Hyaluronic acid is the Miss Congeniality of skincare ingredients. It’s gentle, loves all skin types, pairs phenomenally with other ingredients and even knows how to twirl fire.
And while it’s close to perfect, knowing how to use hyaluronic acid properly makes all the difference. Use it incorrectly, and it can’t get on with its job. Worse, it can leave skin drier and more dehydrated than when you started.
Which we’re 175% sure is the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve with this hydrating humectant. So, here are three hyaluronic acid mistakes to avoid for plumper-looking, hydrated skin every darn time.
How to apply hyaluronic acid: Three mistakes to avoid
Mistake #1: You’re not applying hyaluronic acid to damp skin
Always apply hyaluronic acid to damp skin. It’s easy to forget this rule but it’s so! Important! And one you might want to consider tattooing on your arm.
Hyaluronic acid is very good at retaining water. That makes it a moisture magnet, drawing water to itself rather indiscriminately and helping skin hold onto it. This also limits moisture loss from the skin’s surface (known as transepidermal water loss, or TEWL).
If applied to fully towel-dried skin, your hyaluronic will draw moisture from its nearest source — your glowy complexion! — and leave it drier than when you started. Skin doesn’t have to be soaking wet to avoid this phenomenon; slightly lightly misted is perfect.
Mistake #2: You’re not applying hyaluronic acid in the right order
Your hyaluronic-based serum (ahem, Much Plumper Skin) should be the last serum you apply. Stronger actives (think: retinol, BHAs or AHAs) work best on clean skin with nothing in their way. Apply hyaluronic acid first, and it creates a layer they have to get through, so they can’t do their job well.
Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, is happy to go on later. It can even help soothe skin that’s feeling a little tight or dry once your actives have done their thing.
Mitsake #3: You’re not following hyaluronic acid with an oil and/or moisturiser
Hyaluronic acid needs something on top to hold the hydration in. Without it, hydration can evaporate and take your skin’s moisture with it (which it will because it’s dramatic like that).
Lovely emollients and occlusives will help seal all that hydration in place. They also create a barrier between you and the moisture-stealing world. For extra nourishment, you can follow with a facial oil before applying an occlusive moisturiser to lock it all in. Keeping it light? A daily moisturiser with SPF is barrier enough.
Guilty of any of these? Relax, your skin will forgive you
Good news: No hyaluronic acid mistake is permanent. If your skin’s been feeling a bit tight or grumpy lately, give it a few days of TLC. Hit pause on your stronger actives for a couple of nights, swap hot showers for lukewarm ones and treat yourself to a hydrating sheet mask.
From there, it’s all about building the new routine into a habit. Give it at least a couple of weeks of consistent use before you decide whether it’s working.
Everything else you’ve been dying to ask about hyaluronic acid: Answered
Is hyaluronic acid good for dry skin?
Yes! Hyaluronic acid adds water, and dry skin can always use more of it. Just remember that a dry skin type is short on oil as well as water. Hyaluronic acid only covers the water, so pair it with an oil or moisturiser (as Mistake #3 tells ya).
Does hyaluronic acid dry out skin?
Not when it’s used properly. But take note that your environment plays a part too. Dry air, like a heated room in winter, an air-conditioned office or a plane cabin, leaves your serum with less moisture to work with.
To keep it working for you rather than against you:
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Keep a face mist handy: A quick spritz before you reapply gives your serum something to hold onto.
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Don’t overdo it: Two or three drops is plenty. More product doesn’t mean more hydration.
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Check your other products: If skin still feels tight, a drying cleanser or an over-enthusiastic exfoliating routine may be the real culprit.
When to use hyaluronic acid serum: morning, night or both?
Both! It’s gentle enough to use every day, twice a day. In the morning, a few drops give makeup a smooth, plump base to sit on. At night, feel free to be a little more generous, and keep it on hand for top-ups after long-haul flights or days in air-con.
Hyaluronic acid 101
Hyaluronic acid is one of the easiest wins in skincare, as long as you work it right. Now that you’re in on its little quirks, all that’s left is to make it a daily habit and enjoy the results.
And if your routine could use a few more heroes, you’re in the right place. Take a squiz through our full skincare range and find your new favourites.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for personalised advice. Everyone’s skin is different, so always read the label and follow the directions for use.
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