Hyaluronic acid and retinol: an effective combination for acne and anti-aging

Table of Content:
Retinol Benefits & Side-effects | Retinization | Can Hyaluronic Acid help with Retinization? | Hyaluronic Acid Benefits | FAQ with Dr. Fernandez | Can I use them together? | Can I use them if pregnant? | Should I apply a moisturizer? | What other ingredients can I combine with these?

Retinol and hyaluronic acid can be considered as the ultimate duo in skin care. Combined, they have a synergistic effect, making it easier to reap the benefits of retinol without suffering any of the usual dryness thanks to the moisture boost from hyaluronic acid.

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative called retinoid and an attractive option for individuals who want to reduce acne breakouts and combat anti-aging^[1].

Retinoids, such as retinol and tretinoin, are the only FDA-approved ingredients on the market for acne and anti-aging due to their exceptional retexturizing and smoothing qualities^[2].

Unfortunately, using retinoids (retinol) usually brings some undesired side effects such as redness, itchiness, peeling, and excessive dryness^[3] — the so-called retinization.

Besides, when skin begins to age it displays signs of wrinkles, pigmentation, texture changes such as loss of elasticity and moisture, all resulting in loss of firmness finally leading to skin sagging^[4].

Youthful-looking skin requires a high content of water^[5]. This is where hyaluronic acid (HA) comes in handy. HA is a substance naturally present in the skin, however, its levels decline with age resulting in a decrease in skin moisture, which may contribute to loss of firmness^[6]. hyaluronic acid has the capability to retain up to 1000 times its weight in water^[7].

Research shows that topically applied hyaluronic acid reduces wrinkles and helps retain a youthful appearance on the skin^[8].

What is retinol?

Retinol is known to be very beneficial for the skin. It stimulates collagen production, decreases inflammation, and promotes skin cell turnover^[9] , which is why it is often used as an acne self-care product ^[10].

Benefits retinol

1. Increases collagen production
2. Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
3. Improves skin tone and skin texture
4. Reduces hyperpigmentation, lightening dark spots
5. Minimizes pores

Side effects of retinol

While Retinol is very popular, some side effects are associated with its use. Start with the lowest concentration and avoid direct sun exposure to mitigate these side effects.

• Skin irritation and reddening
• Burning sensation
• Dry, flaky, and peeling skin
• Acne breakouts
• Sunburn^[11]

What is retinization?

Retinol irritation —or retinization — may occur when you first introduce retinol to your skincare routine. 

The typical symptoms of Retinization include painful irritation, redness, a burning sensation, extremely dry skin, peeling or discoloration, and flaking^[12]. The use of retinol, tretinoin or other retinoids may also cause the so-called tretinoin purge, which is an increased amount of acne breakouts during the first weeks of treatment.

Can hyaluronic acid help heal retinol irritation?

The first step in treating retinol irritation is to stop using retinol for a few days while the irritation persists.

The next step is to apply hyaluronic acid and a gentle, hypoallergenic moisturizer to hydrate and seal moisture so your skin can heal. This combination will relieve the burning sensation, flaking, and dryness.

The retinol irritation will stop appearing when your skin gets used to the retinol. 

To prevent this irritation, begin using a product with low concentration —such as 0.025% or 0.03% — and apply it a few times per week at night. While using retinol, also remember to apply hyaluronic acid, a moisturizer, and sunscreen with SPF 50.

As your skin becomes less sensitive to retinol, you can increase its use every other day and then daily. Once your skin can tolerate this, you can get a retinol serum with a higher concentration, such as 0.05%, and start the adjustment process.  

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid — also known as hyaluronan or hyaluronate — is a substance produced naturally in the body, especially in the eyes, joints, and skin^[13]. It acts as a lubricant and cushion in the skin, joints, and other tissues^[14].

Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally present in the skin; however, the aging process and exposure to UV rays, pollution, and tobacco smoke decrease its amounts in the body^[15].

Hyaluronic acid plays a vital role in skin health and wound healing as an anti-aging agent, preventing joint pain, preserving bone strength, and relieving dry eyes^{[16] [17].}

Benefits of hyaluronic acid

When applied to the skin, hyaluronic acid also has many benefits.

1. Keeps skin moisturized and hydrated
2. It gives the appearance of a more youthful skin
3. Stimulates skin cell regeneration
4. Reduces premature signs of aging due to the environment
5.  Reduces skin pigmentation

Hyaluronic acid benefits for the skin

1.     Keeps skin moisturized and hydrated

Healthy and youthful-looking skin requires a high content of water^[18] but as skin ages, it becomes dry and needs proper treatment to rehydrate. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its molecular weight in water^[19].

Hyaluronic acid also helps soften the skin’s texture, resulting in a silky smooth finish you can see and feel.

2.     It gives the appearance of a more youthful skin

Hyaluronic acid helps fill the skin with moisture giving the appearance of tightness, and firmer facial contours, reducing the visibility of fine lines by creating a plumping effect — for a more youthful appearance^[20].

3.     Stimulates skin cell regeneration

Hyaluronic acid promotes skin cell regeneration by keeping skin hydrated and moisturized, which helps maintain the skin’s outer barrier to protect it^[21]. This naturally leads to healthier skin and a more vibrant complexion.

4.     Reduces premature signs of aging due to environmental factors

The skin consists of three layers of cells:  epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, which protect your body^[22]. Inside these skin layers, there are keratin and natural moisturizers^[23].

The lipid membrane of the skin cells contains:

• Cholesterol
• Fatty acids
• Ceramides^[24]

The skin barrier is essential for overall health and needs to be protected to help your body function properly. Without these protective layers, environmental toxins and pathogens could penetrate your skin^[25].

Besides, people with acne-prone skin tend to use ingredients to reduce sebum which means the skin can become overly dry and more sensitive towards the environment. Applying hyaluronic acid will help the skin remain hydrated and moisturized and more tolerant to environmental factors^[26].

Consider switching to tretinoin if you’ve tried retinol but weren’t satisfied with the results. You must consult a doctor before ordering tretinoin because it is only accessible with a prescription.

Even if retinoids can make your skin slightly sun sensitive, you don’t have to stop using them during summer, but avoid using retinoids if you have broken skin, a sunburn, or skin irritation. Always use sunscreen on your face with SPF 50 while using retinol or tretinoin, and wear a hat and sun-protective clothing to reduce your exposure to the sun.  Your risk of burning from a retinoid is low as long as you use sunscreen every day and re-apply when outdoors.

FAQ about retinol and hyaluronic acid

Can I use retinol and hyaluronic acid together?

Hyaluronic acid and retinol, in contrast to many other skin care components, can be combined in the same skincare regimen. Not only that, but combining them is recommended by dermatologists because it can minimize negative effects that frequently accompany retinol use.

Can I use retinol and hyaluronic acid if I am pregnant or nursing?

Women who wish to become pregnant or are pregnant or nursing should avoid using any type of retinoids, including retinol, due to the suspected teratogenic effects.

On the other hand, the use of hyaluronic acid during pregnancy is considered safe.  

Should I use hyaluronic acid before or after retinol?

Experts advise that individuals apply retinol first, then wait at least 30 minutes before applying hyaluronic acid. Retinol should be absorbed into your skin first and then use hyaluronic acid to hydrate and moisturize your skin in order to better tolerate the irritation caused by retinol. 

Should I apply a moisturizer before retinol?

Yes. Apply a moisturizer, wait a few minutes and then apply retinol. It will help prevent irritation in your skin.

Besides, applying retinol will make the skin more sensitive to sunlight which is why you should always apply sunscreen with a very high SPF factor every morning. 

What ingredients should be combined with retinol?

Ceramides are lipids already present in our bodies that help to preserve the skin barrier and keep the skin hydrated. Using a moisturizer with ceramides helps restore the skin’s outer layer.

SPF 50 Using SPF with retinol is something you are always advised to do by healthcare professionals. 

What ingredients should not be combined with retinol?

Vitamin C should not be used at the same time as retinol. It should be used in the morning before applying sunscreen and retinol should be applied at night. 

Applying these ingredients at the same time could result in an over-exfoliation which increases the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. 

Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid) and Beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid). If you are also using these ingredients in your skin care routine, alternate them with retinol on different days to avoid irritating your skin. Read more about lactic acid vs. glycolic acid.

What ingredients can be combined with hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid can also be used in combination with Clindamycin gel and Tretinoin when treating acne because it helps moisturize the skin. 

Hyaluronic acid can be combined with almost all other skin care ingredients because it helps to hydrate, plump, and protect the skin.

Conclusion

Unlike many other skincare ingredients, retinol and hyaluronic acid seems to be a match made in heaven and should be used as part of the same skincare routine. Using them together will help you prevent or reduce the severity of retinol irritation. This is especially necessary for individuals with sensitive skin or those following a skincare routine for acne.

---

PATIENT EDUCATION

Acne medicines: What is the difference?

Reviewed by dermatologists

• Altreno vs tretinoin
• Winlevi vs spironolactone
• Tretinoin vs retinol for acne
• Winlevi and tretinoin
• Azelaic acid and tretinoin
• Doxycycline hyclate vs monohydrate
• Adapalene vs tretinoin
• Tazarotene vs tretinoin
• Trifarotene vs tretinoin
• Epiduo vs Epiduo Forte
• Minocycline vs doxycycline

---

Article References:

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23293-retinol
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6791161/
3. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/021108s015lbl.pdf
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28247017/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583886/
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28247017/
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2778417/#
8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28247017/
9. https://www.centerforsurgicaldermatology.com/benefits-of-retiniods/
10. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23293-retinol
11. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23293-retinol
12. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/021108s015lbl.pdf
13. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22915-hyaluronic-acid#
14. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1062/hyaluronic-acid
15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19808648/
16. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1062/hyaluronic-acid
17. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hyaluronic-acid-benefits
18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583886/
19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7570474/
20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7570474/
21. https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/wounds/article/hyaluronic-acid-inflammation-and-tissue-regeneration
22. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10978-skin
23. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4457502/
24. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4457502/
25. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5967208/
26. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583886/