Last updated on December 27th, 2021 at 10:08 pm
Retinol vs. hyaluronic acid. We’re going to start there, but let’s also take a look at some other best skin care products for your face . These include vitamin C, Vitamin E and ceramides.
Just recently, I visited my dermatologist for the first time in my life for acne. I’ve always had the occasional breakout since I was a teenager, but not like this. The reason I decided to see a doctor was because I couldn’t find one thing in my routine that had really changed. I haven’t changed skin care, no changes in hormones or diet and over the counter topical creams weren’t helping. We’re going to try some new meds and I will let you know how those go. I haven’t started them yet.
But it got me thinking about the products that I put on my face, especially the two that you hear the most about: retinol vs. hyaluronic acid. I use them both, mostly because my dermatologist’s office recommended them to me and I have seen good results in general. But I decided to dig a little deeper. I want to learn more about what products might be best for my face (and yours too!)
I’ve gathered this information from multiple sources, but of course, I am not a doctor. So, I do recommend talking to your dermatologist before you jump into a new skin routine or change your skin care products.
**Please Note: This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on our links. All Amazon prices are current as of 11/2/21.
Retinol vs. Hyaluronic Acid: Let’s Talk Retinol
Retinol is a retinoid derived from Vitamin A. There are several forms from over-the-counter (OTC) to prescription strength. It can come in both topical and pill form. You have probably heard of Accutane and Retin-A, they are both prescription only. We are only going to address topical over-the-counter retinols.
Retinol is used to:
- Combat acne by reducing the buildup of skin cells.
It can also help prevent inflammation meaning it can reduce the redness and swelling you do get with some breakouts. - Assist in anti-aging
As you get older, the turnover of your skin cells slows down which can lead to a dulling of your complexion. Retinol helps speed up this skin turnover process and promote brighter and smoother skin. It also encourages collagen production and can help plump the skin. - Help repair sun damage
The faster skin cell turnover that retinol provides can also help in improving wrinkles, fine lines and hyperpigmentation.
Side effects can include dryness, redness and irritation. When I first started using retinol, it was recommended to me to start with just a few times a week to see how my face reacted to it. I slowly built up to using it every day. I also prefer to use Retinol at night because you should avoid sunlight when using it.
Experts suggest that if you want to try Retinol, start slow and use a low strength. You can start with .03 or .05 to get started. If things are looking good after two weeks, you should be able to start applying it daily.
Retinol Products to Try
I used RetrinAL since it was recommended by my dermatologist’s office. It is a bit more pricey, but I have had good results. (It is a .05 strength)
These other two products are ones that keep coming up in my search from “best retinol products”. I have not tried either, but you may want to click on their links to learn more.
Retinol vs. Hyaluronic Acid: Let’s Talk Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in the skin. It helps to bind water to collagen and traps it in the skin. This leads to the skin appearing plumper and more hydrated. Natural hyaluronic acids binds to collagen on one side and links to water molecules on the other, leading to this plumpness.
Don’t be scared off by the word “acid”. It’s not an exfoliator and in most cases, is fine for sensitive skin. I’ve seen it referred to as a “thick water serum”.
Hyaluronic acid is used for:
- Hydration
Hyaluronic acid penetrates the skin and binds water to skin cells, infusing all layers of the skin with moisture. - Tighter Skin Tone
Hyaluronic acid can’t replace the lost elastin in your skin, but it can help with the appearance of tightness. As the skin fills with moisture, hyaluronic acid tightens the entire complexion. - Smoother Texture
In the same way it makes your skin appear tighter, hyaluronic acid also makes your skin look smoother.
Most people won’t have any issues using hyaluronic acid because it is already naturally occuring in the body. But you should still look for signs of irritation. If you experience redness, irritation or itching, you should stop using the product and consult with your doctor.
Hyaluronic Acid Products to Try
Also recommended by my dermatologist’s office, I use Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost. It also shows up on a lot of “best” lists as well.
Even though we are talking about the face, I have to mention that Neutrogena has expanded his hydro boost line and I’ve tried both the body moisturizer and sunscreen and I love them. My skin really does feel hydrated after.
Once again, I did a search on “best hyaluronic acid products” and these two showed up consistently.
Retinol vs. Hyaluronic Acid: Can They Be Used Together?
The quick answer is yes you can, and here’s why. While dermatologists love retinol, they will also be quick to warn you about how it can cause dryness. That’s why a hydrating agent, such as hyaluronic acid can be truly helpful. Retinol speeds up skin cell turnover, create smooth skin and boost collagen. Hyaluronic acid helps draw water into the skin providing a plump, glowing complexion. When you use them both, you counteract some of the dryness while still letting the retinol penetrate the outer layer of the skin.
Other Face Products to Consider:
There’s more products to consider other than retinol vs. hyaluronic acid. I’ve listed several below.
Vitamin C Serums
Vitamin C can help heal blemishes, reduce hyperpigmentation, and give your skin a healthy glow. Although you are probably getting vitamin C in your diet, there’s no way to know if it’s going straight to your skin. One of the most important benefits of vitamin C is that it fights free radical damage.
Here are the benefits of adding Vitamin C serum to your routine.
- Vitamin C is an antioxidant that fights free radical damage to the skin, which can speed along the aging process. We are exposed to free radicals through chemicals, pollution and of course UV radiation.
- It is safe for most skin types and can be used with both retinols and hyaluronic acid.
- It can both hydrate and brighten your skin.
- Vitamin C can reduce redness and help fade hyperpigmentation.
- It reduces the appearance of under eye circles
- It promotes collagen and may help prevent skin sagging and also protects against sun damage.
Vitamin C Products To Try:
I have not used a vitamin C product before, but after researching it, I want to start! The serum below by Skin Ceuticals, was on the top on many lists I looked at. It also contains Vitamin E, which is key. Continue reading to see the benefits of vitamin E, especially when used in combination with vitamin C.
Vitamin E Serums
Vitamin E is the name given to a family of oil-soluble antioxidants. Used topically, It assists in various kinds of cellular restoration from sun damage to healing support for scars or burns. Like Vitamin C, it is also an anti-oxidant and helps to fight free radicals. Vitamin E is usually not advisable for supersensitive or very oily skin.
There are two different ways that you can use vitamin E on skin — you can apply pure vitamin E oil to your face, or you can use a product that’s formulated with the ingredient (look for tocopherol or alpha-tocopherol in the ingredients) Products containing vitamin E may be the best bet for anyone hoping to add the ingredient to their routine.
Ceramides
Ceramides are made-up of long-chain fatty acids that link with other important molecules to promote cellular function. They help create a barrier to prevent permeability. This locks moisture into your skin which, in turn, helps prevent dryness and irritation. It may also protect your skin from environmental damage and pollution.
What can ceramides do for you?
- Restore the skin barrier: A loss of ceramides can affect the protective barrier of the skin and allow bacteria to enter through tiny cracks and cause irritation.
- Lock in moisture: A healthy skin barrier seals in moisture in and prevents dry skin.
- Protect the skin: Ceramides work to protect the skin against environmental factors and pollution.
- Reduce visible signs of aging
- Help with inflammatory skin conditions. Dehydrated skin can put you at risk for inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, acne, and psoriasis.
- Soften and smooth the skin: Restoring moisture in the skin can improve the overall look and feel.
Ceramide products to try:
What order should I use these products?
You want to apply skincare products in order of their “thickness” (viscosity), to be sure that they will penetrate the skin. You should start with the products lower viscosity first, allow to dry, then apply the next layer. If you apply products in the wrong order, it may stop the product from being absorbed into your skin. The higher the viscosity , the more likely it will inhibit the penetration of other products.
Here is a recommended order of application: serums first, then gels, then lotions, then creams, then ointments. If you use toner, do that right after cleansing and you should consider it the last step of washing your face.
What age should I start using these products?
Believe it or not, the aging process on our skin starts by age 21, with noticeable signs appearing after age 30. So most things I read suggest to start using these products by around age 25.
How to Store These Products
Skincare with retinol should be stored in a dark and cool place away from heat and sun exposure. It can also be stored in the fridge which may extend its lifespan. I actually bought a “beauty fridge” for Jen last Christmas and she loves it. Refrigerating retinols and other vitamin A derivatives can extend their shelf life and prevent accidental heat and light exposure.
Ceramides also need special care and storage. The best way to store ceramides is in an airtight bottle to protect the cream from the air and possible contaminants. When buying a ceramide product, look for one in an opaque bottle with a pump dispenser to protect the contents from light and air. This is one of the reasons I like the Elizabeth Arden ceramide product. Each capsule is an individual dosage that stays airtight.
Here are a few beauty fridges that you can consider to keep your products properly stored. They also make great gifts.
Do you understand more about retinol vs. hyaluronic acid? Let me know in the comments below. If you’d like to learn more about my makeup routine, click on the link below:
