If you have dabbled into the skincare world, you must have come across hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. While these are recognized individually for their utmost benefits, they have recently become quite popular for being used in combination.

In this blog, we will explore vitamin C and hyaluronic acid serum benefits when combined together for skincare and how to make use of them the best way. 

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid also known as glycosaminoglycan is a sugar molecule that is naturally produced in your body. 

What does hyaluronic acid do for skin? Being a natural humectant, it helps provide hydration to your skin by forming a wall that seals moisture inside to enhance the overall skin texture. 

It has earned quite a reputation for its anti-aging benefits and so it's commonly used in products for dry and mature skin. Upon topical application, it replenishes your skin by improving elasticity levels, firmness and reducing wrinkles. 

What is vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that combats the damage caused by free radicals and ultraviolet radiation. It is essential for collagen synthesis in your skin and hence is known to possess an anti-aging impact along with treating dullness and uneven skin tone. 

Can I use the ordinary hyaluronic acid with vitamin C?

You can certainly not combine all powerful skincare ingredients but vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are an exception. When used together in anti-aging formulas these strong ingredients offer immediate and long-lasting effects. 

Hyaluronic acid is water-based and effective for binding moisture in your skin layers. Vitamin C protects your skin barrier and fortifies it. When using a particular hyaluronic hydrating serum, you may apply it after vitamin C. If you happen to be using a pure hyaluronic acid formulation you may combine it with a moisturizer to seal the skin barrier.

Combining hyaluronic acid with a product infused with vitamin C helps you achieve maximum results. Being a water-soluble antioxidant vitamin C encourages collagen synthesis in your skin and aids in combating sun damage. It reduces the effects of premature aging, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation that you may experience by kicking free radicals to curb to do wonders for your skin. 

Factors to consider when combining the two:

Is it okay to use hyaluronic acid with vitamin C? For maximum benefits of hyaluronic acid in your skincare topically as well as within your skin cells, a molecular weight would be ideal. It is very common to mix hyaluronic acid and vitamin C for better penetration in your skin surface. Most products like serums and moisturizers tend to include both of these ingredients for better results, however you must make a few considerations. 

The pH levels

You need to make sure that you are striking a balance as you combine these ingredients. For this pH levels must be considered. In fact, this is the most essential step in choosing any skincare product depending on your skin's needs. 

The natural healthy pH level of your skin is about 4.5-5.5. When it comes to pH levels, retinol that occurs in the form of vitamin A and vitamin C cannot be combined as vitamin C tends to possess a lower pH say less than 3.5 hence it is more acidic. While retinol is formulated at a pH above 5 and has increased photosensitivity, which also explains why it's recommended for use only at night time. 

Though hyaluronic acid and vitamin C complement each other you must check the ingredients of hyaluronic acid to make sure they do not counteract the effects of vitamin C. Skincare products can comprise unnecessary ingredients as fillers which must be avoided at all costs to avoid any adverse reaction. 

The science of skin

Vitamin C in its purest form appears as L-ascorbic acid which includes 20% vitamin C and E ferulic acid serum. It serves as a strong antioxidant in its impact on brightening your skin and encouraging collagen synthesis. You should use vitamin C in the morning to combat free radical harm along with other external elements that may affect your skin. The lower pH levels of vitamin C allow for quick absorption into your skin and thus can be suitable when used with your sunscreen and moisturizer. 

If your skin is sensitive, then we suggest you opt for hyaluronic vitamin C serum that comprises magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. This is a less potent derivative of vitamin C that not only lightens your complexion but also protects it. 

Which one goes first?

It is not only important to find the right products for your skin, but the correct order of use must also be considered. You apply them in the wrong order only to find out the benefits you are longing for are not in the cards. So, the question of which product to apply first with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid would be rather moot if you are choosing products from the powerful strength line. 

If you happen to use these separately, that’s when your knowledge of the correct order comes in. You must bear in mind that more often than not oil and water can be at odds, so the order of application must be considered. It is best to begin with the water-based products first for maximum levels of absorption and better penetration. 

Let's say for instance if you pour water and oil in a glass, you will notice how the oil will float up. Similarly, thicker oil-based formulations are emollients that keep moisture intact and thus protect the outermost layer of your skin. 

As the general rule of thumb suggests going with thin to thicker formulas, means oils would come before moisturizers and serums. There may not be any hard and fast rules to go with, as it will depend on the products you are using. You may apply a thick moisturizer with hyaluronic acid after vitamin C serum. However, a hyaluronic acid serum will make its way before a face cream with vitamin C formula. 

In any instance you have two different serums, thickness is what you will have to consider. So start with the thinner formula first. Stick with this rule and you will reap maximum benefits from your skincare regime. 

The final verdict

Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are great when used individually, however at times, two is better than one. A comprehensive skincare routine often requires a combination of different products; hence it only makes sense that you purchase the best vitamin C and hyaluronic acid serum.