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.
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 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.
They'll Irritate Your Skin
For instance, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), such as Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid, and Synthetic Retinol are a pair that can easily cause irritation. Both ingredients are thought to have a positive impact on fine lines and wrinkles, but Synthetic Retinol on its own is harsh for most.
Leave-on acids (follow instructions or wait 20 minutes)
“I recommend waiting 20-30 minutes to ensure the skin is dry and to minimise inadvertent interactions,” she says.
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.
“If you put hyaluronic acid on top of a sunscreen or a moisturizer, it's not going to work,” Dr. Talakoub says. “It's got to sit on that top layer of your skin to hold the moisture in so it doesn't evaporate from your skin barrier.”
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.
Hyaluronic acid is safe to use alongside a number of other skin products, including vitamin c serums and retinol.
Hyaluronic acid will draw moisture from wherever it can find it to hydrate the surface of your face, including the deeper layers of your skin if there is no humidity in the air." Which is to say, too much hyaluronic acid can leave skin thirstier, and dehydration lines more prominent.
HA can actually make your skin DRIER. Why? Because compared to the environment around you, your skin contains more moisture. So, instead of sucking moisture from the air into your skin, HA pulls moisture from your skin into the air.
Hyaluronic acid with smaller molecular weight is especially great for your under-eye area because they are able to go deeper into your skin, replacing the hydration in the thin and delicate skin under the eyes.
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.
Hyaluronic acid is best if they're looking to moisturize dry skin, while retinol works better by encouraging better skin by boosting collagen production. They have several benefits that can work in tandem for better results, though patients need to be careful with the exact formulations they use.
When applying these two ingredients separately instead of in a single serum, you'll want to first apply your vitamin C serum. After giving it time to absorb into the skin, hyaluronic acid goes on to help keep the product in the skin while also providing additional moisture to keep the skin hydrated.
Hyaluronic acid works to leave the skin looking plump and keeps it hydrated and moisturized over time, while vitamin C specifically works to protect the skin from sun damage and fades discoloration in the skin due to acne. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that is already present in the skin to draw in moisture.
According to dermatologists, the two boost each other's efficacy when combined. Since both of them are linked to anti-ageing, a combination results in their unique properties — Vitamin C protects and rejuvenates while hyaluronic acid brightens and plumps — restoring your skin to its youthful glory.
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.
Let Vitamin c dry off for a minute or two before applying the next product. To know more about Vitamin C, click here. Sublime's verdict: Wait for two minutes before layering.
Serum and Moisturizer: 1 minute
Goldenberg's go-to recommendation for timing between serums and moisturizers is about one minute. This wait has the same reasoning: Sixty seconds — give or take — gives each product a moment to delve into your pores.