Beauty

The duo dermatologists dub a power couple.

According to dermatologists, theyre a power couple when used together.

They work together synergistically in achieving healthier skin, saysDr.

Here’s how to use hyaluronic acid and retinol together for healthier, glowier skin.

Daniel Sugai, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in Seattle, Washington and dermatologist expert forDermaGEEK.

Hyaluronic acid can soothe and hydrate the skinwhile your topical retinoid can be quite drying and irritating for some.

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Pai Back to Life Hydration Serum

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

It can hold 1,000 times its weight in water andhelps to keep the skin hydrated, saysDr.

Hadley King, M.D., a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist.

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In other words: Its a key component of the deep layers of your skin.

What Is Retinol?

Retinols can also decrease discolorationandincrease collagen production, says King.

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And thats where hyaluronic acid comes in.

Corey L. Hartman, M.D., founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.Dr.

Alicia Zalka, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Surface Deep, echoes this.

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HA offers intense moisturization and can reduce the dry and peeling side effects of retinol, she tells Bustle.

Certain skin types will actually be better off using hyaluronic acid with retinol.

Hyaluronic Acid Before Or After Retinol?

Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform

Generally, the consensus is to apply hyaluronic acid before your retinol product.

HA allows the retinol to be applied without the dryness that can accompany normal retinol use, Hartman explains.

You should also follow theskin care routine orderrule of thumb: Apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency.

Universal Pro-Retinol

Then comes your retinol just be sure to seal it in.

After a retinol, use a moisturizer that contains humectants, emollients, and occlusives, says King.

And that will conclude your skin-boosting sandwich.

Studies referenced:

Babamiri, K. (2010).

Cosmeceuticals: The Evidence Behind the Retinoids.

Volume 30, Issue 1, January 2010, Pages 7477,https://doi.org/10.1177/1090820X09360704

Leyden, J.

Why Topical Retinoids Are Mainstay of Therapy for Acne.

Dermatol Ther.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5574737/

Li, W-H. (2017).

Arch Dermatol Res.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28247017/

Mukherjee, S. (2006).

Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety.

Clin Interv Aging.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699641/

Papakonstantinou, E. (2012).

Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging.

DermatoEndocrinology.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583886/

Thierry, O.

Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications.