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Hyaluronic acid and retinol are two of the most popular ingredients found in skin care. They are best known for their anti-aging properties and work well together in the same routine. Some of these ingredients can be derived from animals or animal by-products, and some are plant-based. It is important to research where your ingredients and products are from and how it has an impact on the environment and world around you.
Below is a guide on hyaluronic acid and retinol, where they may come from, and which products may be right for you.
- What is Hyaluronic Acid?
- What is Retinol?
- Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol
- Can you use Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol together?
- Which one is better for your skin?
- Final thoughts
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a gooey and slippery substance your body produces naturally. It is especially produced in the eyes, joints, and skin to aid in overall hydration throughout the body. Hyaluronic acid is one of the gentlest skincare ingredients, meaning it does not irritate the skin or cause breakouts.
It can be produced two ways: animal-derived or through microbial production.
Animal-derived: Is made from rooster combs – the red tops of a rooster’s head. In the past, extracting collagen from rooster combs was quite common in most skincare products. The egg and poultry industry were closely tied to the skincare industry because of this. Roosters are unfortunately killed for their rooster combs.
It is important to note that some animal-based hyaluronic acids still exist and are used in supplements and injections. It is best to double check with the manufacturer of the product and your doctor to know where your hyaluronic acid is from and how it has been made.
Microbial production: Nowadays, most manufacturers use microbial fermentation to produce hyaluronic acid. It is produced by fermenting certain types of bacteria for skincare use. A bacterial strain is fermented to have the right number of molecular weights for skincare products.
Microbial production is used and favored by most manufacturers now because it is cost-effective overall, and it is eco-friendly. This means most skincare companies and products do not use animal-based hyaluronic acid and retinol in their products, but it is best to check with the company and manufacturer.
Organic and vegan skincare products are becoming more popular and easier to find nowadays. Finding the right products, companies, and manufacturers that align with your values and skincare needs are most important. If you are searching for a clean, organic company, Plant Mother uses all natural ingredients to produce products rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
What is Retinol?
Retinol is used to target aging signs like fine lines and wrinkles, and encourage cell turnover. Skin cell turnover encourages the skin’s production of natural collagen, making the skin appear youthful and rejuvenated.
There are two distinct types of Retinols: synthetic and plant-based.
Synthetic Retinol: Is lab-produced and man-made. Using retinols that are synthetic may result in further irritation, redness, and in some cases skin purging. The skin may also be sensitive to sun exposure when using lab-made retinols. Synthetic retinols are packed with chemicals and even made from animal products at times. Some animal derivatives include sources from eggs, chicken liver, fish, and beef.
Plant-based Retinol: Is made from plants that contain a vast amount of Vitamin A. Vegan retinol does not contain added chemicals or additives that can make your skin sensitive and susceptible to skin purging. Plant-based retinol is better for the environment and does not support the exploitation of animals or animal products.
Plant Mother’s Retinol Serum is 100% vegan and organic. It is packed with over 20 botanicals like bakuchiol, carrot seed, rosehip seed, sea buckthorn, and maracuja. Plant Mother produces the best Retinol serum that do not cause side effects of irritation, rashes, or sun sensitivity.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol
What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid and retinol? Hyaluronic acid retains water extremely well, resulting in being used for hydrating the skin, joints, and eyes. It aids joints in moving smoothly to prevent bones from grinding together. Furthermore, hyaluronic acid is often used for treating dry eyes.
It is used in most moisturizing creams, lotions, ointments, and serums. The main purpose of hyaluronic acid is to prevent signs of aging like hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. By adding more hydration and suppleness to the skin, it improves elasticity, flexibility, and encourages skin cell turnover – similar to retinol.
Retinol’s main purpose is to renew the skin through cell turnover. It is an antioxidant that helps regulate the shedding of dead skin cells. By encouraging skin cell turnover, collagen in the skin increases which improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Plant Mother’s vegan retinol serum is gentle and organic, while effectively penetrating the skin to improve elasticity and stimulate youthful skin. It is 100% derived from organic plants, meaning it is safe for your skin and the environment. It is best to use vegan products to support products and companies that do not exploit animals.
In addition, Plant Mother products are oil-based but will not clog pores because they contain non-comedogenic face oils. Non-comedogenic oils do not cause clogged pores while moisturizing and add extra nutrients to the skin.
Can you use Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol together?
Yes! Hyaluronic Acid is extremely gentle and does not react with other skin care ingredients. It is safe to use hyaluronic acid and retinol together to provide an extra level of hydration. Using both together can result in supple, bouncy, and rejuvenated skin.
Retinol is recommended to be used first to allow it to penetrate the skin deeper and allow the ingredients to work effectively. Hyaluronic acid can be applied afterwards to lock in the ingredients and provide extra hydration.
Hyaluronic acid repairs, hydrates, and strengthens the upper layers of the skin. It works to keep the skin’s barrier strong and heals skin wounds and scarring.
Retinol has multiple effects to work deep into the skin to generate new skin cells and aid in a youthful complexion. You can learn more about glycolic acid and retinol in our article.Â
As stated above, synthetic retinol is man-made and full of additives that often make the skin sensitive. If you are looking for a plant-based, organic retinol that does not cause skin sensitivity, Plant Mother’s vegan retinol serum is right for you. It contains with over 20 nutritious botanicals that you can use every night to nourish and rejuvenate your skin.
Which one is better for your skin?
Both hyaluronic acid and retinol are beneficial in similar and separate ways. By using both together, your skin will be youthful, glowing, and plump. The main point to remember is hyaluronic acid puts extra hydration and moisture into the skin, while retinol encourages skin cell turnover and collagen production.
Both products aid in youthful skin and work to prevent aging signs. Using hyaluronic acid and retinol in your skin care routine will result in amazing results in the long run.
Final thoughts
Retinol and hyaluronic acid are both beneficial in an effective skin care routine. It is important to do your research to know where your products come from. Plant-based products are the best options because they will not cause skin irritations or reactions compared to synthetic products and ingredients. Additionally, they’re not using animals or animal-derived ingredients. Plant Mother skin care products contain all natural ingredients that are 100% plant-based. Moreover, they provide nutrients and antioxidants the skin needs to look and feel its best.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. The publisher of this content does not take responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, skincare product, or lifestyle program.
