You might already be aware Hyaluronic Acid is not just your average ingredient, nor your average serum. It’s ability to hold multitudes of itself in moisture and bring that right into your skin is something of a modern day legend, but there’s just one caveat to reaping the benefits for yourself… application. If you’re experiencing some tightness, or even increased dryness after application, you may be making a very common mistake!

Hyaluronic Acid (or HA) is a humectant, an ingredient used to prevent moisture loss. It does this by drawing moisture from the environment into your skin.

Sound a little odd? It makes sense with a little perspective. There are three types of moisturisers; humectants, occlusives, and emollients. Humectants, as I’ve just mentioned, attract moisture into the upper layers of your skin. Occlusives work to create a protective barrier that prevents transdermal moisture loss. Emollients are a little mix of both, with their own flair; they also soften and condition the skin and can help even out skin tone by filling in the gaps between cells. Squalane is a great example of an emollient.

Incidentally, if there’s no moisture on the surface of your skin to bring in, HA might just draw that moisture up from the lower layers of your dermis. And just because there are emollients in the formula as well, it may not provide the moisture HA is looking for. This in turn is just going to make you feel drier, which is not what we’re going for!

So, the solution? Simply apply to a damp face. This might be as easy as not patting your face dry after cleansing, applying to skin still moistened from your toner or spritzing a little face mist on first. Then, after you’ve applied your HA Serum we’d suggest following with a moisturizer. This could be a light formula for those with oily skin types, or a moisture-rich cream for those on the dry side! You could even follow with a nourishing oil, like the Q+A Squalane Facial Oil. Think of your Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum and your chosen moisturizer as a match made in skincare heaven. 

This blog was only short and sweet, but I’m hoping just as informative. With these tips, you’ll be able to achieve maximum hydration! 

Until next time,

Amy @ Team Q+A