Why you should use retinol and hyaluronic acid together

Retinol and hyaluronic acid are essential components in anti-aging products, working within the skin to improve tone and elasticity, and combat wrinkles. Derived from vitamin A, retinol supports cell renewal, whilst hyaluronic acid—a product our body naturally produces already—contributes to keeping tissues toned and elastic. They can be incorporated into a daily skincare routine together or used separately for a specific treatment.

What are the benefits of retinol?

Retinol is an essential ingredient for an effective anti-wrinkle treatment. It is a derivative of vitamin A, which promotes processes of cell renewal in the skin, making the skin firmer and more elastic. If you're looking for an anti-wrinkle cream, the Biotherm experts would recommend the Blue Pro-Retinol Multi-Correct Cream. Its formula has been designed to have a multi-corrective effect on wrinkles, fine lines, skin texture and tone. With 92% natural ingredients, the cream owes its effectiveness to the presence of Pro-Retinol (a stable retinol derivative), which stimulates cell renewal, and nourishing and regenerative Blue Algae extract, which acts in bio-affinity with the skin. Suitable for daily use, the cream has a lifting effect that hydrates skin and leaves it feeling and looking soft and smooth.

What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid?

Naturally produced in the body, hyaluronic acid keeps tissues soft and elastic. The Aquasource Hyalu Plump Gel is a moisturising gel cream, formulated to treat even the most dehydrated skin. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, it plumps the skin and provides 48 hours of intense hydration in just a single application. This powerful nutrient is combined with Biotech Plankton™ probiotic extract, a key Biotherm ingredient that improves skin renewal, creating a smoother and softer appearance. For daily application, Aquasource Hyalu Plump Gel makes the skin visibly plumped, hydrated and radiant, perfect for even the most dehydrated skin.

Essential ingredients for an effective anti-aging skincare routine, retinol and hyaluronic acid are the stars of the Biotherm anti-aging ranges, designed especially to plump, smooth and intensely hydrate every skin type.

Why should you use retinol and hyaluronic acid together?

While retinol and hyaluronic acid are both excellent skincare ingredients for anti-aging, they serve different purposes. You should use both products that contain retinol and products that contain hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine for the most youthful-looking complexion.

Retinol is effective at reducing fine lines and wrinkles, as well as dark spots caused by sun damage. It requires consistent use over a few weeks before you start to see results. It doesn’t hydrate the skin – in fact, it may cause skin dryness.

That’s where adding hyaluronic acid is beneficial. Hyaluronic acid doesn’t have active ingredients that directly reduce the signs of aging, but it is an excellent hydration booster. It also works in the short-term, so your skin will be immediately more hydrated after one use.

Adding both retinol-based and hyaluronic-based skincare products into your routine will ensure that your skin is hydrated and is being actively treated for the signs of aging at the same time.

How to build an anti-aging skincare routine with retinol and hyaluronic acid

Building an effective anti-aging skincare routine with both retinol and hyaluronic acid will give you youthful-looking skin faster.

It’s important that you layer these products in the correct order to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Retinol-based products are best applied at night for two reasons – it may cause temporary irritation to the skin and it also increases your skin’s sensitivity to sun exposure.

Products with hyaluronic acid can be applied day or night to boost hydration levels. They must be applied after your retinol-based products so that it doesn’t affect the retinol’s ability to soak into your skin and work its magic.

Here is a sample evening anti-aging skincare routine that includes both retinol and hyaluronic acid:

Remove makeup first with micellar water or cleanser. Then gently cleanse your bare skin with a gentle cleanser to remove makeup and impurities.
Pat your skin completely dry. Then apply a retinol or pro-retinol serum and allow it to soak into your skin completely.
Finish your skincare routine with either a hydrating hyaluronic acid serum or a cream with hyaluronic acid. If you want to double up on the retinol, you can use a night cream that contains a retinol or a derivative of it.