Using a moisturizer is an essential step after applying hyaluronic acid. The moisturizer will help seal hydration into the skin and help hyaluronic acid absorb correctly if the air around you is dry.
Two separate serums is the way to go!
When applying both serums, be sure to apply a few drops of Vitamin C serum first (as it is the thinner of the 2) and follow with the HA serum. Allow one or two minutes in between. Follow on with your moisturizer, eye cream and sunscreen.
"Hyaluronic acid can draw moisture from the air and keep your skin moist, holding almost 1000 times its weight in water," she says. "So, it's not only a moisturizer, it has the ability to hold extra moisture." You can even take hyaluronic acid as a supplement, but we recommend consulting a doctor before you do so.
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. "Hyaluronic acid is a moisture magnet," says Allies of Skin founder Nicolas Travis.
Add hyaluronic acid to your existing moisturizer.
If you have a moisturizer that works for your skin already, simply add hyaluronic acid to this to utilize its benefits. Research the ingredients in your product to ensure you'll achieve the correct concentration of hyaluronic acid.
“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.
Mix: Retinol and hyaluronic acid
“Retinol is known to cause irritation to the skin, especially when a proper moisturizing regimen is not put in place,” warns Dr.
Is it good to use hyaluronic acid every day? Yup! "Hyaluronic acid is safe and beneficial to use everyday for maintaining skin hydration," says Dr. Russak.
Wait, then Moisturize Serums are not moisturizers.
To allow serums to fully absorb, apply and wait 5 minutes before moisturizing. Take note: Well-formulated serums absorb quickly and disappear into your skin. If they leave an oily or sticky residue, they're not doing their job well.
Goldenberg's go-to recommendation for timing between serums and moisturizers is about one minute. This wait has the same reasoning: Sixty seconds — give or take — gives each product a moment to delve into your pores.
These “can cause an increase in skin cell turnover which can lead to purging—a breakout of spots in areas where you would normally get acne. However, hyaluronic acid does not increase skin cell turnover; it's purely a hydrating skincare ingredient.” In short, hyaluronic acid isn't to blame for any breakouts.
While hyaluronic acid can't fill in visible acne scars, it can help reduce redness and the visible appearance of acne.
While some skincare ingredients, like retinol, are best used at night and others, like vitamin C, work their magic in the daytime, hyaluronic acid can be used both morning and night. “I recommend use of an HA serum up to twice daily, depending on your skin's needs,” says Abdulla.
The evidence suggests that hyaluronic acid helps with soft tissue growth, prompts your body to make more collagen and elastin, keeps your skin moisturized, prevents tightness, boots elasticity, and reduces scarring.
Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C Together? Not all powerful skincare ingredients can be mixed, but hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are two that become even stronger when paired with one another. These ingredients can provide both immediate and lasting results when used together in anti-aging formulations.
“You can't use it in too many products, or it will start to draw water from the skin,” she says.
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.
Apply hyaluronic serums after cleansing (and toning, if you use a toner). Moisturizers go over the top. During the day, your SPF will be your last skincare step. Most people notice a difference in how their skin feels immediately after applying a hyaluronic acid product.
If you are applying a Vitamin C serum and hyaluronic acid separately, it's suggested that you apply the Vitamin C first, and then add the hyaluronic acid afterward in order to help fortify the skin barrier and lock in the moisture.
Yes — definitely. Hyaluronic acid is a key component in moisture retention for your skin, and when you eliminate dry skin, you get rid of many of the underlying causes for those dry cells to build up and cause oil production to go into overtime. So using hyaluronic acid could potentially help with oily skin.
Is It Safe To Layer Hyaluronic Acid Skin Care And Makeup? The answer is yes. Since hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule — not actually an acid as its name may imply — that already exists in our skin it's safe to use hyaluronic acid skin care and makeup together.
Hyaluronic acid serum tightens skin and minimizes pores so they shrink and become invisible over time. Smaller pores mean fewer clogs and breakouts.
Hyaluronic acid by itself is non-comedogenic (doesn't clog pores), but you should be careful when choosing a hyaluronic acid serum that the ingredient list doesn't contain any sneaky pore-clogging ingredients you're not expecting.
Will Hyaluronic Acid help get rid of dark spots? "Unfortunately, Hyaluronic Acid does not prevent or brighten hyperpigmentation spots on the skin," says Hannah. "HA focuses more on hydrating and adding water/moisture to your skin. This helps plump, firm and smooth your skin.