Skincare Basics 101: How To Use Hyaluronic Acid Correctly?

Hyaluronic acid. This difficult to pronounce (hyalu…what?) skincare ingredient is the shortest route to hydrated skin. No wonder, you will find it in serums, sheet masks, moisturizers and practically any skincare product you can think of. A few drops that lead to plumper, younger, and softer skin – now who wouldn’t want that? 

Here’s everything you need to know about this elixir. 

What is hyaluronic acid? 

Hyaluronic acid or HA, is a sugar molecule that is naturally found in our bodies. It binds to water and traps moisture in the skin, keeping it plump for a long time. The fact that it can hold upto 1000 times its weight in water, is what makes it an ace hydrator. It easily seeps into the skin and a few seconds are enough to see its magic unfold. 

Just like collagen and elastin, the amount of hyaluronic acid in the body decreases as we age. So, applying it topically is the best way to ward off signs of ageing, acne, dryness and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. 

Who should apply hyaluronic acid? 

Because with dryness yes, but literally everyone else too. In spite of it being an ‘acid’ it is a totally non-irritating and non-triggering ingredient that only has good things to offer. There is no real reason to tread lightly with hyaluronic acid, as there is no known side-effect of it. People who have skin conditions like acne, rosacea, or have ageing skin will see visible results with every use. 

Even for those who have normal skin, hyaluronic acid acts as the perfect top-up hydrator that will make up for the skin’s lost moisture and replenish it at the drop of a hat. 

Can you pair hyaluronic acid with other acids? 

HA is not an active. Meaning that is very accommodating and pairs well with almost every other ingredient. Go ahead and pair it with your retinol, vitamins, and other AHAs and BHAs with the only exception of glycolic acid. This is because it has a lower pH level than HA, which ultimately renders HA ineffective. 

In which form should you use hyaluronic acid? 

Since hyaluronic acid is a killer humectant, we would recommend using it in a serum form. Because of the serum’s water-light consistency, it can better penetrate the skin, and yield even better results. Our Mama Cica Dark Spot Correcting Ampoule contains HA, cica, Korean ginseng, and lotus root that ensure a spot-free and hydrated skin.

You may also use essences, moisturizers, and sleeping masks with HA, in your routine, for added moisture. 

How to apply a hyaluronic acid serum? 

Now here’s something that not everyone might tell you. Applying a HA serum does not end and begin with simply tapping it into the skin. Since it is a humectant that draws water to the skin, you must always apply it on a damp face. Keyword being – damp, not dripping wet. So, after you’ve thoroughly cleansed your face, spritz the dewy-fresh Birch Please Moisturizing Face Mist all over. It contains the super-hydrating birch juice and sodium hyaluronate that provides added moisture to the skin. Then, apply 2-3 drops of the serum all over your face. Then use your fingers to gently tap the product in. Then make a skincare ‘sandwich’ and again go over with the mist. HA does not contain water in itself, so the more water you feed it, the plumper your skin will be. 

This method offers much, much better hydration, than simply applying the serum on dry skin. 

Keep this little handy trick in mind the next time you apply your HA serum, and see the difference it makes!