Retinol or Hyaluronic Acid First: A Complete Guide

Retinol or Hyaluronic Acid

We know all of our skintellectuals know the basics of Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid, but figuring out how to work these new ingredients into your regimen— not to mention figuring out how well those ingredients work together — can be challenging.

Let’s talk about Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol, two common anti-aging ingredients that can help combat common signs of aging when used just right. We’ll explain their benefits, and help you figure out which one should go first in your ultimate skincare lineup.

All About Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a molecule that occurs naturally within your skin and your body’s connective tissue. Hyaluronic Acid is especially known in dermatology for giving the skin crucial structure and support. It also plays a vital role in keeping your skin plump and hydrated. 

Ceramide and collagen

Like ceramides and collagen — two other components that help keep your skin firm and youthful-looking — your body produces and stores less Hyaluronic Acid as you age. This reduction in Hyaluronic Acid can make your skin vulnerable to visible signs of ageing, like sagging or fine lines and wrinkles.

Adding HA to your skincare routine is one way to help make up for the HA you naturally lose as you age, especially because it can be used with other acid ingredients like salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid, aka BHA) to reveal supple, fresh-looking skin. 

A Renewing Effect

This renewing effect is partly because Hyaluronic Acid is what’s known as a humectant. Humectants are molecules that attract and bind water to themselves. HA, for instance, can bind up to 1000 times its weight in water. This enables it to deliver next-level moisture to your skin as a topical ingredient.

HA also helps prevent transepidermal water loss. This means your skin stays hydrated longer so that your face won’t feel parched again only hours after application.

Hyaluronic Acid and side effects

Generally, Hyaluronic Acid doesn’t have any side effects. Too high of a solution of Hyaluronic Acid can potentially carry unwanted impurities deeper into your skin due to its low molecular weight, but if your skin is healthy overall and you’re using a safe concentration of HA, that low molecular weight can actually work really well for delivering hydration to your skin.

Your body also isn’t likely to have an allergic reaction to HA, since it naturally produces it. This makes HA ideal for all skin types, but especially if you’re struggling with dryness or have sensitive skin.

NAYA's Hydration Mask with Hyaluronic Acid

One targeted Hylauronic Acid formula in the NAYA lineup is our Hydration Mask.

Unlike most typical hydration masks that use silicones and waxes, butters to fake the effect of smoother, brighter skin, our Hydration Mask uses five different types of Hyaluronic Acid to achieve clinically-proven results:

• 100% of women tested showed improved hydration within 24 hours within the first application.
• Continuous application improved hydration levels in the skin and moisture levels soared even higher within a week.
• The Hydration Mask improved skin surface hydration in 100% of participants after the first application. Overall hydration was improved by 100% of the participants.
• The average improvement of hydration increased by 155.1%. And also instantly decreased hydration loss by 32.2% which is also statistically significant.

Our Hydration Mask is also infused with our unique Cacay Oil that directly addresses the underlying cause of fine lines. It’s an easy way to work HA into one of the facial regions that needs its benefits the most!

All About Retinol

Retinol is one of the most used anti-aging ingredients on the market. Retinol, Retin-A, Retinoids, Tretinoin, and other similarly-structured ingredients in many anti-aging skincare products are all vitamin A derivatives. Some Retinol product formulations are even too strong to purchase over the counter, in which case they’re prescribed by a doctor or board-certified dermatologist.

Retinol's Effects

Retinol is primarily used to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, its exfoliating properties mean that it’s also effective for brightening skin and improving the appearance of breakouts, dark spots, and other issues with your skin tone and skin texture.

Additionally, Retinol molecules can penetrate the outer layer of your skin and help to neutralise free radicals. Using the right Retinol serum can help counter the visual effects of decreased cell turnover that comes with age, and it may even help to balance oily skin.

Retinol offers support for a wide range of skin concerns. 

We have combined our unique Cacay Oil with Retinol to marry nature with science in our Everyday Cacay 3 Step Collection.

Phyto-Retinol in Action

If you’re looking for an natural alternative, Phyto-Retinol is your new best friend. 

Phyto-Retinol refers to our plant-derived, microbiome-friendly, never-sensitizing, smart-way-to-retinol Cacay Beauty Oil.

Our microbiome-minded Phyto-Retinol Cacay Beauty Oil on the other hand, harnesses the innate intelligence of your skin to deliver powerful anti-aging benefits without any of the sensitising side effects.

Cacay Beauty Oil

This booster comes 100% Cacay Oil directly sourced from our indigenous communities in the Amazon. This oil, the secret of the Amazon transform into their own potent Retinoic Acid, which is one of the most biocompatible forms of Retinol your skin can use.

With our Phyto-Retinol Cacay Beauty Oil, your skin is nourished with exactly what it needs to fight visible signs of ageing, including wrinkles, dark spots, and uneven skin tone to help you get your most youthful-looking glow yet.

Your skin will thank you.

The takeaway? Enjoy the beauty secret from the Amazon. 

What Comes First, and How To Use Both in Your Skincare Routine

If you’re looking to take advantage of the benefits of Phyto-Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid together, figuring out how to implement both products in your skincare routine may seem daunting. 

Luckily, it’s pretty easy — especially with our biocompatible Phyto-Retinol Beauty Oil. As you can find it in every of our products. 

With the RENEW Cacay Oil + A, you would need to apply Aura Essence or Everyday Glow Serum first, and then add your RENEW Cacay Oil + A. 

Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, let’s walk through an example of skincare routine that takes full advantage of Hyaluronic Acid and Phyto-Retinol together.

Step 1: Cleanser

Our Everyday Cleansing Oil is the perfect way to kick off an anti-aging skincare routine. It effectively removes every last trace of even the toughest makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and other impurities without leaving your skin feeling tight and parched.

Rather than being formulated with harsh surfactants and other synthetic fillers like artificial fragrance and lab-made silicones, our Everyday Cleansing Oil uses natural ingredients like makeup-melting Rapeseed Oil and super soothing Bisabolol and Hemp Seed Oil. 

Beyond that, Cacay Oil help to lock in moisture, while Pomegranate deliver crucial nutrients , so you’re left with clean, pillow-soft skin.

Step 2: Serum

Our Everyday Glow Serum offers hydrating and anti-aging benefits — all while supporting your skin barrier with antioxidants. 

Crucially, our Glow Serum is also formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, which helps your skin’s recovery process, and targets dehydrated skin to help improve visible signs of aging. 

We love combining the Everyday Glow Serum with the RENEW Cacay Oil+A. 

Step 3: Nightly Treatment

If you’re looking for a product that will fight signs of ageing, even out your complexion, and help you wake up with an ethereal glow, our Renew Cacay Oil+A is the choice of your dreams. This thoughtfully crafted anti-aging formula will nourish and hydrate your skin while you sleep.

This one-of-a-kind formula gives you the transformative results you want without any of the toxic preservatives, fillers, and sensitising ingredients found in many anti-aging products. 

Made with an abundance of natural biocompatible omega fatty acids, ceramides to help you fight off signs of ageing, this is the product for helping your skin look firm, youthful-looking, and hydrated every morning. It’s a serious “woke up like this” vibe.

In Conclusion

Phyto-Retinol / Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid are a match made in heaven when it comes to anti-ageing benefits and maintaining your skin’s moisture levels. 

If you’re looking for the key to smooth, even, and glowing skin, harnessing the magic of these two ingredients might just be it!