How to Layer Hyaluronic Acid Serum

When it comes to skincare, there are a collection of ingredients that tend to rule the roost when treating your skin. Hyaluronic acid is one of them, but with reason, and it isn’t terribly boastful about the vast amounts of skin benefits it contains in its water binding consistency is pretty impressive.

If you are wanting to know everything about hyaluronic acid and how it benefits the skin, you can check out our dedicated blog post.

Now let’s turn our attention to the focus of today’s post and figure out how to layer hyaluronic acid serum. So, let’s get stuck in and find out more.

Can you layer hyaluronic acid?

Yes! The amazing thing about hyaluronic acid is that you are able to layer it with everything. You will find that you can team this hydrating ingredient with some of the well-known anti-ageing superstars, such as retinol, vitamin C and glycolic acid. All of these skin ingredients are highly effective; however, the downside is they can cause some irritation and allergies, especially if used incorrectly.

This is when hyaluronic acid steps in and restores balance back to the skin outer surface of the skin. It is able to do this with the help of the humectant traits it carries by drawing water into the outer surface of the skin and locking it into place. This will keep the protective barrier fully functioning and keeps the skin hydrated and full of bounce continuously throughout the day.

What order should you use hyaluronic acid?

Considering the order in which you should use hyaluronic acid depends on the consistency of the product that contains hyaluronic acid. For example, the basic skin rule is to apply skincare products depending on their formula starting with the thinnest, which is face washes, toners up to light weight serums, moving onto thicker formulas such as face oils, moisturisers, and creams.

Generally speaking, you’ll find that hyaluronic acid is blended into serum and moisturisers formulations resulting in it being applied in the later stage of your daily skincare routine. You may discover that after using products containing chemical exfoliants such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid that are applied before will have any signs of irritation counteracted with the help of a serum enriched in hyaluronic acid. As for potent ingredients applied to the skin after hyaluronic acid will not only absorb into the lower layers quickly with minimal irritation caused to the skin.

How do I add hyaluronic acid to my skincare routine?

As I have already mentioned, moisturisers and serums are the most common forms that hyaluronic acid is applied to the skin. This enables the skin barrier to remain functioning at its healthiest state throughout the entire day. You would want to use your hyaluronic acid twice a day, ideally after your cleanser and chemical exfoliating toner whilst the skin is still damp. This is key for hyaluronic acid to draw in every ounce of water on the face and surrounding area to lock it into place. Once the moisture is sealed into the skin the active ingredients applied will get to work undisturbed resulting in you seeing their benefits in a less time.

The skin barrier will also have the ability to protect itself from any exposure to free radical damage, such as pollution, environmental aggressors and UV rays. By limiting skin damage and repairing any previous concerns you are left with a healthy, balanced and flawlessly glowing complexion.

What can you not mix with hyaluronic acid?

There is very little to no ingredients hyaluronic acid is able to mix with. Not only is it suitable for all skin types, even those prone to mild sensitivity, but it can be introduced to almost every skincare routine. Due to the impressive ability to bind the largest amounts of water to the skin compared to other humectant skin ingredients, such as niacinamide.

As we age, we lose our capability to retain the correct levels of water and oil in the skin barrier. You may be shocked to know that we are unable to keep our skin hydrated throughout the day constantly, even if we remain vigilant with our water intake. This is when the hydrating agent that is hyaluronic acid can be extremely helpful. Much like all skincare ingredients, I suggest performing a patch test for 24 hours is the safest way to introduce hyaluronic acid into your daily routine. This will give you the peace of mind that applying a new skincare product will not cause any disruption to the skin barrier or develop any sign of irritation. If you have any further concerns, it is best to consult with a doctor or dermatologist to ensure the formula will work for you and your skin.

Can you use hyaluronic acid every day?

Absolutely, in fact, I would suggest using it twice a day, but no more than twice as your skin can have too much of a good thing. Believe it or not you can use too much hyaluronic acid and if you apply it too often to the skin it will actually start drawing water up from the lower layers resulting in the complexion becoming tight, dry and uncomfortable.

By sticking to two applications a day you’ll keep the complexion hydrated and help any other active ingredients reach the lower layers giving you the optimal results for an all over improved and vibrant finish to the skin.

What order do I put on skincare products?

As you already know from the previous section of this blog post, the consistency of the skincare formulas is something to take into consideration when thinking of the best order to apply your skincare products. Here are some examples of a basic and effective morning and evening routine. 

AM Skincare Routine

1. Cleanse (optional)
2. Toner- containing glycolic or lactic acid
3. Serum- containing hyaluronic acid
4. Eye Cream
5. Moisturiser
6. SPF of factor 30 and above

PM Skincare Routine

1. Makeup Remover
2. Face Wash
3. Toner- containing glycolic acid and lactic acid
4. Serum- containing hyaluronic acid
5. Eye Cream
6. Face Oil- containing retinol
7. Moisturiser

As you can see, these are examples of simple routines that will keep the skin healthy and happy. However, everyone has different skin, and it is best to find the correct active ingredients and products that will benefit your skin type the most.

So, now you have a better understanding of how to layer hyaluronic acid serum and the best way of introducing it into your skincare routine, don’t forget if you have any questions come and follow us on Instagram and for all your skincare tips check out our new YouTube channel, The Green Sofa. Come on, we’ll save you a seat!