Hyaluronic acid is a universally loved skincare ingredient, as the humectant is gentle on the skin but still able to deliver dramatic results. Many have chosen to add this humectant to their routine with a hyaluronic acid serum, like ourHyaluronic Pure Boost Serum. One big problem, however, is that many people don’t know how to properly work this type of serum into their routine. Let’s discuss whether you need to use a moisturizer on top of hyaluronic acid, and how best to use a hyaluronic acid serum in your routine.
Understanding the Science Behind Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body, found primarily in the skin, connective tissue, and eyes. Its primary function is to retain water, keeping tissues well-lubricated and moist. Each molecule can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a powerful hydrating agent. This ability to attract and retain moisture is what makes hyaluronic acid such a popular ingredient in skincare products, as it helps maintain skin hydration and elasticity.
What Does Hyaluronic Acid Target?
Hyaluronic acid is used to intensely hydrate the skin. It acts as a water magnet, drawing moisture to the skin and locking it in for long-term hydration. Beyond softening and hydrating the skin, hyaluronic acid also provides anti-aging benefits. By plumping the skin with moisture, it is able to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving elasticity for a more youthful complexion.
While you may think it’s only reserved for those with dry skin, the humectant is actually a great addition to anyone’s skincare routine, regardless of skin type. Hydrated skin is healthy skin, and regular use of a hyaluronic acid serum will ensure your skin stays optimally hydrated. In order to allow everyone to add this ingredient to their routine, we crafted our Hyaluronic Pure Boost Serum to have a lightweight and gentle formula that is suitable for all skin types.
Common Myths About Hyaluronic Acid
There are several misconceptions about hyaluronic acid. One common myth is that it can replace a moisturizer. While hyaluronic acid helps attract moisture to the skin, it doesn't provide the occlusive properties needed to seal that moisture in. Another myth is that it can cause breakouts. In reality, hyaluronic acid is non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin. Understanding these myths can help you make more informed decisions about your skincare routine.
How To Best Apply Your HA Serum
One of the most important things to know about hyaluronic acid is that it works best when applied to damp skin. By doing so, the hyaluronic acid has access to plenty of extra moisture that it can draw into the skin, allowing it to offer the best results. You can apply your serum soon after cleansing your face, while the skin is still a bit damp. If your face is already dry, simply spritz your skin with water or a gentle facial mist prior to application.
What’s great about hyaluronic acid is that, since it’s gentle on the skin, you can use it both morning and night for optimal hydration benefits. It also plays well with virtually all other active ingredients, so you can easily layer it with any other serums you’re using in your routine (check out ourlayering guide for more guidance!).
Benefits Of Using a Moisturizer After Hyaluronic Acid
This leads us to the big question: do you need a moisturizer if you use a hyaluronic acid serum? The answer is always yes, regardless of your skin type.
Hyaluronic acid needs external moisture to do its best work, which is why it helps to apply it to damp skin. A moisturizer will not only seal in the hyaluronic acid, but will also provide the humectant with additional moisture to draw into the skin.
While it’s an essential step in all environments, layering a moisturizer on top of a hyaluronic acid serum is especially important if you live in a dry climate. In fact, using a hyaluronic acid serum in a dry climate without a moisturizer can be a recipe for disaster. When the humectant doesn’t have an external source of moisture, it can actually end up drawing moisture away from the skin. This means it can have the opposite intended effect, causing dehydration in the complexion.
Choosing the Right Moisturizer to Complement Hyaluronic Acid
When selecting a moisturizer to use with hyaluronic acid, consider your skin type and specific needs. For dry skin, opt for a rich, emollient moisturizer that provides intense hydration and locks in moisture. For oily or combination skin, a lightweight, gel-based moisturizer can offer adequate hydration without feeling heavy. 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.
Ultimately, using a moisturizer with your hyaluronic acid serum is non-negotiable. With this in mind, after you apply your hyaluronic acid serum to damp skin, you’ll want to follow up with your moisturizer of choice. This is the optimal routine for achieving soft, supple skin.
