The hype on hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a hero skincare ingredient for plumper, hydrated and dewy skin. She is gentle, and powerful, loves all skin types and can be used with other actives like vitamin C and retinol, glycolic acids and the best part she can be applied both in the am AND pm. Seriously, does it get any better?

We love this superhero. In order to get the most from your hyaluronic acid serum, however, it needs to be used correctly in order to realize its fullest potential. We know you've heard many times that hyaluronic can dry out your skin but there's a reason and it's likely due to incorrect use or the wrong type of hyaluronic acid is used.

Let's explain...

You’re not applying hyaluronic acid to damp skin

Themost important rule for application here is, damp skin!! Yes, you need damp skin for hyaluronic acid to work its magic. Write it on the mirror so it's etched permanently, Ok maybe not but that's how important this step is.

Hyaluronic Acid, AKA 'HA' is a humectant which means it's a moisture magnet. It draws moisture from the air and plumps the skin. Did you know 1 gram of hyaluronic acid can absorb 1000 grams of water?

It's like a big gulp for your skin, minus the sugar LOL. (TEWL) or trans epidermal water loss doesn't stand a chance here.

Applying hyaluronic acid to dry skin can actually pull the moisture from deep within the epidermis (stratum corneum) which means it's evaporating into the air. Definitely not something we want. We highly recommend using a mist or toner to dampen the skin ever so slightly. Don't overdo it, definitely just a hint of mist will do the trick.

You’re applying hyaluronic acid in the wrong order

It's super important to layer your product in the correct order, especially serums to ensure efficacy. Most experts recommend applying your skincare serums from most active to least or thinnest to thickest. This means with Ativo Skincare products we recommended starting with the Vital C 20 Vitamin C Serumfirst and following with the 3D Dew Drops.

For a healthy skin barrier, ending with a soothing and hydrating serum like HA will calm the skin and help with any drying effect from a more active serum.

For best results with hyaluronic acid, choose a serum with multi weights of hyaluronic acid, and different types of hyaluronic acid like the 3D Dew Drops. Ativo Skincare uses 3 molecular weights and combines it with vitamin b5 to help reduce fine lines and an ultimate plumping effect.

You’re not following hyaluronic acid with an oil and/or moisturizer

Following your serum application with a face oilor moisturizer will ensure it's not evaporating and drying out the skin. We just spent time getting you all glory, don't want to lose that!!

That's where emollients come in. Emollients are like the sealers that lock in all that moisture creating a barrier which actually optimizes skin health. Use a water based moisturizer and at night lock in all in with a few drops of a facial oil which is called an occlusive. Occlusives protect the skin by creating a protective layer to help prevent moisture loss.

So to all of this we say, your moisturized skin will be healthy and protected at all layers of the skin and not dry out as long as it's used correctly!