After applying a hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid serum (or serums), wait a few moments for it to absorb, and then gently smooth on your regular moisturizer.
The ideal wait time is 5-10 minutes depending on how soon the product is absorbed.
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 should be used either in a moisturizer or in conjunction with your moisturizing products. 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.
The most important thing to remember in this process is that hyaluronic acid should be applied to damp skin, not dry. If not, it could actually have the reverse effect.
As a water-soluble molecule, hyaluronic acid should fully absorb into your system around 24 hours after ingestion.
“It is important to leave a 10-20 minute wait time before applying the next product.
Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid
“AHA, BHA, retinol and benzoyl peroxide can be mixed with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and rosehip oil to get effective results — just ensure you are not using retinol as well as AHA or BHA's during the day," says Graf.
Hydrating ingredients: Hyaluronic acid works well with other moisturizing ingredients like ceramides, vitamin E and aloe that offset any dryness or irritation that can come from using harsher ingredients like retinol.
Too much Hyaluronic Acid can dry your skin by drawing moisture from wherever it can, including the deeper layers of your skin. Yikes! You'll want to avoid products with more than 2 percent HA to avoid irritation or dryness. The sweet spot is actually 0.75 – 1.5 percent.
If applied to dry skin, your hyaluronic will draw moisture from its nearest source—your glowy complexion! —and leave it drier than when you started. Skin doesn't have to be soaking wet to avoid this phenomenon, slightly lightly misted is perfect.
Apply hyaluronic acid serum to a damp face.
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.
In general, it is best to apply serum before moisturizer. This gives the active ingredients in the serum the best chance of working. Otherwise, the best order and time of day for a skin care routine depends on the products' ingredients and the person's goals.
Hyaluronic acid should be layered before retinol in case of dry or sensitive skin, as it helps create a barrier between retinol and your skin, offsetting irritation. Must-mention: let your hyaluronic acid serum dry before following with retinol as, if applied to damp skin, there's a higher risk of redness and dryness.
The expected permanence of HA fillers has been cited as up to 12 months,4, 7 with potential longer-lasting or permanent effects from stimulation of local collagen production.
There are exceptions to this rule, but this is a good rule to go by. Hyaluronic acid should be the first serum you apply: To lock in that hydration, hyaluronic acid serums should be the first serum you apply in your skincare routine.
It makes sense, when you think about it: Hyaluronic acid doesn't contain any water itself, so the more moisture you combine it with, the better it performs. Think of your regimen as a hydration "sandwich" — spritz your face with water or a facial mist, apply the hyaluronic acid treatment, then spritz again.
So you can apply your vitamin C first, let it dry completely, then apply your hyaluronic acid. Just remember to top everything off with a moisturizer—you still want to seal in the HA to lock in the hydration.
The hero ingredient of any skincare routine, hyaluronic is perfectly safe to use every day. In fact, most experts would encourage you to apply it twice a day, every day, as part of your morning and evening rituals.
The most common adverse effects associated with hyaluronic acid filler are pain, bruising, redness, itching, and swelling. These side effects are self-limited and typically last no more than seven days.
Does Hyaluronic Acid Have Any Side Effects to Note? Hyaluronic acid is generally safe for all skin types and doesn't typically lead to any adverse reactions when applied topically, Marchbein says. “Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance in our skin, and as a result one should not expect any problems,” Dr. Rothaus says.
Mistake 1: You're applying it on dry skin
As we explained earlier, Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant that pulls moisture from the surrounding to your skin. When you're in a dry environment, it will start pulling moisture from deep within your skin layers, leaving the skin feeling dry.
Can You Overuse Hyaluronic Acid? No, it is advised not to overuse HA. It is a humectant (draws moisture from the environment); excess HA in skincare can cause retention of more hydration than needed. Research suggested that overuse of HA can cause redness and inflammation.
Helps Reduce Wrinkles
Although most research shows hyaluronic acid may take six weeks or more to improve skin's appearance, some studies have found that anti-wrinkle hyaluronic acid serums and eye creams can sometimes start to work within just two to four weeks of use.