Retinol or hyaluronic acid: which should I use?

What does each one do?

Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule, an unusually calm resume for an ingredient with the word acid in its name.1

Can I use retinol and hyaluronic acid together?

Yes. Hyaluronic acid supports hydration while retinol supports renewal. Applying hyaluronic acid before retinol can help skin tolerate retinol, so the ingredients can share a routine without being mixed into one product.34

Do I apply hyaluronic acid before retinol?

1. 1Apply hyaluronic acid serum to damp skin after cleansing. You can use it in the morning, evening, or both.
2. 2If you use retinol too, apply hyaluronic acid first and retinol second. Use retinol at night, then apply moisturizer last.
3. 3Start retinol every other night, then gradually work up to nightly use.
4. 4Wear sunscreen every day while using retinol.

Is hyaluronic acid better than retinol for fine lines?

For mild softening and a fuller look, hyaluronic acid can help within about a week. Retinol takes longer: wrinkle improvements can take three to six months, and the best results can take six to twelve months. Retinol takes months to show wrinkle changes, which makes it a poor fit for a same day product demonstration.24

What should I stop for?

Retinol can irritate skin, especially with sunlight, so use it at night and wear sunscreen during the day. If irritation or contact dermatitis develops, stop using the product and make an appointment with a dermatologist.5