"I use and recommend a vitamin C serum daily because it boosts collagen synthesis, reduces hyperpigmentation, brightens skin, and acts as an anti-inflammatory," says Dr. Sejal Shah, a dermatologic surgeon. She adds that she alternates between the brand's C-Esta and Revision Vitamin C 30 Percent Lotion.
The brand: You don't need to spend tons of money for effective products that derms love; Neutrogena is touted as the number one dermatologist-recommend skincare product and you can find it at the drugstore.
For a more affordable option, two of our dermatologists recommended Drunk Elephant's C-Firma Day Serum. Because it contains a similar formula to the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, you get all the skin-brightening benefits at “half the cost,” according to Dr.
Just like retinol and broad-spectrum sunscreen, hyaluronic acid is one of the few ingredients that's recommended by most (if not all) dermatologists. The molecule—often listed as sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronan, or hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid on the ingredient list—is popular among skincare experts for a reason.
Hyaluronic acid is best if they're looking to moisturize dry skin, while retinol works better by encouraging better skin by boosting collagen production. They have several benefits that can work in tandem for better results, though patients need to be careful with the exact formulations they use.
What Are the Benefits of Combining the Two? Good news: Retinol and hyaluronic acid actually have a synergistic effect. “They can be combined so that the benefits of retinol can be achieved more easily with concomitant use of hyaluronic acid, which helps to prevent retinol irritation,” says Hartman.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant and slows the rate of free-radical damage to collagen that can contribute to dry skin, fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects and repairs your skin and can help prevent premature aging of your skin and damage to your DNA.
Find a serum that claims to do just what you need it to. - Secondly, consider your skin type. If you have oily and acne-prone skin, select a face serum with salicylic acid and retinols, as well as rosehip seed oil. For mature and dry skins, try something with hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C.
She advises looking for a hydrating serum with any of the big three ingredients, with a primary claim to quench dry and dehydrated skin. However, she notes, “most people can benefit from using a hyaluronic acid serum. A lot of serums on the market are HA-based, or include some form of it.
“I definitely recommend serums for anyone who is concerned about aging. It's a really good way to get extra anti-aging effects, more than your typical moisturizer and sunscreen,” says Dr. Waldman.
The product continues to work after it is applied, hydrating your skin all day in just one use. This system—along with our unique combination of skin-identical ceramides—helps replenish your skin's existing ceramides, relieves dry skin by reducing moisture loss, increases hydration and helps restore the skin barrier.
Dermatologist-Approved Skincare
Not only are our products developed with dermatologists, but CeraVe is the #1 dermatologist recommended skincare brand1.
The vitamin c serum that seems to last as a forever essential is SkinCeuticals' C E Ferulic serum. There's a full celebrity lineup for this famous serum, including Ashley Graham, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tracee Ellis Ross, Hailey Bieber, and Sienna Miller, per US Weekly and WhoWhatWear.
Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C Together? Not all powerful skincare ingredients can be mixed, but hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are two that become even stronger when paired with one another. These ingredients can provide both immediate and lasting results when used together in anti-aging formulations.
The main difference between Vitamin C Serum and Hyaluronic Acid Serum is the basic functionality of the compounds. Vitamin C shall protect you from skin damage, while Hyaluronic Acid Serum helps your skin retain moisture. For effective results, these both are combined to give desired results for your skin.
Good (Skin) Days C's The Day Serum
Vitamin C moisturizers are also becoming more common, Dr. Lamb says, and you'd want to use those at the end of your skin-care routine. And if you're wondering if you can use vitamin C every day, the answer is yes.
Vitamin C serum benefits
If you're wondering when to apply a vitamin C serum, the answer is both morning and night, after cleansing and toning. One study even recommends applying a vitamin C serum every eight hours, or twice daily for the pinnacle of protection.
When using hyaluronic acid and retinol, apply retinol first, then hyaluronic acid.
Niacinamide and retinol can be combined in one product, which may be easier and more convenient. But they're also available as separate products. If you're using these ingredients in separate products, it's recommended to apply niacinamide first and to then follow with retinol.
Retinoids work best if you use them daily. Specifically, they should be used at night because some types are deactivated by light and air. It's important to start slowly and allow your skin time to adjust. Using too much too quickly can cause redness, dryness, and irritation.