Can Hyaluronic Acid be used During the Day?
So, by now you all know that hyaluronic acid is a household name, loved and adored by skincare experts and beauty fans. This clever humectant will work wonders for anyone who introduces it into their everyday skincare routine. The question is, can you use hyaluronic acid during the day? Or does it need to be applied in your morning or evening routines? All will be answered, and things will feel a lot clearer.
Should I use hyaluronic acid in the morning or night?
You can use hyaluronic acid in the morning and night! Whether you should is entirely down to you and how applying these products will fit into your daily routine.
If you are wanting to reap the rewards, I would suggest using a serum or moisturiser enriched in hyaluronic acid. This will ensure you are maintaining a healthy and fully functioning skin barrier, a vital part of combating signs of premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, and other environmental aggressors.
For the best results, opt for a serum formula to apply before a moisturiser as this will result in it absorbing into the lower layers of the skin and locking moisture into the skin. By teaming this with a moisturiser you will also create a physical, protective barrier on the skin surface helping the complexion to remain healthy, glowing with a youthful bounce.
Can you use hyaluronic acid and go in the sun?
Yes, you can, although hyaluronic acid has the word “acid” in its name, it does not perform the same way as other chemical exfoliants do, such as the very popular glycolic acid and salicylic acid. What I mean by this is hyaluronic acid does not perform exfoliation to the skin when the layer of dead skin cells is sloughed off the surface revealing fresh skin underneath. This new skin is glowing and healthy, but also highly sensitive to sun exposure so any UVB or UVA rays that encounter it will cause deep rooted damage in the lower layers of the skin.
I would still strongly recommend that after you apply your hyaluronic acid enriched product you follow that with a daily SPF of factor 30 and above to ensure you are fully protecting the skin from further sun exposure and potential damage.
Do you apply hyaluronic acid before or after moisturiser?
This is very much dependant on which product you find your hyaluronic acid in. For example, to gain the best results from your skincare routine, it is considered best to apply your products in the order their consistency (from thinnest to thickest). Having said that however, many skincare experts believe that hyaluronic acid is best applied first before any other serum formulas. This will not only result in the active ingredients found in the other serum and moisturiser will absorb into the lower layers of the skin, but HA will lock water from their formulas in keeping the complexion plumped, hydrated and healthy.
Should I wet my face before using hyaluronic acid?
Yes absolutely! As you already know hyaluronic acid adores water and when it has enough on the skin surface and in the atmosphere around the face, it will ensure it can develop the best results by locking water into the skin. Try applying your hyaluronic acid to freshly cleansed and toned skin that is still slightly damp, but not too wet, allow it to dry after application and follow this with a nourishing moisturiser or face oil.
What can you not mix with hyaluronic acid?
The beauty of hyaluronic acid is the fact it can be used by almost all skin types and with almost all other skincare ingredients. However, there are some that need to be avoided just to be on the safe side, such as formulas containing a high acid concentrate, alcohol, and fragrance. It is these ingredients that are often quite drying to the skin and can often strip it of its vital oils and water levels. By applying hyaluronic acid on the top of these ingredients you’ll find it is unable to benefit the skin as well due to the fact of water it can absorb. This will not only leave your skin feeling tight, but you may find that hyaluronic acid begins to draw moisturise up from the lower layers of the skin causing more dryness and discomfort.
Can you use vitamin C and hyaluronic acid together?
Yes, you certainly can! Vitamin C is packed with antioxidants making it a highly effective ingredient to use during your morning routine. This ensures it can combat any exposure to free radical damage and restore an overall glowing complexion. As effective as vitamin C is, it does come with some precautions due to its reputation for being unstable and sometimes irritating on sensitive skins. This is when hyaluronic acid can step in and counteract the dryness and irritation caused by vitamin C. You’ll find that whilst vitamin C is able to protect the skin, hyaluronic acid can get to work ensuring the barrier is hydrated and able to protect from any further potential damage.
Don’t forget if you are wanting to find out more about using vitamin C and hyaluronic acid together, check out our dedicated blog post.
Can I use hyaluronic acid under eyes?
You can, but with caution. This is only because the skin around your eye area is around 40% thinner than the rest of your face. No doubt, you’ve realised this is the reason why this area begins to show the signs of ageing quicker than the rest of the face.
Before you use your hyaluronic acid under the eyes, I would strongly advise you consult with a doctor or dermatologist to avoid any unwanted reactions or side effects. Once you have the ‘all clear’, you take apply your hyaluronic acid to the eye area to help combat fine lines and crow’s feet remembering to apply with the ring finger for a gentler application.
So, there you have a little more information about using hyaluronic acid during the day, don’t forget to come and follow us on Instagram for more skincare tips, product launches, and exclusive discounts.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
