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

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. 

Vit C, along  with vitamins A and E, is a great addition to any skincare regime. I often prescribe it with a brightener for pigmentary problems and to reduce redness. The way the product is formulated and delivered is very important as deactivated vitamin C will not do much good.My preference is C Bright from ZO Medical.As for topical Hyaluronic Acid, I do not know of any preparation that will effectively deliver HA to the deeper layer of the skin, the dermis. Dermal filler in a bottle is not here yet as far as I  know.

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

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.

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