Why Hyaluronic Acid Serum Isn’t Working
If you use hyaluronic acid and your skin still feels dehydrated or dry, multiple factors may be at play, including a compromised moisturizing barrier. The damaged skin barrier may be dry, scaly, rough, or sensitive. There are a variety of external and internal factors that can damage your skin barrier every day. These may include environmental factors such as humidity, allergens, pollutants, sun exposure, excessive exfoliation or washing, stress, etc. The wrong addition of hyaluronic acid serum to a damaged skin barrier can worsen your skin barrier and skin.
If a damaged moisture barrier isn’t the issue, the problem may be the concentration of the serum, the size of the hyaluronic acid molecule it contains, or even the way you use the product.
How to Use a Hyaluronic Acid Serum Correctly
The key to using a hyaluronic acid serum correctly is to apply it before using a richer moisturizer. You can use a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid on top of the serum, but it's best to add other moisturizers -- like ceramides -- to lock in hydration.
What to Look for in a Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Look for a variety of hyaluronic acids, which can include small as well as medium - and long-chain molecules. The combination of the three will produce better long-lasting, deeply permeable moisture. You should also try to find a serum that contains other key ingredients such as nicotinamide, peptides, ceramides and antioxidants.