Just like retinol and broad-spectrum sunscreen, hyaluronic acid is one of the few ingredients that's recommended by most (if not all) dermatologists. The molecule—often listed as sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronan, or hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid on the ingredient list—is popular among skincare experts for a reason.
Dermatologists recommend applying hyaluronic acid products right after cleansing, while your face is still damp. Doing so helps you maximize the amount of moisture the product pulls and seals into your skin.
Hyaluronic acid is a skin care staple for plump, hydrated skin, dermatologists say. Hyaluronic acid is a “great hydrator for pretty much all skin types,” one expert said.
“I think the one serum everyone should use is a vitamin C antioxidant serum,” explains New York dermatologist Sejal Shah, MD. “Vitamin C is one of the most potent antioxidants we have and has a number of skin benefits. Revision Vitamin C Lotion 30% ($128) is one of the strongest concentrations of vitamin C available.
Does Hyaluronic Acid Have Any Side Effects to Note? Hyaluronic acid is generally safe for all skin types and doesn't typically lead to any adverse reactions when applied topically, Marchbein says. “Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance in our skin, and as a result one should not expect any problems,” Dr. Rothaus says.
Hyaluronic acid is best if they're looking to moisturize dry skin, while retinol works better by encouraging better skin by boosting collagen production. They have several benefits that can work in tandem for better results, though patients need to be careful with the exact formulations they use.
“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.” Linkner echoes the tip about avoiding vitamin C.
What you need to know. Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe is the #1 dermatologist recommended skincare brand1.
Dermatologist recommendation means a skin expert was paid for their endorsement. No actual testing has been done behind this endorsement.
Not as well-known as Hyaluronic Acid, Polyglutamic Acid, commonly abbreviated as “PGA,” is believed to have 4x greater moisture retaining benefits than HA. If you have dull, dry, or dehydrated skin, you should consider incorporating Polyglutamic Acid Serum into your skincare recipe.
"Hyaluronic acid is safe and beneficial to use everyday for maintaining skin hydration," says Dr. Russak. You just need to make sure you're applying it correctly. As a rule, you want to apply your hyaluronic acid product to clean, damp skin, and the lock it in with a moisturizer and face oil.
With all the fancy HA formulations on the market now (serums, pills, masks, and so much more), it can be tempting to adopt a “more the merrier” mentality. However, some research has shown that overuse of hyaluronic acid can result in redness and inflammation.
Hyaluronic acid helps keep skin moisturized, while vitamin C protects from sun damage and can help fade skin discoloration. Check out the shelf of your local beauty boutique, and you'll notice two ingredients are often paired in skin care products: hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
2. Level of hyaluronic acid at 30. The thirties are a pivotal period for your skin. This is the time when the loss of hyaluronic acid is noticeable in the epidermis layer of your skin.
Hyaluronic acid is safe and effective for just about all skin types, and it has special benefits for mature skin.
Camille Howard, a New York-based dermatologist who has tried all nine of Kardashian's products, expensive skin care isn't abnormal: A hyaluronic acid serum "can cost over $150," and brands like Dr. Barbara Sturm and La Mer have been praised for their even more expensive yet high-quality effects.
The brand: You don't need to spend tons of money for effective products that derms love; Neutrogena is touted as the number one dermatologist-recommend skincare product and you can find it at the drugstore.
A hyaluronic acid serum involves a slightly different routine. After cleansing, and while your skin is still damp, press a couple of drops into your face with the palms of your hands. Don't forget to apply a moisturizer immediately afterward to seal in all that hydration.
The way you want to use hyaluronic acid in a skincare routine is to start by cleansing your face with a nice simple cleanser. And then, with slightly damp skin or even slightly wet skin, apply the hyaluronic acid serum to your face followed by a moisturizer and sunscreen (during the day).