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Hyaluronic acid cleansers, serums, lotions, and face masks are commonly used in dermatology to enhance the skin’s hydration and plump out fine lines and wrinkles.
Want to get the most out of your HA serums and other formulations? Here’s how to incorporate hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine for super soft, dewy skin that lasts all day.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a molecule that’s naturally found in the human body. It contains hyaluronan, a humectant that retains moisture and hydrates the skin.
While your skin, eyes, and connective tissues all produce hyaluronic acid naturally, it is also found in many skincare products such as cleansers, serums, lotions, and masks. These products help your skin retain moisture, which makes your skin look instantly smoother, dewier, and plumper.
Alongside this, hyaluronic acid is used as an injectable for temporary dermal fillers and it can also be taken as a supplement to boost hyaluronic acid production for the skin and joints.
In the world of skincare, this active ingredient is fantastic for alleviating dry skin and bolstering the skin barrier. In addition to this, it can help fight signs of aging by boosting collagen production, restoring elasticity, and filling in lines.
Best of all, all skin types can benefit from using a hyaluronic acid skincare product in their regimen. Dry skin, sensitive skin, mature skin, and even oily skin. Thanks to its low molecular weight, hyaluronic acid products feel light on the skin while diminishing dryness, meaning it won’t leave you shiny.
How to Use Hyaluronic Acid
So you know all the benefits of hyaluronic acid. But how exactly do you use it to maximize its effects and get the most out of this superstar skincare ingredient? Here’s how to use hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine for the best possible results.
The Right Way to Use Hyaluronic Acid
Apply to Damp Skin
If you’re using a hyaluronic acid serum, the best way to apply it is after using your cleanser and toner. Instead of patting dry your skin, leave the skin slightly damp before applying a couple of drops of HA serum. This way, it’ll absorb deeper into the skin and moisturize more intensely. According to dermatologists, hyaluronic acid works the best when applied to damp skin.
Pair with an Emollient
Hyaluronic acid needs moisture in order to work. If you’re applying a HA in a formula that doesn’t add moisture like a cleanser or toner, it will pull moisture from the deeper layers of your skin or wherever it can then evaporate if it’s not locked in. That’s where emollients come in. Emollients seal moisture into the skin, which is it’s why it’s imperative to apply your HA product first and your emollient after. Examples of emollients include plant oils, shea butter, and cocoa butter.
Use Daily
Of course, if you want your skin to stay smooth, bright, and dewy all day long, you’ll need to apply your HA products every single day. That said, it’s enough if you only use one or two hyaluronic acid products a day (think a high quality cleanser + serum). Even though HA is a super gentle ingredient, we advise sensitive skin types to not go too heavy with their daily hyaluronic acid usage to avoid side effects such as redness and irritation.
Combine with...
As per the derms, hyaluronic acid works well with most common skin care ingredients, including vitamin C, retinol, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. If you’re following an anti-aging routine, hyaluronic acid + retinol make a great duo. For brightening effects, pair your HA products with an antioxidant-rich formula (vitamin C serum) or an exfoliating serum to buff away dead skin cells on the surface of the skin.
Apply Underneath Your Sunscreen
As a rule of thumb, you want to apply your hyaluronic acid serum to clean, damp skin and then finish with a moisturizer, face oil, and sunscreen to lock it in.
“If you put hyaluronic acid on top of a sunscreen or a moisturizer, it’s not going to work,” says dermatologist Lily Talakoub, MD. “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.”
Add these Hyaluronic Acid Products to to Your Skincare Routine
Hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse ingredient for improving skin’s hydration and alleviating premature skin aging. To start enjoying HA’s benefits, add these Rainbow favorites into your routine.
Hydrate Serum
A silky serum of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 paired with jojoba oil, aloe, and acai extract. Together, these ingredients help to hydrate, soothe, and plump for your freshest, most radiant complexion. It’s also incredibly lightweight so it won’t leave behind an uncomfortable greasy residue. Works great as a makeup primer! Did we mention it’s a face and body serum — yup, it’s your daily go-to for head to toe hydration. For best results, use 2x daily, morning and evening.
Hydrate Mask
Our superstar jelly face + body mask. This weightless and cooling all over treatment features moisturizing hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to inject lasting moisture and elasticity into the skin. Besides leaving skin softer and firmer, it also helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while calming redness. Rinse or leave on, this mask is so versatile, you won’t need another. For best results, apply 2-3 times a week.
The hype around hyaluronic acid is real, guys! Include it in your daily routine to manifest your smoothest, brightest, and dewiest skin. That said, it is important to ensure you’re using it the right way to get the best results from this powerhouse ingredient. Be sure to apply your HA serums to damp skin and always alongside an emollient-rich moisturizer to seal it in for hours of dreamy dewiness. Whether you’ve got dry, oily, sensitive, or mature skin, everyone can benefit from HA in their life.