How Do I Use Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C Serum? Which Goes on First?

Question

I started hyaluronic acid in the A.M., which also has vitamin C. After reading about C, I wonder if a C serum would be helpful as well, but am not sure how to use it.

Dana Goldberg, MD · Answer

Serums are generally applied before moisturizers and creams. If you choose to combine these products, apply the vitamin C serum first then apply the hyaluronic acid over top. The vitamin C will help your skin as an anti-oxidant (which means it can smooth and brighten), and the hyaluronic acid will help plump to make the appearance of wrinkles less noticeable. If you have any further questions about what may be helpful for your skin, I recommend seeing an aesthetician, Dermatologist, or Plastic Surgeon for prescription strength product recommendations.

Laura Ellis, MD · Answer

Vitamin C serum is one of the best at-home skin care treatments. It protects your skin from the destructive action of free radicals. 1. Cleanse with a non-soap cleanser, then 2. Apply Vitamin C serum, then3. Moisturize.4. Use a physical sunscreen (zinc and/or titanium) as your last step, EVERY DAY. Don't forget your neck, ears and chest.5. You may apply makeup after sunscreen if you like

Robert W. Sheffield, MD · Answer

Moisturizer should be the last step of your daily skincare routine; use your Vitamin C as part of your morning routine followed by your moisturizer but don’t forget you also need to apply SPF daily, even during winter or cloudy days. While hyaluronic acid can be mixed with all the ingredients in other products, Vitamin C cannot do it. Some ingredients can affect Vitamin C pH and decrease efficacy or even irritating. Make sure you review all your products; some of them already come with instructions and interactions.

Mirjana Janjic, MD · Answer

Hi,Thank you for the question on the use of Vitamin C as part of your skincare protocol. If you are using C-Bright Vitamin C serum form ZO Skin Health, this should always be the first product that you apply on the skin after cleansing.You can then follow up with your other prescribed ZO treatment products.
Best Wishes,
Dr Mirjana Janjic

Smita R. Ramanadham, MD, FACS · Answer

There are a few things to consider when discussing skin care.  First, a sunscreen should be used daily, rain or shine, indoors or outdoors. I tell my patients, if you do anything, do this!  Next, depending on your age, a retinol or vitamin A product should be considered. This will prevent fine lines from forming and can unclog pores resulting in less acne. Antioxidants, such as Vit C, can be applied as well.  While different lines of products have different regimens and protocols it does not necessarily matter when it is applied. Generally, you want to apply the thinner substances first followed by the thicker ones, and end with your sunscreen and makeup. Hyaluronic acid (HA) creams are moisturizing and do not actually plump or fill any lines as fillers do. I would definitely place the priority on sunscreen, retinols, and antioxidants prior to an HA cream. 
I would recommend consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or ENT facial plastic surgeon to further discuss your options. They can better address your specific skin concerns and provide effective treatment regimens.

Medical Relations - SkinCeuticals · Answer

We suggest L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to be applied in the morning and followed by a broad spectrum sunscreen as it helps protect the skin from harsh environmental aggressors and fights against free radicals that you may encounter throughout the course of the day. According to the Duke Antioxidant patent, an effective vitamin C serum is formulated with pure L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) at an acidic pH within the 2.0-3.5 pH range and have a concentration between 10-20%. We recommend taking a look at SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, a patented daytime vitamin C serum formulated under these parameters. This vitamin C serum improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness, and brightens skin’s complexion. Follow with hyaluronic acid after application of your vitamin C. Hope this helps.

Maria Milone, MBBS · Answer

the vitamin c story is complex and vexed .Some evidence would suggest that if you vitamin c cream is at a low ph or acidity it should be separated from your other creams .This entails a discussion with your treating physician as each will have their own or preferred formulation

Ariel Ostad, MD · Answer

We always recommend to apply your product from thinnest solution to the thickest. In this case, the Vitamin C serum would be applied first, then the hyaluronic acid layered on top. You may also alternate, using hyaluronic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning. It is important to consult with a board certified dermatologist for optimal care. Best of luck!

Daniel Man, MD · Answer

both of these products exist in our body but in s different form. These both can be used seperatley or together. 
Make sure you start slowly with one for a while , a week or 10 days, before you go to use the other.  
Good luck to you and read more about both
Good choice!

Caren Campbell, MD · Answer

I encourage my patients to use their antioxidant serum in the morning.  Antioxidants, particularly Vitamin C and E help sunscreen to work more effectively.  Therefore, I would encourage you to cleanse your face in the morning, apply 5-6 drops of a combination antioxidant like Skinceauticals C E Ferrulic and then apply your hyaluronic acid.  Additionally, you should then be applying a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher or a daily facial moisturizer with a broad spectrum sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher.  For nighttime, I would cleanse the skin again, begin the use of an appropriate retinoid.  You could then moisturize with your hyaluronic acid and a good nighttime moisturizer.  Different patients need different sunscreens, retinoids, and moisturizers.  I would consult with a board certified dermatologist to collaborate on the most appropriate skin care routine for your skin.

How Do I Use Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C Serum? Which Goes on First?

Answers (16)

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