It’s the middle of another blistering hot summer, so there’s really no better time than right now to be locking down that hydration game….and if hydration is the question, Hyaluronic acid is the answer. This widely popular, versatile molecule is all the rage right now; and for good reason!
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) really is a hydration powerhouse. It’s an all star skincare ingredient, and that can’t be said lightly. It's gentle, loves all skin types equally, it can be used daily AM and PM, and it even pairs fantastically with other skincare ingredients ….(even strong retinols!)
As with all products and ingredients, there are a few important application rules to familiarize yourself with, in order to get the most out of this hydrating humectant. Why? Using HA incorrectly can not only inhibit the ingredient from doing its thing, but can also leave your skin drier and more dehydrated than when you started. Umm, that's a nope from me!
Here are 3 simple tips to soak up ALL of the hydrating benefits of this hero ingredient!
1. Apply to a damp/slightly wet face.
This grabs the No.1 top tip spot for a reason; It’s an important one! So shout it from the rooftops, tell your family, tell your friends, ingrain it in your brain, repeat after me: Hyaluronic Acid + Damp face = Hydration Heaven.
Most HA products that I’ve come across don’t seem to mention this on their application instructions, so let’s spread the word to our fellow moisture seeking brothers and sisters!
HA is a humectant; essentially it is a moisture magnet that draws moisture to itself from the environment around us, and in turn, traps it in our skin. If applied to dry skin, your HA will draw moisture from its nearest source (your beautiful face) and leave it even drier than when you started. Weep. Let’s avoid that.
Now I don’t mean your face needs to be soaking wet to avoid this common mistake, lightly misted with water and slightly damp is just perfect!
*I make myself feel all fancy and have a dedicated spray bottle that I keep in my bathroom, just for this purpose*
2. Apply your HA in the correct order
We all know It’s important to layer your wonder products in the correct order, especially serums, to make the most of their active ingredients and ensure top absorption!
Generally speaking, I recommend applying the most active to least, and thinnest to thickest. (note that this is a general rule, and depends on the products you are using).
I typically recommend this general rule:
- Cleanse
- Hydrate (HA)
- Treat (actives)
- Moisturize
- SPF (daytime only)
*If you find it difficult to remember the correct order, try writing it down on a sticky note and keep it in your bathroom drawer/vanity/cabinet for a quick reminder!*
3. Lock in the Moisture
As a follow on from the last tip… The last thing we want is for our Hyaluronic Acid to evaporate after application, taking all of your precious hydration with it (which you know it will, because it’s unreasonable like that).
So what can we do to prevent this? We have to lock in that hydration by following up with a moisturizer!
A soothing moisturizer will help seal all of that wondrous hydration in place, all the while creating a barrier between you and the pesky moisture-zapping world around us!
4. Store in the refrigerator
Unlike other skincare products like Vitamin C, your Hyaluronic Acid doesn’t need to be stored in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life… but trust me on this one, you’re going to want to give it a try!
The feeling of applying cooled HA is nothing short of divine, and it is especially soothing, calming, and refreshing during these sizzling summer temperatures.
Going beyond how luxurious it feels, cooled Hyaluronic acid can also bring more blood flow to your skin’s surface, which in turn can encourage more moisture retention and tissue repair! Win win!
So that's it, now you’re ready to jump on the Hyaluronic Acid Hype train, destined for the land of plump, dewy, hydrated skin… choo choo!
P.S, Here are our favorite products that’ll give you that much needed Hyaluronic hit: Bounce Back and Tropical Cream