Bye Bye wrinkles; Retinol vs Hyaluronic Serum
Hyaluronic acid and Retinol: the ideal element to say goodbye to wrinkles
The anti-wrinkle serum has become a basic to maintain healthy and young skin, because there are many benefits it provides, and among them, assets that serve as limiters of expression lines and as rejuvenators for dull skin, and even for a lively one that wants to prevent this natural process. However, we hear every day about new serums and new ingredients, leading us to confusion and assumptions about what works and what does not.
You may know the theory behind the most powerful active ingredients of the moment, Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol, leading ingredients when in need of fighting wrinkles, but when should we use each of them, and how do we know which one works best for our skin?
So many options, but which one is for me?
The years do not pass in the same way for all skins. Skin aging is also influenced by the care we have taken over time and the lifestyle habits we practice. In some faces, it manifests itself in the form of a lack of firmness, in others with accentuated wrinkles or loss of radiance, in others with skin blemishes… Each face is different and not all need the same active ingredients.
Here’s a guide to help you understand these two powerful ingredients and help you find the one that will completely change your skin. Take note:
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid has gained renown as one of the main allies for skin care. This natural component acts as an exceptional moisturizer, bringing water to the surface layer of the skin and combating dryness. It is a versatile element found in serums, creams, and toners, and is especially useful in formulas with retinol to counteract irritation and dryness.
What is Retinol?
Retinol, a variant of vitamin A, is a key ingredient in the fight against aging. This compound promotes collagen production, visibly reducing wrinkles and fine lines. It also promotes cell renewal and accelerates the creation of new skin cells.
How are retinol and hyaluronic acid different?
While retinol should be used at night, gradually incorporated into the skincare routine, and increased in concentration, hyaluronic acid is gentle enough to be used every day because it is a naturally occurring substance in the body.
There is no need to use retinol until your mid-20s or early 30s because collagen production does not slow down until you reach your 30s. After the age of 30, collagen production naturally decreases, and we begin to notice fine lines, wrinkles, and less smooth and elastic skin, which is when we can turn to retinol for help.
Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid is a basic moisturizer suitable for all skin types, ages, and seasons. It can be used during adolescence because of its ability to regulate sebum production, which can help with oily and acne-prone skin and replenish moisture in more mature, dry skin. Like collagen, our natural levels of hyaluronic acid decrease with age, contributing to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and making skin feel dry and rough.
When should I use what?
If you are concerned about loss of volume and elasticity or fine lines, your skin needs: Hyaluronic Acid
-> recommended for those younger skins
If your concern is photoaging and accentuated wrinkles, reducing wrinkles and fine lines, renewing the skin, evening out the tone, and improving its texture, your skin needs: Retinol
-> recommended for premature/mature skin
Here is a list of the best-seller serums:
1. Hyaluronic Acid
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 serum is a hydrating serum that instantly restores elasticity, strength, and suppleness to tired, dull skin. It contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and retinol, promoting skin renewal and reducing fine lines. Its refreshing gel texture is suitable for sensitive skin.
The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a lightweight formula that provides instant hydration, promoting softer, smoother skin. It contains five forms of hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and pro-vitamin B5, all of which help retain moisture and promote visible skin suppleness and elasticity. The formula also minimizes the appearance of fine dry lines and helps maintain skin moisture.
Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Serum, enriched with vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid, provides long-lasting hydration, smoothing, and plumping effects to improve dull, fine lines, and dry skin.
2. Retinol
La Roche-Posay Retinol anti-wrinkle regenerating serum addresses uneven skin tone, signs of aging, and deep wrinkles. Its unique formula combines gold-standard retinol and vitamin B3 for skin regeneration, softening wrinkles, hydrating skin, and restoring youthful appearance.
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane is a water- and silicone-free skincare treatment enriched with vitamin A to combat visible signs of aging. The highly stable retinol reduces fine lines, photodamage, and skin aging signs while encouraging natural cell turnover. It promotes healthier-looking skin while minimizing blemishes and dark spots.
Medik8’s Crystal Retinal Serum is a powerful retinol product that promotes smoother, radiant-looking skin. Infused with vitamin A, it contains 0.03% stabilized retinal, hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin E. Ideal for those prone to blemishes, it purifies the skin for a refined, balanced appearance.
Final Thoughts:
As you can see, both magic ingredients are key to long-lasting youthful skin, however, they differ in when to use, how to, and depending on your key skin goals.
Hyaluronic acid is a popular choice for hydration, plumpness, and overall skin suppleness, especially for dry skin. It’s well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive ones, and helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
Retinol serum is known for its anti-aging properties, promoting cell turnover and collagen production. It’s ideal for addressing signs of aging, improving skin texture, and achieving a youthful complexion.
For those younger skins, start with hyaluronic acid to build up a routine, and for those pre-mature/mature skin, start implementing retinol into your routine to see improvements!
Ultimately, it is essential to consider your skin type, concerns, and tolerance levels when choosing between hyaluronic acid and retinol serum. Some individuals may benefit from incorporating both into their skincare routine, using hyaluronic acid for hydration and retinol for anti-aging benefits, while others may prefer to prioritize one over the other based on their specific needs! Both are magic ingredients and will help you achieve the skin of your dreams!
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References:
All photos: https://www.pexels.com
- Cleveland Clinic (2022). Retinol: Cream, Serum, What it is, Benefits, How to Use. [online] Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23293-retinol.
- Dermalogica UK. (n.d.). Retinoids 101. [online] Available at: https://www.dermalogica.co.uk/blogs/skinspiration/retinoids-101.
- Dr Sebagh. (2022). Retinol 101. [online] Available at: https://www.drsebagh.com/blogs/skin-secrets/retinol-101.
- Harper’s BAZAAR. (2023). #SkinSchool: Everything you really need to know about retinol. [online] Available at: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/beauty/skincare/a31278199/best-retinol-cream/.
- Healthline. (2021). How to Use Hyaluronic Acid — and Why You Should. [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-to-use-hyaluronic-acid.
- Healthline. (2021). How to Use Hyaluronic Acid — and Why You Should. [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-to-use-hyaluronic-acid.
- Yours, Simplified. (2023). Which Is Better: Retinol Or Hyaluronic Acid? [online] Available at: https://lovefromyours.com/blog/which-is-better-retinol-or-hyaluronic-acid/
- Cleveland Clinic (2022). Hyaluronic Acid: What It Is, Benefits, How To Use & Side Effects. [online] Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22915-hyaluronic-acid.
- www.aad.org. (n.d.). Retinoid or retinol? [online] Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/retinoid-retinol
- Cosmopolitan. (2024). 18 of the best hyaluronic acid serums for seriously thirsty skin. [online] Available at: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/g13527843/hyaluronic-acid-serum/
