This Mistake May Be Making Your Hyaluronic Acid Serum Useless

When it comes to the most popular skincare ingredients, hyaluronic acid is repeatedly among the top. According to Grand View Research, the hyaluronic acid industry is so popular that it reached a value of $8.5 million in 2020. It's safe to say that, in a short time, hyaluronic acid has become a well-trusted product in skincare.

Hyaluronic acid's popularity is because of its immense hydration, which seals moisture into one's skin. Contrary to its name, hyaluronic acid (HA) isn't an acid but rather a jelly-like substance. HA is also produced by the skin in various parts of the body. Before its mass popularity, you likely heard of HA being used to treat dry eyes. This is because HA holds around 1000 times its weight in water. HA is also used to help heal scarring, fine lines, and other unwanted textures on the skin (via the Cleveland Clinic).

If you've used any skincare product, you might've already used a hyaluronic acid serum beforehand. But are you using it correctly? Despite its simplicity, there is an actual correct way you should be applying your HA serum.

According to Shape, the reason most are not applying their HA serum correctly is simply that they don't understand its full power. HA is a humectant substance, meaning it acts as a vacuum for water in the surrounding environment or products you use. Any water you add to your skin before or after hyaluronic acid will attach and seal, keeping your skin hydrated. Since many don't know about this property of HA, they do not supply extra hydration or water-infused products to help attract more hydration. For HA to work as it should, provide it with hydrating products.

As MasterClass suggests, the best way to use HA is to rub it onto a damp face. Simply add your hyaluronic acid serum after the cleanser and toner steps of your skincare routine while your skin is still slightly wet with the previous product. This allows the HA serum to absorb and retain the moisture from the previous products on your skin.

Now that you know how hyaluronic acid works, as well as its purpose, it's time to put it to use. Since HA can help add flexibility and enhance existing hydration to the skin, it's suitable for all skin. Those with dry skin are especially recommended to add HA to their routine as it adds needed hydration without becoming too oily. Furthermore, since HA isn't an acid, it's safe to use it twice a day, daily. HA is also safe to use with other issue-specific ingredients, such as vitamin C (via Byrdie).

According to the Grove Collaborative, you want to think of applying hyaluronic acid almost like a sandwich. Make sure to put on hydration that will damp the skin first, next add in your hyaluronic acid serum, and finish with more hydrating products such as other serums and moisturizers. During the day, be sure to top everything off with sunscreen.