Hyaluronic acid and retinol are those ingredients that you know are excellent for the skin, even if you're new to skincare. But is it possible to use them together? Yes, it is possible, and here are the reasons why dermatologists recommend it:

Retinol

Retinol is a type of vitamin A that converts into its active form, retinoic acid when the skin absorbs it. It's a trendy skin care ingredient since it's excellent for treating a wide variety of skin issues as it's clinically proven to change the skin on a cellular level. 

The primary feature of retinol is that it stimulates the growth of new skin cells. Other benefits include:

• Increases collagen production
• Fades acne scarring
• Removes dead skin cells to unclog pores and heal acne
• Improves skin tone as it reduces pigmentation
• It prevents the appearance of ageing signs such as fine lines and wrinkles 

But retinol can cause skin irritation, especially in those people who start applying it. When misused, it can weaken the skin barrier making the skin unhealthy. The most common adverse side effects are skin peeling, dryness, and redness. 

Fortunately, you can prevent these issues with proper usage. 

We recommend starting slowly. Apply retinol once or twice a week and gradually increase the dosage. When using retinol, it's imperative to protect the skin from UV rays by using a high-quality sunscreen like BEAUTY OF JOSEON Relief Sun every day. 

BEAUTY OF JOSEON Relief Sun provides SPF50+ PA++++, and it's enriched with 30% rice extract and grain-derived probiotics. A potent sunscreen with nourishing ingredients. 

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in skin and connective tissues. It's a top-quality ingredient due to its powerful moisturizing features as it drags and connects to water molecules. 

In simple words, hyaluronic acid is terrific for hydrating your skin. Dermatologists consider this substance an outstanding skincare product. It works by locking in moisture and layering fine lines and wrinkles, leaving the skin softer and radiant. 

Other beauty benefits include:

• Boosts collagen production
• Improves skin elasticity
• It offers rejuvenating effects on the skin
• Reduces inflammation and redness
• Stops bacteria from growing

Even though hyaluronic acid is naturally present in all body parts, it is the skin where most of this substance is found. 

Unfortunately, as we age, our bodies produce less hyaluronic acid. This leads to dehydrated and irritated skin with more noticeable fine lines and pores. 

Should I Use Retinol or Hyaluronic Acid?

Fortunately, it's possible to use retinol and hyaluronic acid together. Medical studies have shown that applying these ingredients together doesn't cause any adverse side effects. 

Dermatologists widely recommend the combination of hyaluronic acid and retinol to stop and reverse ageing signs. 

Retinol can cause dryness, redness, irritation, and skin flaking, so applying hyaluronic acid products can minimize or prevent these annoying side effects. 

We recommend applying the retinoid first and then the hyaluronic acid. You should wait approximately 20 minutes before applying your hyaluronic products. The key is to allow the retinoid to be entirely absorbed by the skin. 

Our Favorite Hyaluronic Acid Products

ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Gel Cream

This gel cream contains five types of hyaluronic acid. It provides moisture and strengthens the skin's barrier. Use it daily as your preferred moisturising cream. 

Use it in combination with ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Water Essence for optimal results.

COSRX Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule

The Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule is enriched with pro vitamin B5. It delivers intense hydration, perfect for dry skin. The formula contains three types of hyaluronic acid and is quickly absorbed by the skin. 

MIZON Hyaluronic Acid 100

It is one of the best skincare products for hydrating, wrinkle care, and firming as it combats moisture loss. 

The MIZON Hyaluronic Acid 100 contains 50% hyaluronic acid, ceramide, and raspberry extract. It's free of harmful ingredients, including artificial pigments, parabens, and fragrances. 

HARUHARU WONDER Black Rice Hyaluronic Acid

It's the perfect antioxidant-rich tone to keep the skin's natural balance. The HARUHARU WONDER Black Rice Hyaluronic Acid formula provides the ideal ingredients to keep the skin looking healthy and young. It provides intensive hydration to dehydrated skin. 

PYUNKANG YUL Black Tea Time Reverse Eye Cream

PYUNKANG YUL Black Tea Time Reverse Eye Cream is a top-quality skincare product to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines around the eye area. It contains the perfect ingredients to prevent puffy eyes and dark under-eye bags.