Facial oils and heavier creams create a layer on the skin and sit there longer. So they should go before water-based products like a vitamin C serum or a hyaluronic acid gel.
With the fact hyaluronic acid isn't oil soluble it is unable to penetrate any oil meaning it can't reach the area of the skin that it needs to treat. To prevent the hyaluronic acid from simply sitting on top of the oil its best to apply hyaluronic acid serum first followed by layering facial oils and moisturisers.
The correct order to apply vitamin C and hyaluronic acid serum is to apply the vitamin C serum first, followed by the hyaluronic acid serum. Vitamin C is best absorbed on clean skin, while hyaluronic acid helps to hydrate and lock in moisture after the vitamin C.
You should generally apply facial oil after your moisturizer. The typical skincare order is to apply lighter products first and heavier products last. Since facial oils are thicker, applying them after moisturizer helps to seal in hydration and provide an extra layer of nourishment.
Allow 1-2 minutes between the application of each serum for full absorption of the vitamin C by your skin before you apply the hyaluronic acid. This ensures that both ingredients can work together effectively.
Apply serums after cleansing and toning and before moisturizers to help active ingredients penetrate deeply and more effectively. Wait at least two to three minutes before layering your second or third serum to give each product enough time to fully seep into your skin and prevent pilling or rubbing off.
Face oils are a simple addition to any skincare regimen. You can apply face oils at any time, but due to their texture, you may wish to start by implementing them into your nighttime regimen. Ensure they are applied after the use of any water-based serums and before the application of creams and heavier moisturizers.
If you have dehydrated skin, use hyaluronic acid serum both in the morning and at night. In the morning, it might help hydrate your skin and prepare it for the day ahead. At night, it might help repair and rejuvenate your skin while you sleep. Be sure to follow up with a moisturizer to lock in the hydration.
Apply the face oil AFTER using a retinol/acid/treatment/etc. Wait a couple minutes (at the very least) before applying face oil, so the previous product has time to absorb. If you're using a stronger retinol and you need to use extra, extra gentle products, I'd recommend an ultra soothing oil like Serene.
Always make sure to follow with a moisturizer, this is a skincare must in general, but especially when using Hyaluronic Acid Serum because it locks the moisture in. But it's important to wait 30-60 seconds for the serum to absorb before following with other products.
The Only Rule for Hyaluronic Acid? Always Apply It on Damp Skin! It might sound surprising, but when hyaluronic acid is applied to dry skin, it can have the opposite effect, leaving your skin even more dehydrated.
You can also combine Hyaluronic Acid Pure with a facial oil or moisturizer to help seal and fortify the skin barrier.
Your facial oil will help keep that hydration in and protect your skin from outside irritants. While face oils should not be used in place of moisturizers, they can help supplement them and improve the effectiveness of your skincare routine to boost skin hydration and give you healthy-looking skin.
At its simplest, your morning skincare routine should include a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. At night, you can cleanse and moisturize. From there, you can add toners, serums, treatments, retinol, and oils that serve your skin type.
Can I use hyaluronic acid under eyes? Yes! Hyaluronic acid formulas made specifically for the eye contour area can be both essential and effective. Thanks to its ability to bind to water, this hydrating ingredient can help restore elasticity and moisture levels around the eyes as well.
If you want to use a hyaluronic acid serum and a vitamin C serum, apply the thinner of the two first and let it absorb before smoothing on the second.
Facial oil is the luxurious last step in your routine. Think: serums first, then moisturiser, then lock it all in with a nourishing facial oil like our Midnight Recovery Concentrate.
Our top pick for the best night cream is Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream, as it's great for all skin types and provides long-lasting hydration. Another fantastic option is La Roche-Posay's Double Repair Moisturizer, which leaves the skin feeling nourished, soft, and supple—all for under $25.
As a rule of thumb, we typically recommend applying products in order from lightest to heaviest. For oils and serums, that usually means applying serums (which are often water-based) first. After the serum absorbs, you can apply your moisturizer, then top it off by patting a few drops of facial oil onto your skin.