How to Use Hyaluronic Acid Serum Correctly to Achieve Your Dream Hydrated, Plump Skin

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Every skincare expert will tell you that how you use your products matters the most. You do not have to be cautious with only the infamous retinol or the drying AHAs/BHAs. Hyaluronic acid serum, despite its mildness, must be used the right way for better results.

Hyaluronic acid serums are known for providing moisture to the skin. This acid is a strong humectant that draws water molecules from the environment or deep layers of your skin. As a result, it retains moisture on the surface of your skin and keeps it hydrated.

Hyaluronic acid serums work in harmony with almost every other ingredient to improve the health and appearance of your skin. Read on to see ways you can incorporate hyaluronic acid serum into your beauty routine.

Which Hyaluronic Acid Serum Is Good for You?

You need hyaluronic acid serum for your skin to replenish moisture and address skin issues like the signs of aging. Before you incorporate a hyaluronic acid serum into your routine, you should know what formula best suits your skin type.

Although the acid is milder and unlike other skincare acids, there is the right way to go. If you have oily skin, combination skin, or acne-prone skin, you most likely stay away from products that contain oil.

Therefore, when choosing a hyaluronic acid serum, pick one that contains more water than oils. Your skin type is not one that needs more oils than necessary.

Your skin naturally produces more oils than necessary, an addition may be doing more harm than good.

In the same vein, people with dry and normal skin types should use an oil-based hyaluronic acid serum to help retain moisture. Oil-based products retain more moisture in dry skin types. The oils do not evaporate, so, the ingredients remain in your skin.

If you have a sensitive skin type, a water-based hyaluronic acid will be more soothing and least likely to provoke your skin into breakouts.

After making a choice of formula, it is advised that you run a patch test to be sure the hyaluronic acid serum and your skin are 100% compatible. Although it is a naturally occurring acid in the skin, it rarely has a side effect on anyone, you can never be too careful.  

Why Should You Use Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Hyaluronic acid serums are watery serums that help to plump your skin, keeping it moisturized with a natural glow. More so, it stimulates collagen synthesis which is necessary for skin elasticity. You can use a hyaluronic acid serum in almost any skincare routine.

Whether you’re battling acne, any other skin blemish, or aging, this moisture-boosting serum replenishes lost moisture and enhances skin repair. It strengthens your natural barrier and prevents moisture loss which is the onset of many skin issues.

In addition, the use of hyaluronic acid transcends skincare to even hair care. Hyaluronic acid serums help to repair damaged hair, control frizz and prevent moisture loss. They also help to reduce hair porosity and improve the health of your hair.

How to Use Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Skin

As earlier mentioned, how you use hyaluronic acid serums is very important. Correct application guarantees results. When you use this serum, always apply it to damp skin.

In essence, hyaluronic acid serum should come post-cleansing, when your skin is still damp.

  • Cleanse your face with a mild cleanser and clean cotton pad to remove every soap, oil, dirt, and makeup residue
  • After cleansing, double cleanse with a suitable toner to balance the pH of your skin and remove stubborn residues that the cleanser didn’t remove
  • Then, proceed with hyaluronic acid serum. Pump out the serum and release about 4 drops on your palm
  • You may gently warm the serum in your palms by rubbing both palms together
  • Thereafter, gently tap the serum all over your face and neck
  • Allow the serum to absorb into your skin before you moisturize
  • Take a pea-sized amount of moisturizer and rub it all over your face until you have even coverage
  • Finish off your routine with other creams and oil. Most importantly, do not forget to layer on sunscreen before you step out in the morning
  • Use hyaluronic acid serum two times every day to keep your skin hydrated and youthful

How to Use Hyaluronic Acid Serum With Retinol

While pairing retinol with other products can be quite scary, the opposite is the case with hyaluronic acid serum. Retinol is a very potent ingredient; however, its drying effect is a major downside. Pairing retinol with hyaluronic acid serums makes retinol tolerable.

Moreover, it enhances the penetration and effectiveness of retinol in addressing skin concerns like aging and acne. Follow these steps to use a hyaluronic acid serum with retinol:  

  • Start your routine with your regular facial cleansing but without exfoliation. Exfoliating can be too irritating because you’ll be applying retinol later
  • Dry your face properly because retinol works better for your skin on a dry surface. Wet skin will increase penetration and it can be too irritating for your skin
  • Afterward, take a pea-sized amount of retinol cream and gently rub it on your face
  • Allow the cream to absorb into your skin for about 10-20 minutes
  • Then, replenish moisture with hyaluronic acid serum. Take the serum in your palms and gently tap it all over your face. Also, hyaluronic acid makes the retinization process bearable for your skin
  • If you’re layering retinol with hyaluronic acid in the morning, you should finish wearing sunscreen to shield your skin from sun damage. However, it is best you layer retinol and hyaluronic acid at night

How to Use Hyaluronic Acid Serum With Niacinamide

Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are super hydrating skincare ingredients. When you use both ingredients, you treat your skin to the goodness of a moisture boost. Moreover, niacinamide helps to regulate sebum production.

Therefore, they make a good combo if you’re battling dehydrated and overly oily skin. This is the way to go about using hyaluronic acid with niacinamide:

  • Take hyaluronic acid serum in your palm and apply it to damp, pre-washed, and cleansed skin
  • Cleansing your skin before you apply products helps to enhance penetration by removing whatever debris in your clogs that will interfere with penetration
  •  Thereafter, take niacinamide serum and gently apply it all over your face to boost moisture and regulate sebum production
  • Additionally, you may apply niacinamide to your oily T-zone and apply hyaluronic acid serum to the other areas of your face
  • Moisturize your face generously to seal in moisture and the active ingredients
  • Although these serums almost have no side effects, you must apply sunscreen lotion to protect your skin

How to Use Hyaluronic Acid Serum With Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that enhances skin repair, wound healing, fading of skin discolorations, immunity, and collagen synthesis. However powerful, vitamin C is not without its downsides; it can be very drying on the skin.

To counter this side effect, you need a hydrating serum like a hyaluronic acid serum. Follow the steps below to layer vitamin C with hyaluronic acid serum.

  • Dampen a cotton ball with a cleanser to remove oil, dirt, and makeup residues
  • Allow your face to dry before you begin to apply the serum. Start with vitamin C serum
  • Pump out vitamin c serum and release a few drops onto your palm
  • Gently pat it into your skin and wait a few minutes for it to absorb into your skin
  • Do not allow your skin to dry completely before you apply hyaluronic acid serum
  • Take the serum and gently pat it all over your face to seal in moisture
  • Afterward, apply face moisturizer to seal in hydration
  • Apply face oil and finish off your routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield your skin from UV ray sensitivities

How to Use Hyaluronic Acid Serums on Hair

There are several ways to use hyaluronic acid serums in your hair care routine. If you use it correctly, the serum hydrates your scalp, helps to control frizz, aids in detangling, and improves the health and appearance of your hair.

You may add hyaluronic acid to your shampoo when you want to wash your hair. Also, you can add it to your hair oils to boost hydration and its protective benefits.

Another way to use a hyaluronic acid serum to get results is to use it as a pre-shampoo treatment. Apply the serum to your scalp before you shampoo your hair. This way, it helps to treat your hair issues and protect your hair from the harsh chemicals in your shampoo.

Post-wash, you can apply hyaluronic acid serum to your damp hair to aid in detangling and styling. In addition, it protects your hair from the destructive heat of heat tools.   

How Often Should You Use Hyaluronic Acid Serum?

Use hyaluronic acid serums every day, two times a day to get results. Unlike some skincare products, hyaluronic acid serums have no restrictions on the frequency of use.

Apply the serum after cleansing and before moisturizing as part of your morning and evening routine.

Are There Any Potential Risks of Using Hyaluronic Acid Serums?

Although hyaluronic acid serum is very mild, there are chances that you may be overdoing it. When you apply hyaluronic acid serum to dry skin or during dry climates, it turns against your skin.

Instead of attracting moisture from your environment, hyaluronic acid pulls moisture from the deep layers of your skin and strips it of moisture. Consequently, your skin is dehydrated which may lead to other skin issues.

FAQs

When should you apply hyaluronic acid serum?

Hyaluronic acid serum should come post-cleansing and before moisturizing. The serum prepares the way for skin hydration and enhances the penetration of products. Apply the serum as part of your AM and PM skincare routine.

What should you not use with hyaluronic acid serums?

You can use hyaluronic acid serums with every other ingredient without fear of an adverse reaction.

Hyaluronic acid makes ingredients like retinol tolerable and helps to replenish moisture after the drying effect of AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, and benzoyl peroxide.

Can you apply hyaluronic acid serums to your undereye?

Yes, you can. Hyaluronic acid serums are safe for your undereye. The skin around the eyes is very thin and you should be very careful with what you apply around it. Hyaluronic acid serums help to fade dark circles and improve the appearance of undereye wrinkles. 

How long does it take for hyaluronic acid serums to work?

It may take around 3-6 weeks before you see remarkable results from using hyaluronic acid serums. However, upon topical application, you’ll feel your skin become hydrated and plump.

The improved appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and other expected results will take days and patience.

Conclusion

Serums, especially hyaluronic acid serums, may look very easy to use. Although they are not difficult to use, you need to be very conversant with the method of application of your product. Remember that your results are dependent on how you use your ingredients.

You can use hyaluronic acid serums with almost any other ingredient without causing a wreck on your skin. For hair care, you can apply the serum alone or mix it with other products like your shampoo or hair oil.

Most importantly, pick a formula that suits your skin type and always layer SPF to protect your skin from sun damage.

Thanks for reading.

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