Using Vitamin C With Hyaluronic Acid: Everything You Need to Know 

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Ever wondered if you can use vitamin C and hyaluronic acid together? Whether you’re a skincare newbie or have been obsessed with perfecting your morning and evening skincare routine for years, it can sometimes be hard to know which ingredients you can use together. Well, the good news is, if you’re looking for a healthy, hydrated, and youthful-looking complexion, you should think about integrating these ingredients into your beauty routine ASAP.

To help you understand why, we’re tapping into the expertise of two leading board-certified dermatologists to fill you in on everything you need to know about these two buzzy skincare ingredients. Ahead, learn the individual benefits of both hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, how you can best incorporate them both into your skincare routine.

Meet the Experts

Richard Lucariello, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon at Waccamaw Dermatology.Hannah Kopelman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery.

What Is Vitamin C?

“Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals caused by UV exposure and pollution,” says Dr. Hannah Kopelman, MD, who is a board-certified dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery. “It also inhibits melanin production, which helps to brighten the skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation.”

Vitamin C can be found in many different skincare products, but you’ll most likely come across it in serums. According to Dr. Kopelman and Dr. Richard Lucariello, MD, who is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon at Waccamaw Dermatology, some of the benefits of vitamin C in skincare include:

Protecting skin from free radicals.Preventing and reducing sun damage.Brightening skin.Improving the skin’s texture.Evening skin tone and reducing dark spots by inhibiting excess melanin production.Reducing the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.Supporting the skin’s natural collagen synthesis, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

When adding vitamin C to your skincare routine, Kopelman suggests you start out with a product that has a vitamin C concentration of about 10-15 percent. This gives you the chance to see how your skin tolerates the ingredient before moving on to higher concentrations.

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is another common skincare ingredient that’s a bit of a moisturization and hydration powerhouse. “It acts as a humectant, drawing moisture from the surroundings to the skin’s surface like a sponge,” Lucariello says. “The molecules of hyaluronic acid can retain up to 1,000 times their weight in water, making them exceptionally effective at moisturizing the skin.”

Some of the benefits people may be able to achieve when using hyaluronic acid include:

Hydrating the skin, which helps improve the skin’s texture, making it look more supple and smooth.Protecting the skin barrier and preventing the loss of moisture.Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Generally, hyaluronic acid is a good option for all skin types, including people people with skin that’s sensitive or acne-prone, Kopelman says.

The Benefits of Using Them Together

Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C can be a highly effective duo in your skincare routine. “They complement each other well, with vitamin C providing antioxidant protection and brightening effects, while hyaluronic acid ensures the skin remains deeply hydrated,” explains Kopelman.

Lucariello points out that when hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are used in conjunction, it leads to a synergistic effect that boosts the effectiveness of each. “When vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are combined, they create a powerful duo that delivers superior results compared to using them separately,” Lucariello says. “Due to their potent anti-aging properties, these ingredients complement each other effectively, leading to significant and lasting improvements in skin health and appearance.”

How to Use Them Together

After cleansing your face, start by applying your vitamin C serum, which helps protect against environmental damage throughout the day. Then, you can follow that up with a hyaluronic acid serum to lock in moisture, suggests Kopelman.

Not sure how often to use each? “Vitamin C can be used daily, and hyaluronic acid can be applied both in the morning and at night,” Kopelman explains. “After applying these serums, use a moisturizer to seal in hydration and always finish with sunscreen in the morning to protect your skin from UV damage.”

The Final Takeaway

Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C can both help improve the skin’s health and appearance in many ways. Hyaluronic acid helps offer a heavy dose of hydration, while Vitamin C protects the skin from free radicals, slows down signs of skin aging, and evens skin tone. According to dermatologists, not only can you use both of these ingredients in your skincare routine, it is encouraged. If you decide to give it a try, start with vitamin C serum and follow it up with your hyaluronic acid. If you’re unsure about whether either of these skincare ingredients is right for you, consult with a board-certified dermatologist to learn more.

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