What should I apply before and after hyaluronic acid?

Author: Prof. Paul Price DVM  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 9, 2025

First, make sure to apply while skin is still damp to help draw moisture in. 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.

What should I put on my face before hyaluronic acid?

Your skin care routine should start with a cleanser. Without drying your face after cleansing, apply your hyaluronic acid (or apply your toner first if you use one, then apply HA). This way, you'll lock in that moisture while it's there so your skin can stay more hydrated through the day or night.

What to layer after hyaluronic acid?

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.

What should you not layer with hyaluronic acid?

However, there are certain ingredients that should not be mixed with hyaluronic acid:
  • AHAs and BHAs: AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) are chemical exfoliants that can help improve skin texture and unclog pores. ...
  • Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient found in acne treatments.

What step in skincare routine is hyaluronic acid?

We recommend using a hyaluronic acid serum before water-free serums, oils or suspensions/creams. This step locks in formulations and supports the skin barrier to protect against external stressors. Apply hyaluronic acid before anhydrous oils and creams like Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA.

Most Don't Know This About Hyaluronic Acid

Can I use vitamin C and hyaluronic acid together?

While vitamin C and hyaluronic acid can be used separately for impressive outcomes, they are also a power duo when applied in tandem. In fact, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are often mixed - either in one serum formula, or layered in a skincare regime.

What is the correct order for skincare?

How to Layer Your Skincare Products in the Right Order
  • Step 1: Cleanser.
  • Step 2: Toner.
  • Step 3: Spot Treatment.
  • Step 4: Serums.
  • Step 5: Retinol.
  • Step 6: Eye Cream.
  • Step 7: Moisturizer.
  • Step 8: Face Oils.

Do you put retinol on before or after hyaluronic acid?

HA provides hydration, which can counteract the potential drying effects of retinoids. Since Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a water-based serum, it would be applied first and then after, you would apply retinoids, such as Retinol 1% in Squalane, as it's an anhydrous formulation.

What is the rule of hyaluronic acid?

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.

What is the aftercare for hyaluronic acid?

After treatment

Especially when treating the lips or the area around the mouth, considerable swelling can occur over 24 hours. You can use cold compresses (cold packs) for swelling and bruising. Several times a day, hold an ice pack wrapped in tissue or gauze against the treated area for a few minutes.

Do you put vitamin C or hyaluronic acid first?

To maximize their benefits, apply a hyaluronic acid serum to replenish moisture, followed by a vitamin C serum to boost radiance and protect against environmental damage. By combining these two powerhouse ingredients, you can achieve a more vibrant, youthful complexion.

What moisturizer is good after hyaluronic acid?

Look for moisturizers with additional hydrating ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, or squalane to enhance the benefits of hyaluronic acid and keep your skin looking and feeling its best.

What should I put on my face first a morning serum or hyaluronic acid?

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. 3.

Do you put vitamin before or after hyaluronic acid?

The best way to apply them is just to go by the standard rule of applying products from thinnest to thickest texture; in other words, if your hyaluronic acid is a cream and your vitamin C is a liquid or serum, you would apply the vitamin C product first and vice versa.

Is it better to use hyaluronic acid in the morning or at night?

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.

In what order should I layer hyaluronic acid?

Moisturize: Some experts recommend applying Hyaluronic Acid serum directly onto fresh, damp skin, then layering a cream or oil on top to lock moisture in.

Is it better to use retinol or hyaluronic acid in the morning?

Hyaluronic acid can be used both morning and night to provide continuous hydration. It is also good for sensitive skin. Retinol should be reserved for the evening to promote skin cell turnover overnight.

How long to wait between hyaluronic acid and moisturizer?

Wait for the serum to absorb: Give the serum some time to absorb into your skin. This usually takes a few minutes. You'll know the serum has been absorbed when your skin feels soft and smooth. Apply moisturizer: Once the serum has been absorbed, apply your moisturizer on top of it.

What compliments hyaluronic acid?

What Ingredients Does Hyaluronic Acid Pair Well With?
  • Vitamin C. Yes, these two superstars can give your skin a super anti-ageing boost with Hyaluronic Acid's plumping and hydrating qualities along with Vitamin C's antioxidant and brightening properties. ...
  • Ceramides. ...
  • Retinol. ...
  • Panthenol. ...
  • AHAs & BHAs.

Can I use retinol with hyaluronic acid?

The answer is yes. The combination of these two ingredients can help you treat multiple skin concerns and give you a more youthful, radiant complexion. However, it's important to use these ingredients in moderation and in the correct order to avoid any adverse effects.

What not to do with hyaluronic acid?

3 Hyaluronic Acid Mistakes To Avoid For Happy, Hydrated Skin
  1. You're not applying hyaluronic acid to damp skin. It's easy to forget this rule but it's so! ...
  2. You're not applying hyaluronic acid in the right order. ...
  3. You're not following hyaluronic acid with an oil and/or moisturiser.

What is the 4 2 4 rule in skincare?

The 4-2-4 rule is a detailed cleansing routine that involves a four-minute oil massage, a two-minute cleanse with a water-based cleanser and a four-minute rinse with warm and cold water. Read ahead to know about the Japanese double cleanse routine, and what experts have to say about it.

What comes first, vitamin C or hyaluronic acid?

After rinsing off your cleanser, simply massage your hyaluronic acid serum first on damp skin and allow it to soak in. Once dry, top with your vitamin C serum and finish off with a moisturizer.

What are the 7 steps of skincare?

  • Step 1: Cleansing. Start with the basics: skin cleansing. ...
  • Step 2: Exfoliation. Eliminate impurities and dead cells by carrying out an effective exfoliation. ...
  • Step 3: Mask. Apply a mask specific for you. ...
  • Step 4: Toner. ...
  • Step 5: Serum or concentrate. ...
  • Step 6: Eye contour. ...
  • Step 7: Moisturising cream. ...
  • Step 8: Sun protection!

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