How to Layer Hyaluronic Acid with Other Serums
Sometimes, it’s hard to remember a time before serums became an integral part of our skincare routines. There are so many options these days, don’t get us wrong, we’re here for it, but when it comes to serums, and especially the ingredients in their formulas, it’s all about figuring out how best to make them work together effectively.
So without further ado, let’s figure out how to layer hyaluronic acid with other serums. Don’t worry, you’ll master this skincare nonsense in no time!
Which came first, serum or hyaluronic acid?
When it comes to building a good serum skincare routine, it’s always a good idea to stick with one active ingredient. You can then layer on a hydrating and nourishing serum formula that contains hyaluronic acid and other ingredients like vitamin E and glycerin.
It’s best to apply a serum with an active ingredient like vitamin C or glycolic acid first. This exfoliates the skin and removes impurities and bacterial buildup. Using a serum rich in hyaluronic acid soothes the skin and locks moisture to the outer surface, keeping the skin’s protective barrier healthy and maintaining the proper balance of water and oil levels. By combining active ingredients with skincare supplements, you’ll get the treatment for optimal skin benefits and a healthy, radiant complexion.
Don’t forget to do your research and find the best cocktail that both you and your skin will love. If you have any concerns, it’s always best to consult a doctor or dermatologist to avoid unnecessary irritation or allergic reactions.
Can hyaluronic acid be layered?
Absolutely. The beauty of hyaluronic acid is that it can be used by all skin types and works well with any skincare ingredient. This is a very unusual property for almost all other ingredients, as their different pH levels affect the skin differently.
Due to hyaluronic acid’s hydrating properties, it can draw moisture into the lower layers of the skin, which is why it’s always a good idea to apply hyaluronic acid on still slightly damp skin. Not only does this lock moisture into the skin, but you’ll also find that any product you apply afterwards will be absorbed quickly, meaning you’ll see results sooner than you expect.
Can I use two different serums at the same time?
Yes, you can! As I suggested, it’s best to use a serum that contains active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and lactic acid. You can then apply a serum that contains nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and hyaluronic acid.
When it comes to using different serums at the same time, I recommend not using more than two at a time as it can be too much for the skin and the products often compete with each other.
However, if you choose different serums that contain different active ingredients and skin-friendly ingredients, you can reap the benefits by alternating them without complicating your skincare routine. For example, combine hyaluronic acid with a vitamin C-rich serum in your morning routine and swap it out for a retinol serum and hyaluronic acid serum combo in your evening routine. These simple changes will have you looking and feeling better without any signs of irritation.
Should hyaluronic acid be used morning and night?
Yes! This is probably the advice I would recommend to anyone who wants to understand the benefits of introducing hyaluronic acid into their daily skincare routine. Since this clever moisturizer provides moisture to the skin, you can keep the skin’s natural protective barrier functioning properly with the right amount of water and oil. This will not only keep your skin soft, healthy, and youthful, but it will also help fight any free radical stress your skin faces on a daily basis.
Do I need a serum and a moisturizer?
This largely depends on your personal preference and skin care routine. While you can use both at the same time, you don’t necessarily have to, as serums and moisturizers work differently on the skin due to their different consistencies. Serums have a lightweight, gel-like formula that can penetrate deeper into the dermis and reach the underlying layers, while moisturizers are generally thicker, richer, creamier, and tend to remain on the outer surface.
Should I use a facial toner before using hyaluronic acid?
When it comes to your skin care routine, it’s important to remember that the order in which you use your products is crucial to ensuring you get the most out of all your hard work. Of course, a toner should be used before hyaluronic acid, as the choice of the product you use is often dictated by this moisturizer. This moisturizer can be found in facial mists, serums, essences, and moisturizers, all of which are mostly found at the end of your skin care routine.
Which serum should I use first?
It’s generally considered a good idea to apply a serum as the first product to your skin after cleansing and toning, especially if the formula contains chemical exfoliants like glycolic and lactic acid.
If you use two different serums in your routine, I recommend using the serum with active ingredients first, followed by the hyaluronic acid-rich serum, as this allows the first serum to work and penetrate the underlying layers before the second serum. It helps lock in moisture for a radiant, youthful-looking complexion.
Can hyaluronic acid be used daily?
Yes, believe it or not, you can actually use them every day! Not only does this allow the skin to continue to retain moisture throughout the day and night. When the skin’s protective barrier is functioning properly, it can protect against further damage from free radicals, such as those caused by pollution, UV radiation, and other environmental factors.You’ll also find that any skincare you apply afterwards will be absorbed quickly and results will be seen in the expected timeframe.
See, I told you you’d get a better idea of how it all works, but if you have any questions, follow us on Instagram where our experts are here to help. If you love skincare, you’ll love our new YouTube episode on The Green Sofa!
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.
