Hyaluronic acid (HA) is very mild and naturally present in the skin. You can say there’s no going wrong with this acid. Just like with every skincare ingredient, there is the right way to go.
HA skincare includes the products you use, how much you apply, and how you apply them. You may be using too little or too much of this acid on your skin in a bid to keep your skin properly hydrated.
Either way, it could be depriving your skin of the benefits of properly hydrated skin. This hydrating acid plays a key role in improving the appearance and health of your skin.
The only way to tap into these benefits is to use HA correctly, which includes using the right formula in the right amounts. Continue reading to see how much HA you should be using in your routine.
Should You Use Hyaluronic Acid Every Day?
Yes, you should. The best results of using skincare ingredients come with consistency. Moreover, as you go out every day, your skin is susceptible to moisture loss and other issues that plague the skin.
To keep your skin hydrated, you should use hyaluronic acid every day on clean, damp skin. It should be a part of your morning and evening skincare routine.
This water-based ingredient quickly absorbs into your skin and hydrates the skin cells. It replenishes moisture and strengthens the skin barrier. A properly functioning skin barrier helps to retain moisture and keep harmful toxins out.
These toxins are almost inevitable as they are present in the environment around you. This is why you need the protective function of HA to preserve skin integrity. It also helps to enhance the texture and appearance of your skin.
What Percentage of Hyaluronic Acid Should Your Serum Contain?
The recommended concentration range for HA serum is 0.2% to 2%. 0.2% HA serum is sufficient to hydrate your skin and improve the appearance of mild wrinkles.
However, if you don’t get the expected results with this percentage, you can increase concentration but not go beyond 2%. Just like with every other active ingredient, less is more.
If you’re a newbie with hyaluronic acid, it is best to start with small concentrations and gradually build up concentration as your skin begins to tolerate it better. More so, you should only increase concentration if your skin demands it.
Can You Use Too Much Hyaluronic Acid?
Yes, you can use too much hyaluronic acid on your skin. Ideally, you should use just one product that contains this acid. When you have more than two products that contain this acid as a major ingredient, you are going overboard.
Using serums, moisturizers, or hydrating face masks that contain over 2% HA, you are already using too much. While it may be tempting to use so much hyaluronic acid on the skin because it is naturally present in the body, it’s not a good idea.
The HA in the body has a high molecular weight, while skincare HA has a low molecular weight. As strange as it sounds, high molecular weight HA is best for the skin and comes with fewer side effects.
The low molecular weight HA, on the other hand, penetrates too quickly and deep into your skin. Therefore, it can cause skin inflammation and irritation.
Is Too Much Hyaluronic Acid Bad for Your Skin?
Too much hyaluronic acid will not cause any permanent damage to your skin. However, it could slow down your results by taking you steps behind.
When you use too much, it could leave your skin thirstier and parched. Consequently, you begin to see more prominent signs of aging.
Furthermore, it can result in excessive dryness which could make your skin overcompensate by producing more sebum than is necessary (in a bid to make up for moisture). This progresses into clogged pores and acne breakouts.
When your skin has too much of this hydrating acid, rather than drawing moisture from the atmosphere, the acid draws moisture from your skin and leaves it dehydrated.
Which Hyaluronic Acid Is Best for Your Skin?
The best hyaluronic acid for the skin is the high molecular weight HA. The molecular weight of the acid determines how far it’ll penetrate your skin. High molecular weight HA cannot penetrate your skin. It sits on the surface and hydrates your skin.
Because of its size, and low molecular weight HA penetrates deep into the skin and is highly inflammatory. This can cause skin irritations and breakouts.
Experts advise that you use high molecular weight HA-based products which are also more effective. Also, stay off products that contain too many additives. Such products have greater tendencies to show side effects.
When Is the Best Time to Use Hyaluronic Acid?
The best time to use hyaluronic acid is practically any time of the day and year. Unlike products like retinol, vitamin C, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid, this acid does not make your skin photosensitive. It is also not drying on the skin.
HA is highly beneficial in a dry climate when the atmosphere has little or no moisture. Hyaluronic acid keeps your skin hydrated and protected during this period. This function benefits every skin type but is most especially beneficial to people with dry skin.
Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid in Summer?
You can use HA in any weather condition. During summer, people with oily skin may not find HA moisturizers necessary. This is because their skin already produces enough oil.
However, this mild acid does not pose any harm during summer. It is water-based and absorbs quickly without leaving residues on your skin.
Moreover, during summer, ultraviolet radiation is at its peak and there is a high risk of transepidermal water loss. Using hyaluronic acid in this period will hydrate your skin and prevent this moisture loss by enhancing skin barrier function.
What Is the Correct Way to Use Hyaluronic Acid?
The right way to use HA is to apply it to damp skin and always use a moisturizer after. This acid works best on damp skin. If applied to dry skin, it could leave your skin drier than it found it.
In addition, in a dry climate, the correct way to use HA is to apply it to damp skin and use a moisturizer over it. Otherwise, as a humectant, it’ll rather strip your skin of moisture instead of drawing moisture to it.
If your HA-based product is a serum, you only need 3-4 drops of serum to cover your face and neck. If it’s a moisturizer, a pea-sized amount of cream or lotion is enough. Most importantly, follow the instructions on the pack of your product.
FAQs
How often should you use hyaluronic acid on your face?
Use hyaluronic acid at least twice a day; during your morning and evening routine. Always apply this acid to pre-cleansed skin and moisturize afterward.
Should you moisturize after hyaluronic acid?
Yes, you should. Always apply moisturizer after HA serum to lock in moisture, boost hydration levels and prevent moisture loss. A moisturizer also enhances the penetration of hyaluronic acid and its ability to fill in fine lines and wrinkles.
Will hyaluronic acid cause bloating?
No, it will not. Hyaluronic acid does not contain calories; it cannot lead to weight gain or cause bloating. It absorbs into your skin, plumps the cells, and keeps them hydrated. All this inside work is seen on the outside as smooth, radiant skin.
Conclusion
Correct application of products includes how much of the ingredients your skin gets. Hyaluronic acid is the skincare ingredients’ do-gooder. However, incorrect use can turn it against your skin. It could leave your skin thirstier and consequently look more aged.
Follow the recommended concentration of hyaluronic acid for your serums and moisturizers. If you’re formulating your product yourself, then, you need to know how much can be too much or too little.
If you ever get confused about HA on your skin, you should see a dermatologist and discuss your concerns.
Thanks for reading.
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