Retinol is universally recognized as an extremely effective treatment for both acne-prone and aging skin — but it can be strong. Dryness and irritation from this multitasker even has its own nickname: the “retinol uglies.” 

Enter hyaluronic acid: this intensive hydrator helps keep skin healthy and balanced, no matter what type of skin concern you have. Here’s a breakdown of this power pair — how they help your skin, and how to combine them for maximum benefit.

How does retinol work?

Retinol is an over-the-counter retinoid — a group of potent antioxidants derived from vitamin A. This powerful ingredient speeds cell turnover and helps prevents collagen breakdown, perfect for addressing:

• Acne
• Fine lines
• Sun damage
• Hyperpigmentation

It can take some time for your skin to get used to retinol when you first start using it. Redness, flaking and irritation might occur for the first few weeks, but should subside with time.

What does hyaluronic acid do for skin?

Hyaluronic acid is a substance produced naturally by the body to hydrate and lubricate tissues — including skin. This multitasking magician draws in and holds many times its weight in water, which makes it ideal for:

• Hydrating
• Soothing
• Plumping
• Smoothing

How to combine retinol and hyaluronic acid

For aging skin

If you’re using potent well-aging ingredients like retinol, vitamin C and glycolic acid, your skin might become dry or irritated. Adding hyaluronic acid can help soothe your skin and keep it hydrated. This is especially important for aging skin, since dehydration contributes to wrinkling and loss of firmness.

This is where “sandwiching” comes in: applying soothing hyaluronic acid before and after retinol helps boost benefits while reducing redness and irritation from retinoids. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Better balance. Hydrating hyaluronic acid helps alleviate the potentially drying effects of retinol, enhancing your skin’s equilibrium.
• Enhanced results. Retinol boosts collagen production, while hyaluronic acid binds water to collagen — both result in firmer skin.

Using a time-release formula that includes skin nourishing ingredients, like SLMD Retinol Resurfacing Serum, then layering a product like Hyaluronic Acid Serum, can help even sensitive skin types tolerate retinol.

For acne-prone or oily skin

If you’re treating acne with retinol and other strong ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, hyaluronic acid can help soothe your skin and counteract associated dryness and flaking. It’s important to keep skin hydrated while using acne treatment products, because skin that lacks water loses some of its barrier function. This in turn makes you more susceptible to acne-causing bacteria.

After using a retinol acne treatment, follow it up with a lightweight moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid. This will benefit your skin by:

• Better balance. Hyaluronic acid helps regulate oil production by providing skin with the hydration it needs during acne treatment. 
• Soothing redness and inflammation. Both acne and acne treatment can trigger inflammation, while hyaluronic acid supports the natural healing process.
• Supporting skin repair. Since hyaluronic acid supports collagen production, research suggests it's beneficial for reducing the appearance of acne scarring.

SLMD Retinol Resurfacing Serum contains hyaluronic acid, and is formulated to work slowly throughout the night to reduce potential irritation. It’s part of the Acne System, which also features Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer, an oil-free, lightweight gel cream that absorbs instantly and protects skin from acne treatment irritation.