Article Overview
- In the world of skincare, some ingredients seem destined to be together. Take hyaluronic acid and vitamin C — these two powerhouse ingredients each work wonders individually, but in combination they work even more effectively to offer enhanced benefits that can significantly boost the condition and appearance of the skin.
THE COMBINED BENEFITS OF HYALURONIC ACID AND VITAMIN C IN SKINCARE
HYALURONIC ACID
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring large carbohydrate molecule found throughout the body and especially in skin. As we age, the levels of hyaluronic acid in the skin drop, resulting in increased dryness.
Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient that comes in various fragmented forms and differing size molecules. The molecule size and concentration of hyaluronic acid used in a product impact the benefits imparted. The smaller the molecule, the deeper it penetrates the skin's layers. Conversely, a high molecular weight hyaluronic acid is more likely to create a film on the surface.
Products featuring this ingredient at higher concentrations tend to be mainly for providing hydration and anti-ageing support, whilst those at lower concentrations improve skin tone.
Concentrations of hyaluronic acid above 2% should be avoided to avoid causing discomfort or dryness.
So, what are its benefits when applied topically?
MOISTURE RETENTION
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means it draws water into the skin and helps to retain it, leading to plumper, hydrated skin. A single molecule of hyaluronic acid can absorb up to 1000 times its own weight in water.
ANTI-AGEING PROPERTIES
By keeping the skin hydrated, hyaluronic acid can also help visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Improved elasticity, skin firmness, and an overall plumping effect are other anti-ageing benefits.
SUITABLE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES
Regardless of whether you have oily, dry, or sensitive skin, hyaluronic acid serums are gentle and well-tolerated, beneficial for all skin types without causing discomfort.
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is an important and widely used skincare ingredient. Multiple benefits of vitamin C have been highlighted in numerous scientific studies, revealing its profound impact on the skin's condition and potential for skin brightening, anti-ageing and protection against environmental aggressors.
A range of different forms of vitamin C, including sodium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbate, or ascorbyl palmitate, differ slightly in some of their physical properties. Read our guide to the different types of vitamin C for skin to learn more.
Pure vitamin C (called L-ascorbic acid) is the most biologically active and most effective at penetrating the skin, and is the form used in SkinCeuticals formulas.
CAN YOU USE HYALURONIC ACID AND VITAMIN C TOGETHER IN YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE?
Absolutely!
Combining these two ingredients can maximise the benefits of each. While vitamin C protects and brightens the skin, hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps it. When used together, they can enhance each other synergistically, leading to brighter, more hydrated skin.
HOW TO LAYER HYALURONIC ACID AND VITAMIN C
- Cleanse Your Skin: Always start with a clean face.
- Layer Vitamin C Serum: After cleansing, apply your vitamin C serum.
- For normal to dry skin we recommend SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, a high potency serum containing a combination of powerful antioxidants; pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), and ferulic acid, which work in combination to protect against premature signs of ageing caused by free radical damage.
- For oily skin, Silymarin CF is our breakthrough oil-free vitamin C serum for oily and blemish-prone skin that combines silymarin (milk thistle extract), pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), ferulic acid and salicylic acid. Together, these help prevent oil oxidation that can lead to breakouts, as well as targeting visible signs of ageing.
- Wait a Few Minutes: Allow the vitamin C serum to fully absorb into your skin.
- Apply Hyaluronic Acid: Once the vitamin C has been absorbed, apply HA intensifier hyaluronic acid serum, a corrective hyaluronic acid serum for the face. This serum's unique formula combines pure hyaluronic acid with botanical extracts and Proxylane™ to support and hydrate skin.
- Seal with a Moisturiser: Finish off with a moisturiser to seal in both serums and provide an extra layer of hydration.
- Apply a high- SPF broad spectrum sunscreen: critical to your morning routine.