Why Each Ingredient Works Individually
“[Hyaluronic acid is] an effective moisturizer because it can hold one thousand times its weight in water,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, a dermatologist practicing at Shafer Clinic in New York. It binds [with] water to pull it into the skin outer skin layer,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s Department of Dermatology. Although hyaluronic acid injections are more effective than creams or serums, research suggests that applying hyaluronic acid to the face may help: moisturize skin
decrease the appearance of wrinkles
enhance skin firmness and elasticity
repair and regenerate skin Hyaluronic acid creams may be particularly helpful as skin ages, especially as the levels of hyaluronic acid in the skin drop with age.
“Skin loses water and moisture as we age, and this ingredient will help store hydration. The result is a softer, plumper, and even skin tone. It can improve fine lines and wrinkles as well,” Engelman says.
Vitamin C Vitamin C is an antioxidant that’s naturally present in high levels in the skin. It helps protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) sun and other environmental damage. Studies suggest that skin exposed to high levels of UV light tends to have lower levels of vitamin C. “Vitamin C is perhaps the best-studied antioxidant we have available for topical application,” says Zeichner.
Why They Go Together
There’s one more reason the ingredients are often paired: “Too much vitamin C can be irritating, trigger dryness, and even cause acne breakouts in certain skin types,” says Engelman. Science suggests that both hyaluronic acid and vitamin C help moisturize skin, even out redness and discoloration, and reduce signs of aging. A 2020 randomized controlled trial involving 50 women found that, compared to a placebo, applying a 20 percent vitamin C serum daily for two months improved skin color, elasticity, and radiance while reducing wrinkles.
A 2002 double-blind study found that using a 10 percent vitamin C serum daily for 12 weeks improved skin hydration, reduced signs of photoaging, and supported new collagen formation (as measured with a biopsy of skin cells from the cheeks). Potential Risks There aren’t any risks when pairing these ingredients together.
Looks Like You’Re Not In The United States
One study on a serum made with L-ascorbic acid and hyaluronic acid found that the formula visibly reduced wrinkles, improved skin brightness, and left participants with more hydrated skin.I These impressive benefits are why we combine hyaluronic acid and vitamin C in our Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing collection.
The line also includes Powerful-Strength Dark Circle Reducing Vitamin C Eye Serum, which has earned a fan in celebrity aesthetician Shamara Bondaroff. She shares, “I am a huge fan of vitamin C, not only ingesting it but using it topically because it’s an antioxidant.” Hyaluronic acid also earns points in her book, thanks to its ability to take away the look of dryness and make skin appear plumper. The benefits she calls out shine in our gentle eye creams, which are clinically proven to help decrease the appearance of lines, crow’s feet, and dark under-eye circles.
2. Am Or Pm? For Hyaluronic Acid, Maybe Even Both
As with any new ingredient you apply to your skin, you should be sure you don’t have any allergic or otherwise negative reactions. Especially if you’re one of those sensitive skin types, or simply have dehydrated skin or dry skin. You’re sure to see even more remarkable results.
But don’t get greedy or be too tempted to add another application in there.