When too much product is used or too many products are layered without allowing time for absorption it can create a sticky feeling texture. Water-based serums tend to be more forgiving because the excess product will simply evaporate away from the skin.
Thicker products like serums can sometimes require more time to absorb than a lighter, more watery formula. In addition the overall consistency of the product, ingredients can play a role as well. “High concentrations of hyaluronic acid can leave the skin feeling sticky,” says Dr. Zeichner.
It's fragrance-free. – Texture: A slightly sticky gel. A little goes a long way because if you apply too much, it tends to “foam” a little when you massage it on the skin and takes a long time to absorb.
Has a sticky, viscous texture that is free of alcohol and silicone. Since this is a humectant, you must pair it with a moisturizer or oil layered over top so it has moisture to draw into the skin. The product gets very complimentary reviews! Hyaluronic acid is a pretty good option for all skin types.
Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide:
Hyaluronic acid and Niacinamide are a great pair as both are water-based treatments. When used together, always go with applying hyaluronic acid first, followed by Niacinamide. By following this, you would be able to attract plenty of hydration first.
According to the experts, the hero ingredient actually needs to be applied to damp skin in order to work. In fact, applying it to a dry face can have the opposite effect of what is intended, and actually leave skin more dehydrated.
Controls oiliness
One of the most remarkable benefits of niacinamide is its ability to control sebum production in the skin. As you may know, excess sebum and oil buildup on skin can cause clogged pores, shiny skin, and frequent pimples and acne.
The sticky texture that one may feel from the toner, then, “is due to the nature of the arginine lactate retaining water.
Though some people do report experiencing irritation and breakouts after using the ingredient, niacinamide is unlikely to cause purging. That's because it doesn't affect the skin in a way that usually triggers purging.
What's nice about Vitamin C serums is that they can be applied as a base layer underneath whatever products you use in the morning, because the good ones never feel sticky.
Always make sure to apply your serum on ahead of your moisturiser. If you swap the steps, the ingredients in your serum won't be able to penetrate the layer of your moisturiser — and then there's no use in using it! Give your serum about five minutes to soak into the skin before moving on.
Why could hyaluronic acid dry skin out? If you're applying hyaluronic acid to a very dry face, it can actually end up drawing moisture from the deeper levels of your skin, which in turn will cause more harm than good and leave your complexion feeling tight and uncomfortable.
Addition of a low level of a hydrocolloid, hydrated and fully incorporated in the dough-making step, can reduce stickiness in handling. One such example is Avicel microcrystalline cellulose gel, e.g., CL-611 at approx. 0.25% use level.
If the skin feels tight after washing, it is a sign that the skin has been stripped of its precious water and oil, the natural barrier components your skin needs to stay youthful and healthy.
Since I love both, I decided to buy try the Dewy Skin Cream. To my surprise, I found that this cream is very similar to the Indigo Cream. It's both sticky but moisturising.
After a few days, the tingling sensation lowered to quite an extent and it didn't feel as sticky as it did before. Now that I've gotten used to this glycolic acid toner, I do not experience any tingling but there's always this warmth I feel in the first 2-3 minutes of applying it.
To use, apply a few drops after you wash your face but before you apply moisturizer. Serums absorb deep into your skin, rather than sitting on the surface like moisturizers. Serums work great for specific concerns like acne, dry skin, brightness, and wrinkles.
When selecting niacinamide products, Dr Ho advises that “a concentration of 4-5% niacinamide is ideal—enough to improve acne and fine wrinkles”. Higher concentrations, like The Ordinary 10% Niacinamide + 1% Zinc, have not yet been proven to exhibit a higher rate of efficacy.
Niacinamide may help prevent acne breakouts and improve the appearance of sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles. Concentrations of topical niacinamide products go up to 10%, but studies have shown effects with strengths as low as 2%.
If you're looking to add niacinamide into your skincare regimen, keep potency in mind. Dr. Li explains that "the scientific literature suggests 5% as optimal for achieving desired effects" and she goes further to caution that higher concentrations may cause skin irritation.
“Hyaluronic acid plays well with most ingredients, while caution must be taken when using retinol in combination with alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, and some types of vitamin C.”
Second, avoid anything with harsh ingredients like alcohol and fragrance, or anything with a high acid concentration. “The majority of over-the-counter (OTC) cosmetic creams, lotions, and serums are water based and contain less than 2 percent hyaluronic acid,” Frey explains.
As long as you have the serum sandwiched between slightly damp skin and a moisturizer, you're good to go. It really plumps up the skin and makes it look nice and moisturized, and stays moisturized, throughout the day. NT: You definitely want your skin to be wet or damp before applying a hyaluronic acid serum.
As it's well tolerated by most people, niacinamide can be used twice a day everyday. It works at any time of the year although it comes in particularly handy in winter during cold, dry weather and frequent use of central heating. Use it in the run-up before starting your retinol treatment and alongside it, too.