Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid With Adapalene? The Combo Explained

Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid With Adapalene?

Adapalene is a topical retinoid that is commonly used to treat acne. It works by speeding up skin cell turnover and clearing pores. Hyaluronic acid is a popular ingredient in many serums and moisturizers. It is known for its ability to attract and retain moisture in the skin.

While both adapalene and hyaluronic acid offer skin benefits, there are some precautions to take when using them together in your skincare routine. Keep reading to learn more about using hyaluronic acid with adapalene.

How Adapalene and Hyaluronic Acid Work

First, let's break down how these two ingredients work on the skin:

• Adapalene: As a retinoid, adapalene works by increasing skin cell turnover. This helps to prevent pores from becoming clogged while also reducing inflammation. However, retinoids like adapalene can cause dryness, peeling, redness and irritation.
• Hyaluronic acid: This ingredient is able to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It helps skin retain moisture and gives it a more plumped, hydrated appearance. Hyaluronic is generally very gentle on skin.

Using Hyaluronic Acid and Adapalene Together

When used together, hyaluronic acid can help offset some of the drying and irritating effects often caused by retinoids like adapalene. The additional moisture can make treatment more comfortable and tolerable.

However, there are still some precautions to take when using hyaluronic acid with adapalene:

• Use adapalene only as directed by your dermatologist or according to package directions.
• Apply adapalene first, allowing it to fully absorb into skin before layering on hyaluronic acid.
• When first starting out with adapalene, use hyaluronic acid in your morning skincare routine but not at night. This allows your skin time to adjust to the retinoid without exacerbating irritation.
• Monitor skin closely for signs of irritation like excessive dryness, stinging or peeling. If this occurs, stop using adapalene for a few nights until skin calms down.
• Always apply a broad spectrum sunscreen during daytime hours when using adapalene. Retinoids make skin more vulnerable to UV damage.

The Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums to Use With Adapalene

Look for hyaluronic acid serums and moisturizers that are fragrance-free and formulated for sensitive skin. Some good options include:

• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum
• First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum
• Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream
• Paula's Choice RESIST Weightless Advanced Repairing Toner
• Cosmedix Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Who Should Use Adapalene and Hyaluronic Acid Together?

Using hyaluronic acid with adapalene can benefit those who are struggling with excess dryness and irritation from the retinoid treatment. Adding hyaluronic acid helps replenish moisture to more comfortably treat acne.

Combining these ingredients may work especially well for those with both acne and anti-aging concerns. Adapalene addresses breakouts while hyaluronic acid provides a hydration boost to lessen fine lines and wrinkles.

Precautions When Using Hyaluronic Acid and Adapalene

Before considering using hyaluronic acid with adapalene, please keep the following precautions in mind:

Avoid Irritation

Even though hyaluronic acid is very gentle, combining it with the intensely exfoliating adapalene can sometimes overwhelm sensitive skin and lead to irritation. Signs of irritation include redness, dry patches, peeling, stinging, itching and burning.

If your skin cannot tolerate using adapalene and hyaluronic acid together, even when applied separately and adequately moisturized, then you'll likely need to stop using one product until your skin calms down. You may be able to try re-introducing the products together at a later date after skin normalizes.

Moisturize Properly

Using adequate moisturization alongside adapalene is key to minimizing irritation. Look for moisturizers that contain skin-replenishing ceramides or oils and apply them generously over your hyaluronic serum both morning and night.

You may even consider mixing a couple drops of facial oil into your hyaluronic serum before applying to boost the moisture levels. Just take care not to apply too many layered products at once.

Avoid Over-Exfoliating

In addition to causing dryness and irritation, over-exfoliating skin can lead to damage and inflammation. Adapalene speeds up cell turnover on its own, so combining it with other chemical exfoliants (like AHAs or BHAs) or scrubs can easily overwhelm skin.

Hold off on using other exfoliating treatments while your skin adjusts to adapalene. Later on, if you want to add in something like a weekly gentle AHA/BHA peel you can try, but monitor closely for irritation or over-drying.

Protect Skin from Sun

Adapalene makes skin more prone to UV damage, so diligent, daily sun protection is a must. Opt for a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Sun damage can worsen acne and cause unwanted dark spots or discoloration.

The Bottom Line

Using hyaluronic acid with adapalene can help counterbalance some of adapalene's harsher side effects like excessive dryness, peeling, irritation and redness. The hyaluronic acid provides skin with deep hydration to allow the adapalene to work while keeping the complexion comfortable.

However, this combination certainly is not for everyone. Make sure to introduce adapalene slowly and cautiously monitor your skin's reaction. Pay attention to sun protection as well. Used properly though, many can benefit from blending the acne-fighting power of adapalene with the moisture-boosting perks of hyaluronic acid serums and moisturizers.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.