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.
If you're using a hyaluronic acid serum, use it after you wash your face with cleanser and/or toner. Don't dry your face after cleansing or toning. Apply a couple of drops of hyaluronic acid serum to your damp face and rub in. Wait a moment for it to absorb, and then continue with the rest of your skincare regimen.
And here lies the key: Hyaluronic acid should be used in a moisturizer in order for it to work—when you add moisture to the skin, you're giving the HA added water to absorb and hold onto, rather than pulling moisture out of dry skin.
Hyaluronic acid is a very safe ingredient, either when used topically or as a dermal filler. It's very gentle on the skin. The ingredient itself isn't likely to cause any type of issue. Still, it's important to take care as you would using any new skincare product.
“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.
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).
Hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps up skin, giving you a youthful and radiant glow. By brightening the skin, it can help mask darkness under the eyes.
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.
You'll want to use your BHA product first, not only because BHAs are lower in pH but also because they are oil soluble and AHAs are not.
"It's important to apply HA before your other serums because it helps to seal in the moisturizer you'll be putting on top," confirms board-certified dermatologist Shari Sperling, DO. She adds that it works great as a moisturizer because of how well it binds to water, plumping and hydrating your face.
When to Rub vs. When to Pat: Almost your entire skincare regimen — toners, essences, serums, moisturizers, and eye creams included — should be patted into the skin, since liquids, creams, lotions, and gel-based offerings absorb best with this technique.
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.
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 can dry out the skin as it draws moisture from its surroundings and leaves skin exposed if the moisture is not sealed in. The background: The moisture that hyaluronic acid products attract comes from our external environment.
Used as a topical skincare ingredient, hyaluronic acid is also well tolerated. Used as a dermal filler, hyaluronic acid may cause certain side effects, including pain, bruising, itching, redness and swelling.
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.
“Glycolic acid is highly effective for rejuvenating the skin,” says Dr Goldman, cosmetic surgeon in Perth, Australia. “While hyaluronic acid helps in hydrating your skin, glycolic acid exfoliates dead skin cells,” he explains.
Hyaluronic acid is a type of dermal filler ingredient that may be used for the lips. If you're interested in using HA injections to add volume to the lips and decrease the appearance of wrinkles, consider speaking with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon.
Conclusions: Hyaluronic acid filler is an effective means of rejuvenating the upper eyelid and is particularly successful in patients with medial/generalized upper eyelid hollowing, or significant postblepharoplasty upper eyelid show.
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.
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.
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.