Do I use hyaluronic acid before or after retinol?

Either buffer with moisturizer before retinoid (sandwich) or apply HA earlier; aim to reduce irritation while maintaining results.

Can I layer vitamin C and hyaluronic acid?

Yes—use vitamin C first, then hyaluronic acid for extra hydration.

How often should I use retinol?

Start 2–3× per week and increase slowly as tolerated. Always use sunscreen daily.

What if my skin flakes or burns?

Pause retinoid, moisturize generously, avoid other actives, then reintroduce slowly. Consult a dermatologist if irritation persists or is severe.

Layer Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid & Retinol Safely

AM: Cleanser → vitamin C → (optional) hyaluronic acid → moisturizer → sunscreen.

PM (start 2–3×/week): Cleanser → (optional) moisturizer → retinol/tretinoin → moisturizer. Use hyaluronic acid to boost hydration and buffer dryness; avoid layering other strong acids with retinoids.

Why order matters

Sequencing reduces irritation and helps each active perform optimally. Keep routines simple, apply treatments on clean skin, moisturize appropriately, and finish with daily sunscreen.

The Ideal AM Routine (with Vitamin C)

1) Cleanser – Gentle, non-stripping. Pat dry.

2) Vitamin C serum – Antioxidant protection for daytime; apply to dry skin.

3) Hyaluronic acid (optional) – Layer if extra hydration is needed; HA pairs well with most ingredients.

4) Moisturizer – Locks in hydration.

5) Broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) – Non-negotiable every morning.

Tip: Avoid combining vitamin C with exfoliating acids in the same AM routine if you’re prone to stinging.

The Ideal PM Routine (with Retinol/Tretinoin)

Start low and slow (2–3×/week) to build tolerance.

1) Cleanser – Ensure skin is fully dry before retinoids (damp skin increases penetration/irritation).

2) Moisturizer (optional pre-layer) – If sensitive, apply a thin layer first (the “sandwich method”).

3) Retinol/Tretinoin – Pea-sized amount for the whole face; avoid corners of nose/mouth and under-eye crease. Increase frequency gradually.

4) Moisturizer – Prefer ceramides/glycerin/HA-rich formulas to offset dryness.

Hyaluronic acid placement: Use an HA serum after cleansing on slightly damp skin before moisturizer, or rely on HA inside your moisturizer—choose the option that causes less irritation.

Can you use Vitamin C and Retinol together?

Yes, but the common approach is vitamin C in the morning and retinoid at night to minimize irritation and preserve performance. If using both daily, split AM/PM.

What not to mix with Retinoids (when you’re new)

• Strong acids (AHAs/BHAs) in the same routine – alternate on off-nights.

• Benzoyl peroxide with tretinoin – may be irritating or reduce effectiveness depending on formulation; separate by time/day as advised.

Simple Routines by Skin Type

Oily/Acne-prone

AM: Cleanser → Vitamin C → lightweight HA (optional) → gel moisturizer → SPF.

PM (2–3×/week): Cleanser → retinoid → gel moisturizer. Off-nights: HA or niacinamide for barrier support.

Dry/Sensitive

AM: Creamy cleanser → gentle vitamin C → moisturizer → SPF.

PM (start 2×/week): Cleanser → moisturizer → retinoid → moisturizer (sandwich). Off-nights: HA serum on damp skin + rich moisturizer.

Pigmentation-focused

AM: Vitamin C consistently; daily SPF is critical.

PM: Retinoid to support turnover; add azelaic acid or niacinamide on off-nights (not with retinoid the same night).

Product & Category Pointers (internal)

• Vitamin C serums – thoroughbeauty.com/category/vitamin-c-serums

• Hyaluronic Acid serums – thoroughbeauty.com/category/hyaluronic-acid-serums

• Mineral Sunscreens – thoroughbeauty.com/category/mineral-sunscreen

How to Layer Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid & Retinol (Without Irritation)