Skincare can sometimes feel like it’s a bit of a dark art. With the lofty and clinical words used to describe the wide variety of cutting-edge products on the market today, the average consumer often doesn’t know quite where to start – and why should they?
Looking after your skin needn’t feel like sorcery – which is exactly why this article is going to break down two of the most important skincare ingredients in beauty today: hyaluronic acid and retinol.
Alone, each of these ingredients poses incredible potential for the betterment of your skin; together, they’re a dynamic duo. Shall we find out why and how?
Understanding Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol
Let’s start with hyaluronic acid. To save you the most oppressive of the scientific jargon, hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in our joints, eyes, connective tissue and our skin.
The body uses it to enhance cushioning and lubrication around joints – but we can use it for more. Hyaluronic acid is what is known as a humectant, which means it’s capable of drawing and retaining moisture.
It’s extremely effective at doing this, being able to retain over one thousand times its own weight in water – hence, it’s a highly viable ingredient for moisturizing skincare products.
Retinol, meanwhile, is a little bit more recognizable by another name: Vitamin A. Vitamin A is a vital mineral for a great many bodily processes including eyesight – but for our purposes, a powerful skincare ingredient.
This is because retinol is, effectively, a collagen-stimulating, skin cell renewal agent. Judicious application as part of a retinol cream enables you to refresh your skin through smoothing lines, reducing acne and shrinking pores (amongst other things).
Why Pair These Ingredients in Your Skincare Routine?
Each of these ingredients couldn’t be more different from one another – so why pair them at all? Well, their differences are exactly their strengths.
Retinol is an active ingredient that gets to work neutralizing free radicals in your skin; this process can take a toll on the skin if you’re not overly careful with your application; even at the best of times retinol is notorious for drying the skin in the early stages of application.
Hyaluronic acid, then, is a powerful friend for retinol, in that it can help restore both hydration levels and your skin barrier. This easy synergy is a net benefit for firmer, smoother skin.
Also Read: The Unlimited Benefits of Coconut Oil in Curing Crepey Skin
How to Use Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol Together Safely
So how do you use these wonder products as part of a skincare routine? Retinol being quite an aggressive skincare ingredient, you should start slow with it; use a retinol cream twice a week at first, then up it to every other day at maximum.
Apply your hyaluronic acid serum after you’ve applied your retinol, in order to ensure your skin doesn’t dry up in the immediate aftermath. All of this should happen at least half an hour after the cleansing stage of your daily skincare routine, too!
