How Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid Work Together to Benefit Your Skin

Chances are hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are already key ingredients in your current skin care regimen — and that’s a good thing. All skin types — from oily to acne prone to mature — can benefit from the addition of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid in a skin care routine. By itself, hyaluronic acid is used to hydrate skin and boost its elasticity, while vitamin C is known to brighten dark spots and improve skin’s dullness. Your skin will thank you for using these products in the same routine. 

We know that skin care regimens can get really long, so combining a few ingredients is an added benefit to keep your routine from dragging on. Please keep in mind that not all skin care ingredients can be mixed together in the same routine. If you’re curious about how to introduce hyaluronic acid and vitamin C into your skin care routine or want to know all their skin loving benefits, read ahead for more details and answers to the questions you have.

What Is Vitamin C?

You’re probably more familiar with vitamin C than hyaluronic acid as this is the same antioxidant that’s found in fruits and vitamins that you might already ingest. According to Harvard Health, vitamin C is a topical antioxidant that fights harmful toxins that come in contact with the skin, whether that be externally through the air or internally though what you eat and digest. 

In addition to the benefits previously mentioned, this antioxidant (when used as a topical) exfoliates skin, reduces skin inflammation and protects skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays. Vitamin C for the skin can be found in many formats including serums, moisturizers, cleansers and other skin care products. One of our favorites is the lightweight L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 12% Pure Vitamin C + E + Salicylic Acid Serum daily for brighter skin and less visible pores. The serum is formulated with L-Ascorbic acid, the purest form of vitamin C that (with consistent use) regulates pigmentation and helps restore the skin barrier.

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is the ultimate hydrating molecule that is naturally found in your skin. As skin ages, the amount of hyaluronic acid in your skin begins to decrease, which is why using it as a topical is so important. Skin care brand developers and dermatologists alike are always eager to recommend this ingredient in your skin care routine for its skin repairing and regenerative properties. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, even though acid is in the name this skin care ingredient is more moisturizing than exfoliating. When applied to the face, hyaluronic acid soaks into the skin all the nourishment and moisture on the top layer of skin that dry and aging skin so desperately needs. 

However, Harvard Health confirms that this is only the case with a product that contains low molecular weight hyaluronic acid versus high molecular weight hyaluronic acid that only sits on top of the skin. That’s where the lightweight L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum shines with the inclusion of both low and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid that absorbs easier and hydrates the surface of the skin. Similar to most hero ingredients in the beauty industry, hyaluronic acid can be found in many skin care formulations like a serum, a moisturizer, an eye cream, and more.

Can You Use Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid Together?

Yes! A big, resounding yes. You absolutely can and should be using vitamin C and hyaluronic acid together. On their own hyaluronic acid and vitamin c work wonders on the skin, and when used together it’s a magical combination you won’t want to skip. Studies have shown that when vitamin C is combined with other topical ingredients like hyaluronic acid, the antioxidant can help protect the skin even more from long-term damage and premature aging (i.e. dry skin and fine lines) caused by harmful sun rays. 

There are a few different ways that you can use these skin care ingredients together. You can layer them product by product or pick up a product with a balanced combo of the two. Our favorite all-in-one is the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30, which contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, pro-retinol and sun protectant. 

How to Layer Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid

Skin care — unlike makeup — has specific rules to guarantee the best results, and to curb any damage. This is why proper product order and time of day usage are important. The usual rule for layering skin care products is that the thinnest formulation always goes first, and this is also the case for vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. The ingredient order doesn’t make a difference as much as the product type does because of consistency. 

For example, if you’re using a vitamin C serum like the more concentrated L’Oréal Revitalift 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum and a hyaluronic acid serum like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, then the order is completely up to you. However, if you’re using a vitamin C serum and a hyaluronic acid moisturizer like the lightweight L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Micro Hyaluronic acid + Ceramides line-plumping water cream, the serum would go first followed by the moisturizer since creams are thicker than most serums. 

Applying skin care products in order of consistency guarantees that the product is able to penetrate the skin to the best of its ability. To avoid any product piling that can happen between layers, wait a few minutes between applying your next skin care product to give individual products ample time to absorb.

When to Use Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid?

Both vitamin C and hyaluronic acid v can be used on their own and layered together during the day, at night or whenever you want to use them. Just keep in mind that if you’re wearing vitamin C during the day you should follow up with an SPF to guarantee the product’s potency. While both ingredients can be used multiple times daily, those with sensitive skin might want to slowly introduce vitamin C into their routine to keep irritation minimal. Harvard Health recommends using it every other day, and then continuing using it daily if there’s no tingling sensation. 

Next: How to Layer Hyaluronic Acid in Your Skin Care and Makeup Routines

Photo Design: Sarah Duvivier