What if I told you there was a skin care magic potion that could be natural Infuse moisture It bounces into your skin, smoothing wrinkles, and giving you a glow dewy glow—No need to visit a derma? This is the magic of hyaluronic acid. But as amplified as this buzzy ingredient is, it can’t work its wonders without proper application. That’s why today, we dive into all the do’s and don’ts of how to use hyaluronic acid to achieve healthy, glowing skin.
It’s no secret that hyaluronic acid was Everywhere in the past few years. I’ve seen it show up in everything from cleansers to oils to masks to oral beauty supplements. All of these different formulations made me wonder if all hyaluronic acid treatments were the same, or (as I assumed) certain ways of getting the good stuff were better than others. And so my search began. Turns out my hunch was right.
Featured image from Our interview with Iskra Lawrence by Michelle Nash.
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The expert secrets behind how to use hyaluronic acid
How, when, and in what wording… these things really Do Important when it comes to getting your daily dose of HA. So, I reached out to the Olay team to set the story straight. (When it comes to what’s right and what’s wrong, think minimal effort, maximum results.) Scroll for the secrets to your most beautiful, hydrated skin…
What is hyaluronic acid?
First, a quick lesson on what makes hyaluronic acid such a great ingredient. HA acts as a “moisturizer”. This means that it works like a sponge to help the skin retain water and volumize it. We already have normal levels of hyaluronic acid in our skin, but as we age, they slowly deplete. This leads to wrinkles and loss of skin bounce.
HA has the incredible ability to attract and hold 1000 times its weight in moisture. Herein lies the key. Hyaluronic acid should be used either in a moisturizer or along with your moisturizing products. When you add moisture to the skin, you give the HA added water to absorb and hold, rather than drawing away the moisture Outside of dry skin.
Instead, HA brings moisture to the skin’s surface and holds it there, keeping skin consistently moisturized throughout the day. To test this in action, I’ve been experimenting with my favorite hyaluronic acid products over the past few years (See below). There is no doubt that my skin is visibly softer and smoother, with increased elasticity. lo and behold Remains This way all day long without getting greasy.
Common Hyaluronic Acid Mistakes
These are some of the most common mistakes made when incorporating hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine—and how to fix them so this super ingredient can do its job properly.
Mistake #1: Using hyaluronic acid without a moisturizer
Since HA can hold a a lot of water, just think about it: it needs moisture to work. If the skin is already dry and HA is applied in a formula that doesn’t add moisture (think cleanser, toner, or light serum), it will pull moisture from anywhere it can, like from deep within your skin, where it can then evaporate into the air if it’s not properly sealed. correct.
On the other hand, when HA is formulated inside an ultra-hydrating moisturizer (or again, a moisturizer is used afterward), that emollient will penetrate the moisture and lock it into the skin, which, of course, is the point.
Mistake #2: Not using hyaluronic acid as a last step in skin care
With all the fancy HA formulas on the market right now (serums, pills, masks, and so much more), it can be tempting to adopt a “more fun” mindset. However, some research has shown that overuse of hyaluronic acid can lead to redness and inflammation. The takeaway: Choose a file One Step where you will get the most bang for your buck. Since we’ve established that HA needs a moisture-packed filler for optimal effectiveness, slathering it on (inside a rich, well-formulated moisturizer) as the last step in your morning and night skincare routine will leave you with hours of smooth, bouncy skin.
Mistake #3: Putting hyaluronic acid on dry skin
When HA is applied to dry skin in dry conditions, it naturally draws moisture from wherever possible. Therefore, if the humidity is low in the air, it attracts moisture from the deeper layers of the skin and brings it to the surface, where it evaporates, leaving skin drier than it was in the first place.
But when you start your HA skincare routine with a damp face, it has a reserve of moisture to get rid of, plain and simple. Understanding this has been a game changer resulting in my healthiest, most hydrated skin ever.
So, prepare yourself for your new favorite skincare hack. Every morning and night, i splash my face with water, then apply my chosen hyaluronic acid serum products, then mist again.
When hyaluronic acid comes into contact with water, my skin will be hydrated and healthy. In the morning, I have a smooth canvas for my makeup—none of that “settle into fine lines” happening around my eyes these days.
The best hyaluronic acid products to start with
Each product is carefully curated by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Olay Regenerist Microsculpting Cream Moisturizer
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream contains very high concentrations of HA, smoothing fine lines and transforming skin upon first use. It’s also rich in Vitamin B3 for skin cell renewal, plus amino peptides and antioxidants for ultimate health and hydration. I’ve been using it as the last step in my morning and nighttime skincare routine for the past two months, and it’s become a non-negotiable in my lineup. After all, hydrated skin is happy skin!
Summer Fridays Dream Oasis
Have your Summer Fridays gripped since the brand launched its hero product, the Jet Lag Mask? Then you know it’s all about moisturizing the skin as much as possible. This gel-serum adds major hydration without weighing down the skin. Formulated with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and squalene, Dream Oasis is a suitable option for any skin type. That’s right—that includes sensitive, oily, and acne-prone products.
Hyaluronic Serum VERSED Moisture Maker
Our managing editor, Isabelle, is obsessed with this hyaluronic serum (read her full review of the entire VERSED collection). here). She swears by the following routine for visibly plumper skin after the first use: “After cleansing, I pat my skin barely Dry—that’s the key—before applying two drops of the serum to my face, neck, and chest. I waited a minute or so before applying the oil and moisturizer to my face.”
Daim Hyaluronic Acid Serum
For some, it can be a guessing game about which hyaluronic acid serum will support your skin best. However, polling girlfriends, co-workers, and acquaintances on social media, it’s clear that this is one of the best in terms of saving water without any of the irritation. And since hyaluronic acid is known to act as a carrier for other ingredients, by using this product alongside other skincare heavy hitters (your go-to moisturizer and other facial oils), even the driest skin will enjoy a little extra boost and bounce.
Alder New York Balanced Serum
I’m obsessed with every last product this vegan skincare line puts out. But a balancing serum? This might be my all time favourite. I consider it a morning and night essential and a destination for reducing the redness and texture of my skin in the evening. Moreover, since my skin tends to be on the oily side, I can rely on this serum to balance it out. Plus, each of the brand’s products is designed for all ages, genders, and ethnicities. So everyone can enjoy healthy skin.
This post was originally published on September 3, 2020, and has since been updated.
