Hyaluronic acid has entered our skin care routines with the promise to instantly plump and hydrate even the most Sahara Desert-esque faces, and help us glow like we’ve actually drunk the daily three litres of water that’s been on our New Year’s resolution list for the last 20 years.
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But while you may have done the research on all the glorious benefits HA has to offer, purchased the product most suited to your needs, and wowed your friends with your impressive knowledge that hyaluronic acid can hold 100x its weight in water – there’s still a chance you aren’t actually applying it correctly.
And no, this has nothing to do with the order of product layering, as HA will play nicely with retinol, vitamins and other acids. (link to skincare order article) It’s far more simple than that.
HA is a powerful humectant, which means it has really strong capabilities of retaining moisture (remember that impressive holding 100x its weight in water fact?).
Basically, it’s a moisture magnet – amazing right? If you’re applying it to damp skin, then yes.
However, if you’re applying it to dry skin, then you’ll actually be doing more damage in the long run, as the hyaluronic acid will seek to pull moisture from the deeper layers of your skin, which can cause a drying effect over time.
In order for this ‘moisture magnet’ to work its magic properly, you need to ensure you’re applying it to already damp skin so that it can pull water molecules from the surface only. Then you’ll really see what this ingredient can do.
Haven’t quite settled on a hyaluronic acid yet? We suggest Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster,La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Ageing Serum and Trilogy’s Hyaluronic Acid + Booster Treatment.
Main image credit: @poosh
Do you use hyaluronic acid? If so, have you been applying it to damp or dry skin?
I always apply to damp skin and follow with RHO
I always wondered where it would be drawing moisture from! Great to be able to read about this.
Yes I do spray my face with a mist toner when applying HA.
I spritz face mist over HA.
Yes. On damp skin or after soaking it in some nice toner then I slather some good hydrating gel moisturizer over =)
The Trilogy one looks good.
I didn’t know you had to use it on damp skin – good tip!
Interesting article.
I apply it to damp skin, straight after I’ve used toner.
I apply hyaluronic acid over a lighter serum so my skin is not damp, but I always apply a good moisturiser afterwards
When using hyaluronic acid I do apply to damp skin.
Very interesting. I don’t use HA on it’s own. But I always apply my skincare to damp skin. I spray with a mist and then apply whatever I’m using.
It is a game changer
I didn’t know this! I always apply it to dry skin.
Well thats something that they need to clearly put on the label. Great info to have.
So straight after toner it sounds like!
I apply it to damp skin post-misting, wait for it to sink in & then apply moisturiser. I only use HA in the morning as I’ve found my skin doesn’t really need it at night (unless it feels REALLY dry).
I always start my skincare routine with a mist toner but I don’t use HA on its own. Something to think about and perhaps add.
Thanks for the tip
Ooooo this is interesting!
I have been using it for about 6 weeks, but was not aware that my skin needed to be damp before applying HA, thank you for this vital tip beauties 🙂
Interesting tip.
Well, that’s great to know. I’ve been sometimes applying The Ordinary HA over a skin refiner or face mist but also on dry skin. Thank you so much for the tip. Will use this way in the future.
I have some of this, and haven’t used it before, so great to know
Interesting…
Interesting article, thank you!
Interesting will do this from now on
I’ve never heard that before, I’ve always applied it to dry skin “won’t be doing that anymore”.
Nice
Thanks for the tip BH. I apply HA after my mist toner
interesting tips
good to know what to use and the how’s
I try to avoid products with hyaluronic acid because they don’t fully absorb and/or dry my skin out. I wish companies would not use it in almost every product.
I did too! omg it’s a good thing we’re on bh!! Thanks bh!
I’m so glad I read this because I definitely would have continued to use it all wrong otherwise.
Thanks BH! This should be specified on the packaging. I have been applying it mixed with moisturiser however will now apply it to damp skin.
This is a great tip. Thanks Bh.
I’ve been applying it wrongly all this time? Luckily I came across this now.
I use it on dry skin but it makes my skin very sticky and takes a while to dry so I stopped using it but I might try it on damp skin and see what happens, thanks!
I haven’t started using hyaluronic acid on its own yet but will heed this advice when I do. The hyaluronic acid is contained in the Nivea face moisturisers that I use.
Good advice here
Great tip. I’m very wary to put any acid on my face.
Good to know you are doing this right
Good information
You’re not the only one. Good we have this information now
It might make all the difference
Thanks for the information. I didnt know it was a moisture magnet.
i always spray toner on prior to applying any hyaluronic. My fav now is the Inkey List – so cheap and works so well!
Great advice!
Living somewhere with a dry climate, I’m still concerned about where the moisture is pulled from once the damp skin dries.