How to Use Hyaluronic Acid Effectively In Your Skincare Routine

Hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse ingredient that can provide lasting moisture in every step of your beauty routine. That said, the more you know about this ultra-hydrating molecule, the more you’ll be able to use it to your advantage. Here’s everything you need to know.

Hyaluronic acid is a large molecule that’s naturally found in the skin and throughout the body, including in cartilage, bones, tendons, and ligaments. What's its special power?It can hold 1,000 times its own weight in water, binding to it to help retain moisture in the skin and joints.

When it comes to skincare, this translates to lasting, deep humectant moisture in the skin. This can ultimately help:

• Deeply moisturize the skin
• Assist in wound healing
• Provide antioxidant protection against free radicals
• Help repair damaged skin

The problem? As we age – or even if we’re dehydrated – we don’t produce enough hyaluronic acid naturally, so the skin starts to dry over time. This contributes to many of the visible signs of aging. That’s why there are so many products that contain topical hyaluronic acid – and they work wonderfully if you use them correctly. Here’s exactly what that should look like.

First, it’s important for you to understand that not all hyaluronic acid products are created equal - and they don’t all have the same purposes. For one, there are various acid concentrations. In some products, like Pep Rally Radiance Face Serum, hyaluronic is the most plentiful ingredient, and it's used quite simply to provide lasting moisture. In others, like Soulmate Brightening Treatment, hyaluronic acid is present in smaller concentrations as a supporting ingredient, helping active glycolic acid to penetrate the skin without drying it out or causing undue irritation.It’s important, then, to understand exactly what you’re looking for so you can make sure that you get the results that you’re looking for.

We already alluded to this, but you should also ensure that you have the right supporting active ingredients in your hyaluronic acid product. There are many active ingredients to choose from, and each active is proven to help with specific concerns. Our top picks include:

• Vitamin C and vitamin E to help fight free radical damage, clear acne, and balance the skin
• Glycolic acid to fight breakouts and gently exfoliate the skin
• MSM to inhibit the breakdown of collagen and reduce inflammation
• Peptides to rebuild collagen in the skin and improve skin’s texture

Finally, it’s time for you to decide what steps of your routine should have a hyaluronic acid component. You can safely incorporate hyaluronic acid into every step of your routine, including:

• Cleanser: Using a cleanser with hyaluronic acid will help you evenly cleanse the skin without over-drying it or stripping it of its natural oils.
• Serum: A hyaluronic acid serum will provide a moisturizing base andallow subsequent active ingredients to evenly and effectively penetrate the skin.
• Moisturizer: Using hyaluronic acid in a moisturizer – alongside ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil – will lock in hydration at the cellular level.
• Cream or mask: Finally, using hyaluronic acid in your night creamwill help you truly get your beauty sleep and wake up with refreshed skin.

Ready to get started? Try all the hyaluronic acid products you might need in our Discovery Kit.