Generally we follow the cleanse, tone, and moisturize series of steps. When we add in a hyaluronic acid serum, it should come after a toner and before the moisturizer in order to optimize the absorption of weights of hyaluronic acid.
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).
Moisturizers. Use a moisturizer infused with hyaluronic acid at the time when you'd usually moisturize. Ideally, this would be 2 times a day and always after cleansing, exfoliating, or applying serums.
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.
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.
“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.”
The short answer is "it goes after cleansing," according to Amy Wechsler, a dermatologist based in New York City. She recommends including toner in both your day and night skin-care routines. To get more specific, you should use toner after you double cleanse and exfoliate your skin, both Cho and Chang agree.
You definitely need to apply moisturizer after toner. Moisture is necessary for having healthy, wrinkle-free skin. After using a toner, your skin can absorb and retain moisture better than before; hence you should use a moisturizer.
You should use toner after washing your face, and before using serum or moisturizer.
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.
Yes! Hyaluronic Acid can be combined with Vitamin C products or applied separately as the second layer of defense.
Can I use hyaluronic acid every day? Yup! And you can even use it twice a day as long as you're applying it to clean, damp skin, then locking it in with a moisturizer and face oil.
This will vary from product to product — a toner may take mere seconds to dry, while a serum or thick nighttime eye cream could take a minute, or even a few minutes to dry and be properly absorbed. A good rule to follow to simplify things? Wait about one minute between applying each skincare product.
“Alcohol-free toners are an important step in skincare, but in order to get the full benefits, you must leave it damp on your skin before applying your serum or moisturizer,” Rouleau says.
Toner is meant to absorb quickly and be left on—it isn't a rinse-off facial cleanser. Think of toner as being similar to astringent or micellar water in this way, which also shouldn't be washed off.
No matter which form you choose to incorporate your hyaluronic acid, it should be close to the final step in your routine. If you are using it in serum form, you'll apply it immediately after your retinol. If it is part of your moisturizer, it will be your last step.
Tip: With any skin-care product, apply in order of consistency — from thinnest to thickest. For example, cleanser, toner (if you use it), serum, and then moisturizer.
“Hyaluronic acid is neither good nor bad for acne,” she says. “However, it can be used incorrectly, or it can be mixed with other ingredients that may not agree with a person's skin and therefore cause a breakout.”
Can I Combine AHA/BHA With Hyaluronic Acid? Yes! In fact, this is an ideal combination. Hyaluronic acid doesn't function like an AHA or BHA in that it does not strip your skin — it's actually highly nourishing and hydrating, so having “acid” in the name is a bit misleading.
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.
Is hyaluronic acid good for lip lines? Absolutely! Hyaluronic acid is a great ingredient to use to combat lip lines. By applying HA to your lips and the area around the mouth you are boosting the hydration which will result in lines becoming ironed out with an overall improved smoother, line free appearance.