Youre already using salicylic acid so glycolic is redundant. Please if you could give me some guidance. Salicylic acid is the only BHA used in skincare. You can alternate it with glycolic acid at night. L-Ascorbic Acid. Its much easier to combine the two in supplement-formin fact, you can find both hyaluronic acid and vitamin C together in a host of beauty supplements to support the skin barrier from the inside out. Hi I kind of chop and change my products but currently use: I am 39 with normal skin but really now looking to fight signs of aging. Can vitamin C be layered with hyaluronic acid? But even if your skin is more resistant, its best to start slow and introduce these superstars into your skincare routine slowly. Just pick the one acid that works for you and stick to that: But lets say that your skin could really benefit from more than one type of acid. All that moisture makes skin softer, plumper and brighter. Its irritating and disrupts your skin protective barrier! Acids do have a place in your skincare routine. Thank you!! How to Layer Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, Vitamin C, AHA/BHA, Retinols & More! Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This is what Ive been wanting, a specialist to tell me if Im putting too much or possibly missing products on my skincare routine! It can cause redness, flakiness and peeling. Jamie, you have too many products for the night and not all are suitable for you. Fresh Soy Cleanser 3. Ive tried incorporating glycolic acid with my skincare such as using The Ordinart Glycolic Toning and Neogen Green Tea Peel but it broke me out more than usual. AM: Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser The Ordinary Buffet Serum The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors, PM: Garnier Micellar Water to get rid of makeup Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser to cleanse even further Pixie Glow Mud Cleanser (for gentle exfoliation & 5% glycolic acid) La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micro-Exfoliant Astrigent The Ordinary Buffet Serum The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors. Hi Gio! If you are using a pure line, such as Hyaluronic Acid 100% Pure, it can also be combined with a . Even when these ingredients work best at different pHs, they never deactivate one another completely to make them useless. Especially if youre using anti aging superstars like retinol, glycolic acid and Vitamin C. These antiaging superstars are harsh on the skin, leaving it dry and sensitive. Decide which cookies you want to allow. Both can benefit all skin types, which makes them sound investments for any beauty routine. It goes bad super quickly when exposed to light, heat and air. Patricia, dont add lemon juice! Use hyaluronic acid in the evening. If you have sensitive skin, layering AHAs, vitamin C and retinoids is a sure way to get an irritation. I recently turned 28 and decided to start taking my skincare seriously. Really confused when and how often to use these products, i do some kind of exfoliation as i have dry patches around my nose are and forehead. There is no tolerance required, and it pairs nicely with other ingredients.. (2018). I also have combination skin, hyper pigmentation, and sometimes acne. My goal would be to achieve even textured skin, smaller pores and supple skin. There are so many others out there that are so confusing and they all say something different its just so nice to be able to come here and know you will definitely take the time and answer questions. I was hop ing to get your advice on my routine. Use salicylic acid after cleansing in the PM and thats it. "Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and its effects last for over 24 hours. I am having a hard time knowing if what I am doing is correct! Here's how you can still reap the benefits of both ingredients: While you can use both ingredients any time you please, experts generally recommend sticking to vitamin C in the daytime. Vitamin C is an antioxidant thats naturally present in high levels in the skin. I didnt know the important of suncreen before.. My skin routine Cleanser clinique 3 steps for oily skin or cetaphil gentle cleanser (depends on my skin mood) On and off pixi toner Clinique dramatically moisturiser gel Biore Sunscreen spf 50, Pm Cleanser clinique 3 steps for oily skin or cetaphil gentle cleanser (depends skin mood if feel too oily will use clinique) Pixi toner glow most of time previously clinique 3 steps toner no 2 Estee lauder lauder advance night repair serum Clinique dramatically moisturiser gel, I would like to stop estee lauder in my routine due slightly pricey.. And didnt make much difference to my skin. GIO your blog is fast becoming my skincare bible! Short answer? Youd be better off with a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment applied only on the active breakouts. I have acne scars and hyperpigmentation due to products I have tried that made my breakouts worst. Thank you so much! Thanks! It creates a barrier for the skin, locking in moisture and improving texture, explains Engelman. Ive had quite a lot of tiny hard pimples pop up but they disappeared quickly and Ive not had any other new spots crop up around my chin and mouth area as I normally do! F (Oil Solution Moisturizer) Azelaic Acid 10% + HA 2% (Suspension Cream-Gel) Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone (Suspension Cream-Gel). More collagen = plumper, younger looking skin. Loving this thread. Loved the article and Im trying to get into TO skincare. I am trying to implement these products into my skincare routine and would love your advice. They both remove dead cells on the surface of the skin. Im 28 and for the past 4 years have been suffering from adult acne- mainly on my cheeks and a little on my chin and jawline. Theres another reason the ingredients are often paired: Too much vitamin C can be irritating, trigger dryness, and even cause acne breakouts in certain skin types, says Engelman. PM: cleanse, (LOreal mask once a week), salicylic acid, Niacinamide and night cream. Oxidative damage (from the suns ultraviolet rays and the bodys regular metabolic functions) also impacts the synthesis of collagen, the protein that makes up skin and other connective tissues. (2022). I currently use Am: a clinique cleanser Lancome confort toner Clinique all about eye rich cream DE Vitamin C firma, DE PROTINI Spf 35 lotion PM: Cleanser Lancome toner Clinque all about eyes rich cream Rosehip oil I want to even my skin tone and get ride of the breakouts ,and start antiaging procese, Maria, thank you for your comment. That should help with the blemishes. This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features. Thanks in advance! Rachel, dont use the apricot scrub, its too harsh! Sumaya, I would take out the glycolic acid. Within The Ordinary's water-based products, you'll have things like AHA, BHA, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, etc. Thank you so much for this article it was super helpful. Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide: You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. They work. If you use salicylic acid, pixi toner becomes redundant. Thank you for this article: This is my current routine: AM: AHA Firming Eye cream PM: tretinoin cream .025% (RX Retin A) anti aging eye cream A friend of mine with beautiful radiant skin (shes 62) told me to add Hydralonic serum mixed with 100% organic aloe and 4 drops of lemon juice to my AM and PM routine. Im 28 with combination skin and currently dealing with acne on my chin and cheeks. Jade, thank you for your comment. Your step 1 cleansers: Cleansing Oil Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil Makeup Remover. If so, you can definitely switch from glycolic acid to salicylic acid. Thanks.. Hi Liana, you can use salicylic acid in the morning right after cleansing instead of the pixie toner. You can also substitute LAA with magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP), a derivative of . You can book your consultation here: https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/skincare-consultation/. -Andrea. For fading dark spots and brightening skin: Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution ($88.00) and Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum ($80.00) For hydrating skin: Niod Multi Molecular Hyaluronic Complex ($25.00) and Skinceuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier ($98.00) As azelaic acid and vitamin C both work in the same way, you'd be better off choosing one of the two and combining it with the ingredients mentioned above - that's not to say that azelaic acid and vitamin C wouldn't boost each others tyrosinase-inhibiting effects though. A family of exfoliants thats as effective as Alpha Hydroxy Acids but with a larger molecular structure. Moisturisers with SPF dont provide adequate protection. Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid Lotion 4. Engelman adds that its highly unusual to have a reaction to hyaluronic acid. Along with hyaluronic acid, it is also loaded with pro-vitamin B5 and pentavitin to keep your face hydrated for 72 hours straight. Pick one of each! If you keep this up, you wont brighten skin, youll strip it dry and raw. Im confused on how to implement these products I probably shouldnt try them all at once and I dont know how to experiment with them without irritating my sensitive skin. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence 3. My aesthetician is recommending: AM Salycylic Acid Vitamin e&c serum PM Mandelic Acid serum. To make sure I give the best possible advice for everyones particular circumstances and needs, Ive created a bespoke skincare routine consultation service. Hi Gio, I am Nancy from the Netherlands, I am 39 years old and I have a combination acne skin. 2 exfoliators and 2 cleansers? Do I leave it, do I wash it off? Considering these are two very different prerequisites for A+ application (wet skin versus dry), you may be wondering how to layer them both in the same routine, and where to add them in amongst your other products. So if you want to decide between them, you have to look at what other benefits they have. You can use it with retinol, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, BHAs, or AHAs . But this is one case where more ISNT better. "However, many vitamin C serums already include a dose of hyaluronic acid, so you don't necessarily have to add a separate step." Thank you in advance for your help! And vitamin C, as we mentioned, is a vital part of the collagen synthesis process, so its a nonnegotiable ingredient in high-quality collagen supplements. To make this easier for you, many high-quality collagen supplements already combine the ingredients into one hardworking formula. If you're using more than one serum, start with the lightest consistency so that it can absorb into the skin easily. But if your skin is sensitive to either ingredient, you should avoid it, says Engelman. So if you don't like layering your serums, you could always opt for a face cream that contains HAlike this Cloud Dew Gel Cream Moisturizer from Summer Fridays. Hi Gio, I recently found your site, and have gone down a rabbit hole reading through the archives. If you have congestion, salicylic acid is the only thing that can get rid of it. You just need to know how to mix and match them to get the best results without the irritating side effects. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thankfully I dont have too many established wrinkles. Adding nacinamide + zinc in the morning, will definitely help keep oil production under control. My skin feels smoother and pores are starting to look smaller. * Oftentimes, youll see HA as a complementary active to other ingredients like collagen. Im interested in The Origins, as it seems to be reasonably priced and well reviewed. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. With them out of the picture, your skin is softer, smoother and brighter. For information on deleting the cookies, please consult your browsers help function. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence 5. This means it does double duty: it exfoliates the surface of the skin AND gets inside the pores, unclogging them from within. I add in a salicylic acid wash at night mid-cycle. Nancy, this is already a good routine. Benzoyl Peroxide VS Salicylic Acid: Which One Should You Choose? You'll also want to let it dry completely, as piling on products right after could potentially deactivate the vitamin C. You don't need to be as precious with hyaluronic acid. Thats a recipe for trouble. Topical vitamin C and the skin: Mechanisms of action and clinical applications. If you dont know that, you can buy the wrong acids/ingredients and make things worse. Thoughts? Colleen de Bellefonds is a Paris-based health and wellness journalist with over a decade of experience regularly writing and editing for publications including WhatToExpect.com, Womens Health, WebMD, Healthgrades.com, and CleanPlates.com. I have signs of aging -lines and wrinkles around the eyes, and sagging around the mouth. Vitamin C is also a vital part of the collagen synthesis process, helping collagen cross-link and support skin firmness. Follow with your serum, moisturizer, and eye cream. How to Use Vitamin C, Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid in the Same Routine Another way to incorporate these three ingredients into your routine is with serums. How can hyaluronic acid help the face and body? Consuming collagen may have a variety of health benefits, from relieving joint pain to improving skin health. Ive tried to strip back my routine to a very simple one, yet Im not sure if the order is correct: AM Spot treatment with Benzol Peroxide (5 mins) Cleanse Hado Labo Lotion Moisturise with few drops of squalane PM First cleanse to remove makeup Spot treat with BP / Sulfur Mask alternating Cleanse Hado Labo Lotion BHA (slowly introducing this into my routine as Im wary of reacting) Moisturise + couple of drops of squalane. Lyndsety, start by figuring out your skin type. Instead than hydroquinone, use something gentler like alpha arbutin on the pigmented areas. Where would I best benefit from adding these in or should I not? You can book yours here: https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/skincare-consultation/. Recently I got the following The Ordinary products, whichi Im wondering how to fit in my routine: Glycolic acid 7% toning solution, Lactic Acid 10% HA, Hyaluronic Acid 2% B5. Last medically reviewed on August 19, 2022. What do you think? Can You Layer AHAs, Vitamin C and Retinoids? After it dries, apply a water-based hydrating toner or essence (here are our favorites), then pat your hyaluronic acid serum onto the freshly misted skin. Adding hyaluronic acid to your skincare routine helps counteract their drying effects. Also I have the sensitive alpha beta peel pads from dr. Dennis gross as well as good genes serum from Sunday Riley and was wondering if I could incorporate either of those into my routine as well? Why are you saying she doesnt need lactic or glycolic acid? But Id add an oil-free moisturiser in the evening. This article explains how: https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/determine-your-skin-type/, Hi Gio! Our skin gets wrinkled with age thanks largely to hormonal changes that make skin drier and less elastic. My skin is fair, with sometime red cheeks no pattern to occurence, It is not sensitive. Daytime I use hylaronic acid, Pixi Phenomenol Serum and sunscreen. Recenrly started adding The Ordinary serums into my skin care routine for oily/ combination skin that is prone to acne. Joy, you DONT need 3 acids. Rsearch suggests that both hyaluronic acid and vitamin C help moisturize and smooth skin, even out redness and discoloration, repair skin, and reduce signs of aging. See additional information. If spacing apart, it's best to use Vitamin C in the morning, with hyaluronic acid at night. Al-Niaimi F, et al. Imagine how a dry sponge instantly rises under water: Humectants are what help usher that water into the "pores" of the sponge and hold it there, making the appearance plump and full of moisture. "Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are commonly used together because they complement each other to hydrate, protect, and repair aging skin," says Zeichner. These popular serum ingredients can be layered or applied at different times of the day. If youre seeing results, dont change anything. When I use the overtime mask, I use the Summer Fridays Jetlag Mask and leave it on overnight. Your help is greatly appreciated! With that counteract the AHA? I also recently purchached The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%, and Noxzema Anti-Blemish Pads Salicyic Acid 2% but Im not sure how to incorporate them into my routine. as for glycolic acid, you do NOT need it. In the case that you have two separate serums, it still comes down to thickness. Theyre gentler but less effective. A vitamin C deficiency can lead to low collagen levels, resulting in a . However, your skin should not dry up completely. I appreciate your thoughts so much.. Nope, the real risk here is irritation. and which products would be the best at helping me with my skin issues. Walker K, et al. Whether its a tried-and-true skin care regimen, how often you wash your hair, or the cosmetics youre curious about, beauty is personal. Yes! Thanks. If you need more help with your skincare routine, Ive created a bespoke skincare routine consultation service. Pump out the serum and release it onto your palm. AM: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Timeless Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Cosmedica Hyaluronic Acid Ordinary Buffet Elemis Peptide Eye Recovery Olay Micro-Sculpting Cream EltaMD SPF 46 Sunscreen PM: CeraVe Ordinary Granactive 2% Retinoid (Alpha 14% AHA alternate night) Hyaluronic Acid Buffet Elemis Peptide Eye Cream Olay Micro-Sculpting Cream Elemis Peptide Night Recovery Oil Ive been using the following products for several months now and although my skin is soft and maybe a few wrinkles have diminished other than that I havent really seen any other results. The 12 Best Collagen Supplements for Better Skin, Top 6 Benefits of Taking Collagen Supplements, The 8 Best Supplements for Hair Growth, According to a Dietitian, Stress Can Cause Spotting Heres Why It Happens and What to Do, protect the skin from the suns damaging UV rays, prevent premature skin aging by protecting the skin from oxidative stress, have an anti-inflammatory effect to help treat acne and. Cleanser 2. Im specifically targeting hyperpigmentation and skin brightening, in general. By applying hyaluronic acid first, you will keeping the skin barrier healthy and hydrated. "It gives an immediate improvement in the way the skin looksless ashy, dry, dull," holistic dermatologist Cybele Fishman, M.D., told us about the beloved ingredient. The Ordinary | ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MIXING & LAYERING SKINCARE Cassandra Bankson 1M. This powerhouse ingredient is a humectant, which means it pulls water into the top layer of the skin. Hi Gio thank you so much for clarifying and cleaning up (pun intended) all the skin care urban legends. The only thing Id change is the Granactive Retinoid. I definitely recommend adding retinol to your night time routine. Any suggestions you have would be amazing! She has a B.A. These serums typically contain a more stable form of vitamin C to help it play nice with other skin-loving ingredients, like this Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum from Kora Organics. I have very combination and sensitive skin oily / blemishes on t zone and sensitive dry on cheeks. What do you do in this case? Im not sure why youre washing off BP? 2-3 times a week when my skin looks dull and and tired I use St Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub in the morning or Summer Fridays Overtime Mask in the evening (2-3 times total not each). Advertising: Gather personally identifiable information such as name and location, Functionality: Remember social media settingsl Functionality: Remember selected region and country, Advertising: Use information for tailored advertising with third parties, Advertising: Allow you to connect to social sites, Advertising: Identify device you are using, Advertising: Allow you to connect to social sitesl Advertising: Identify device you are using. I also have sun damage and dark acne spots, plus signs of aging around my eyes. Thank you so much for putting the time and effort into all these blog posts!! That said, you can always use vitamin C in the morning and HA in the evening. I have fine lines around my eyes and my skin is starting to sag a bit and want to try and prevent it getting worse. I currently use AM Salicylic face wash Light Moisturiser Heliocare SPF50 (I dont have much time in the mornings and like to keep it simple! Related: 5 Anti-Aging Superstars You Should Add To Your Skincare Routine. If you need more help with your skincare routine and would like a full consultation, Id be happy to help you out. Retinoids are what really give you results, so increase your dose gradually for ever better results. Use it after cleansing in the evening. Apply your vitamin C first, then pat on your HA. "For stability and maximum benefits, it's best to use them separately," notes Shamban. Id love your feedback on my routine. Hi I am currently experiencing a lot of texture along with hormonal breakouts. Im 28, I have dry, fairly sensitive skin with some light to deep pink hyper-pigmentation splotches (from when I used to have hormonal acne), as well as clogged pores and blackheads in my t-zone. Thank you!! Apply whichever is thinner first. Lily-Rose, start with salicylic acid every other morning. When applying both serums, be sure to apply a few drops of Vitamin C serum first (as it is the thinner of the 2) and follow with the HA serum. Glad to hear you like the blog. Hi Gio! I have sensitive and combination skin. [Hyaluronic acid is] an effective moisturizer because it can hold one thousand times its weight in water, says Dendy Engelman, MD, a dermatologist practicing at Shafer Clinic in New York. Here are the 12 best collagen supplements for better skin. Michele, you definitely need salicylic acid. Lactic acid is useless to you so return it if you can. Then, wait half an hour before you apply your retinol. Anti‐aging and brightening effects of a topical treatment containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract: A split‐face, randomized controlled trial. Find her on Twitter. Ive just recently begun using Kiehls products, mostly for moisturizing and have, in the past used Roc products sporadically. Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid together form layers on your skin to prevent moisture loss. How to Layer Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid Serum - YouTube In this video, I will show you how to layer a Vitamin C and a Hyaluronic Acid serum.Intro - When to use, what skin concerns. Your skin only needs salicylic acid, but in a little higher amount. They mean a lot. Also, I was wondering if you could recommend a sunscreen to use? Salicylic acid needs to be left on the skin to treat acne. The most famous members of the family are glycolic acid, lactic acid and mandelic acid. Pick one vitamin C serum and stick to it. Again, follow up with a moisturizer to lock in the hydration. Appreciate your advice on this! There arent any risks when pairing these ingredients together. Hyaluronic acid acts like a moisture magnet that attracts water from the air into the skin. Vitamin C is beloved for skin-brightening, as it helps combat dark spots, help reduce skin inflammation2, and fight against UV-induced photodamage3. I am not getting many active acne outbreaks (still a few around my chin region) but my skin is not as vibrant and I do have lots of little red dots from previous acne. I just have a question regarding the order of products feeling a bit confused I have closed comedones, congestion & possible fungal acne. Both ingredients can help support graceful aging in skin especially when theyre used together. It fights free radicals, speeds up the skins natural exfoliating process and boosts the production of collagen. The L'Oral Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum locks in moisture to replenish skin and help prevent premature signs of aging. A 2020 randomized controlled trial involving 50 women found that, compared to a placebo, applying a 20% vitamin C serum daily for 2 months improved skin color, elasticity, and radiance while reducing wrinkles. Its in the Blemish And Age. However, this can result in some functions no longer being available. Sunscreen, PM Routine 1. As well as it's excellent anti-aging benefits, vitamin C also: Reduces dark marks and brightens skin by preventing the activity of the enzymes required for melanin production. AM: Philosophy purity cleanser or Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser Pixi Glow Tonic Kiehls Iris Extract Activating Essence Treatment Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II and Advanced Night Repair Eye Synchronized Complex II Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream Glow Lab Moisturiser La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dry Touch SPF50, PM is almost the same: Philosophy purity cleanser or Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser Pixi Glow Tonic Kiehls Iris Extract Activating Essence Treatment Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II and Advanced Night Repair Eye Synchronized Complex II Kiehls Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask. As for antiaging, NOT every AHA boosts collagen production. Right now my routine is: AM Skinceuticals LHA Cleanser Skineceuticals LHA Toner Skinceuticals Blemish and Age SPF moisturizer PM Same cleanser and toner Natures Aid gel. If your retinol is leaving your skin feeling tight, reach for a hyaluronic acid serum pronto! 3. How can I implement the Glycolic acid toner in my daily routine and do I have to change the way I already use the other products? Beauty Within 2.55M subscribers Join 2.9M views 2 years ago Vitamin C: L-Ascorbic Acid & derivatives Watch. Appreciate your advice on this! Any order change or too many acids? I love your tread so much.. Im 33 years old with mix normal to oily skin.. My skin has blackheads on the nose,oily on the t zone, few dark spot due to previous acne (on and off small breakout acne upon menstrual ) and damage due to sun (my facial skin appeared dark and red compared others).. . Ive hit 40 and have no real skin care routine bad I know!! Thanks for the article! I have oily skin. Shanelle, do NOT use glycolic acid! They give you results. Aisha, are you experiencing breakouts? As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. I find them super helpful and interesting to read however, I am a little stumped and overwhelmed on which products to incorporate into my daily routine!! A 2017 review suggests that photodamaged skin, or skin exposed to high levels of UV light, tends to have lower levels of vitamin C. Vitamin C is perhaps the best-studied antioxidant we have available for topical application, says Zeichner. You can book here: https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/skincare-consultation/. OTC forms of retinoids, like retinol and retinaldehyde, must be converted into retinoid acid to work their magic. Removing the most superficial layer makes your skin smoother and brighter.