What percentage of hyaluronic acid is best? According to Dr. Hayre, a 30 pecent concentration of what's called "high molecular weight" sodium hyaluronate gel is most effective.
But when a hyaluronic acid serum is a well-balanced concentration, it uses the water molecules from the serum, holding them in place so that your skin is hydrated — and you look amazing. The percentage of hyaluronic acid to look for in a serum is just over 2%.
Look out for serums that are free of mineral oils, fragrances, parabens, silicone, antibacterial agents, and colorings. Another sign of high-quality hyaluronic acid serum is a well-balanced concentration, with the percentage of hyaluronic acid in the serum sitting at just over 2% (via Ghost Democracy).
Our number one choice is Vichy Laboratories Mineral 89 Skin Fortifying Daily Booster, a dermatologist-approved hyaluronic acid serum that delivers a more supple complexion and 24 hours of hydration on all skin types.
Long-term use of hyaluronic acid serum on your skin or in a supplement taken by mouth can improve overall skin health. It's also great for helping improve overall skin flexibility and elasticity (meaning it makes your skin more stretchy and soft).
Are there different types of hyaluronic acid? The types of hyaluronic acid used in skincare differ depending on their size. “In skincare, the molecular weight of the hyaluronic acid molecule will dictate the depth where it is found in [your skin],” explains Abdulla.
Use a moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid twice daily to access the best effects. These products should be used after you have cleansed your skin. If your routine also includes applying serums and exfoliating, apply your moisturizer after these steps.
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.
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.
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).
If you're looking for an ingredient that can help to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone, retinol may be the better option. However, if you're looking for something that will keep your skin hydrated and plump, hyaluronic acid may be a better choice.
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.
Hyaluronic Acid: Instantly – 2 months
Your skin should feel more hydrated, soft, and plump immediately upon application; if you use it consistently for up to 8 weeks or more, you should start to see improvements in skin elasticity and skin smoothness as well.
"No rules about this. Hyaluronic acid mostly sits on top of skin where it forms a protective layer of hydration, so it is removed when you cleanse. [It] can be applied whenever you like, although some are stickier than others, so it will depend on how it plays with makeup etc.," Dr. Squire explains.
However, if your chosen acid product doesn't explicitly state how long it should be left for, Dr Mansouri says it's better to be safe than sorry. “I recommend waiting 20-30 minutes to ensure the skin is dry and to minimise inadvertent interactions,” she says.
Not only can you use vitamin C and hyaluronic acid together, but when you do, they can help create a more effective skincare routine. Each one has skincare benefits, some of which we mentioned, but when combined, they can form a more potent formula that offers increased results.
If you are receiving radiation therapy, don't use hyaluronic acid on your skin. Hardening of skin and connective tissue (scleroderma): Applying hyaluronic acid to the skin might make skin ulcers worse in people who have a condition called scleroderma. If you have scleroderma, don't use hyaluronic acid on your skin.
Using too much hyaluronic acid can lead to an imbalance in your skin's moisture levels and cause breakouts. Start with small amounts and gradually increase to find what works best for your skin.