3 Ways to Use Hyaluronic Acid - wikiHow (2024)

Table of Contents
Things You Should Know Choosing a Hyaluronic Acid Serum Using a Hyaluronic Acid Cream Getting Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Expert Q&A Tips Warnings You Might Also Like References About This Article Reader Success Stories Did this article help you?

Download Article

Explore this Article

methods

1Choosing a Hyaluronic Acid Serum

2Using a Hyaluronic Acid Cream

3Getting Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Other Sections

Tips and Warnings

Related Articles

References

Article Summary

Co-authored byDiana Yerkes

Last Updated: December 16, 2023References

Download Article

Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in your body and helps retain moisture in the skin and repair the skin’s natural barriers.[1] As you age, the amount of hyaluronic acid produced depletes causing your skin to lose moisture, so it’s important to replenish it. By choosing the correct hyaluronic acid products or treatments and applying them properly, you can rejuvenate your skin and return it to its former glory.

Things You Should Know

  • Hyaluronic acid is a substance that helps your skin retain moisture and while it occurs naturally in your body, your hyaluronic acid levels slowly deplete over time as you get older.
  • Topical creams, serums, and moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid are all generally going to be good for your skin so long as they don’t contain alcohol, sulfates, phthalates, or other ingredients that can damage or dry out your skin.
  • Hyaluronic acid is also available in an injectable gel form as a filler, which is a phenomenal option if you have chronically dry sky; you’ll need to see a dermatologist to get one of these treatments, though.
  • Injectable hyaluronic acid fillers are exponentially more efficient than topical products because the acid needs to reach the lower layers of your skin to replenish it, and topical products don’t go that deep.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing a Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Download Article

  1. 1

    Buy a serum with a mix of molecule sizes to penetrate the skin. Hyaluronic acid molecules are normally too large to pass through the layers of the skin.[2] You’ll want to find a product that provides a variety of molecule sizes to get better benefits from topical application.

    • Lower molecular weights can go deeper into the skin.
    • Not all products list these, so it’s best to research online or ask the manufacturer for more details.

  2. 2

    Use a water-based serum if you have oily/combination skin. This will help you avoid introducing too many unnecessary oils to your skin.[3]

    Advertisem*nt

  3. 3

    Find a water or oil-based serum for dry/normal skin. Topically applied, oil-based products will hold water on your dry skin’s surface and hydrate cells without blocking pores.[4]

  4. 4

    Test your product first to see if your skin reacts. Apply hyaluronic acid somewhere discreet, like behind your ear to test the effect on your skin.[5] It is unlikely to cause a reaction as it occurs naturally in the body.

    • Use once per day or every other day initially to ensure it’s safe in the long term

  5. 5

    Cleanse and tone your face as you normally would. Follow your regular skin cleansing routine up until before you add moisturizer.[6]

  6. 6

    Apply a thin layer of hyaluronic acid serum to damp skin. Having moisture already on the skin allows your choose hyaluronic acid serum to be absorbed better. Hyaluronic acid works by retaining moisture, so you’ll need to give it something to work with.[7]

  7. 7

    Use hyaluronic acid serum in the morning and at night. In the morning, it can give your skin additional moisture to soften it throughout the day. Used at night time, hyaluronic acid will help replenish the moisture lost during your day’s activities.[8]

    8. Advertisem*nt

  1. 1

    Choose a hyaluronic acid cream to lock in moisture. Since moisturizing creams sit on the surface of the skin, they work to hold moisture within the skin’s surface. Adding hyaluronic acid moisturizer to your existing skincare regime will give you the best results from your hyaluronic acid treatment.[9]

  2. 2

    Look for a concentration of at least 0.1% hyaluronic acid in your cream. Any less than this and you’ll reduce the effectiveness of the moisturizing cream. Studies show that this level of hyaluronic acid is effective for hydrating skin and maintaining skin elasticity.[10]

    • If you have sensitive skin, you may want to keep to lower strength hyaluronic acid formula so you don’t risk a reaction or dryness.

  3. 3

    Add hyaluronic acid to your existing moisturizer. If you have a moisturizer that works for your skin already, simply add hyaluronic acid to this to utilize its benefits.[11]

    • Research the ingredients in your product to ensure you’ll achieve the correct concentration of hyaluronic acid.

  4. 4

    Apply as often as required. It is safe to use hyaluronic acid every time you follow your skincare routine. This will depend on your individual routine and requirements, but the addition of hyaluronic acid will not affect these timings.

    5. Advertisem*nt

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Getting Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Download Article

  1. 1

    Consult a dermatologist to use hyaluronic acid for healing skin. If you’re looking to heal lines or scars, ask a medical professional about hyaluronic acid dermal filler injections. Since this allows the hyaluronic acid to penetrate beneath the first layers of skin, it is a more effective way to heal skin on a molecular level.[12]

  2. 2

    Choose a licensed healthcare provider. Do your research beforehand and ask about their experience with dermal injections, and discuss treatment options before going ahead with hyaluronic acid filler treatments. Ensure they are using approved substances, depending on your region’s laws.

  3. 3

    Know the risks of dermal fillers. Side effects of hyaluronic acid fillers include redness, swelling, itching and pain at the injection site. In rare instances, you may experience more serious side effects, so it is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider and understand the risks.

    4. Advertisem*nt

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

  • Question

    Is hyaluronic acid safe for all skin types?

    Diana Yerkes
    Skincare Professional

    Diana Yerkes is a Skincare Professional and the Lead Esthetician at Rescue Spa in New York City, New York. With over 15 years of experience, Diana helps others with their skin care needs by incorporating natural and high-performing products and treatments into their routines while providing nutrition insights and educating clients on better skin care habits. Diana is a member of the Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) and holds certifications from the Wellness for Cancer and Look Good Feel Better programs. She received her esthetics education from the Aveda Institute, the International Dermal Institute, and the Biologique Research Academy.

    Diana Yerkes

    Skincare Professional

    Expert Answer

    Yes. Hyaluronic acid is already present in your skin, so using a serum or cream with hyaluronic acid in it only increases the amount that's there.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

    YesNo

    Not Helpful 1Helpful 4

  • Question

    Can I apply hyaluronic acid serum on my lips to make them bigger?

    3 Ways to Use Hyaluronic Acid - wikiHow (22)

    Sapphia

    Community Answer

    Hyaluronic acid serum is used to prevent and treat dryness and is not meant for plumping lips. It is unlikely to work, and if it did, it would be temporary. It would be better to buy a product made to enhance the size of lips.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

    YesNo

  • Question

    I feel a little itchiness when I apply hyaluronic acid serum and cream. Is this normal, or should I stop using it?

    3 Ways to Use Hyaluronic Acid - wikiHow (23)

    Community Answer

    Stop using it. If you use anything on your face and it itches, burns, or goes red, wash off immediately and stop using, as you may have a slight allergy or sensitive skin.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

    YesNo

    Not Helpful 2Helpful 7

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

      Advertisem*nt

      Tips

      • Hyaluronic acid products can be purchased at beauty supply stores, and some may be available at your local supermarket.

        Thanks

        Helpful0Not Helpful0

      • If you have never used hyaluronic acid before, consult a beauty salon or dermatologist to see if it’s the best option for you.

        Thanks

        Helpful0Not Helpful0

      Submit a Tip

      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

      Submit

      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Advertisem*nt

      Warnings

      • As with all skincare products, if you experience any adverse effects from hyaluronic acid, stop using it immediately and consult a medical professional if symptoms persist.

        Thanks

        Helpful2Not Helpful3

      • Avoid buying dermal fillers online or using them yourself without medical supervision.

        Thanks

        Helpful1Not Helpful1

      • Never get injectable fillers in an unlicensed practice or from an unlicensed provider.

        Thanks

        Helpful1Not Helpful3

      Advertisem*nt

      You Might Also Like

      How toDetermine Skin Tone
      How to Exfoliate for Radiant, Smooth Skin (Plus Product Recommendations)How to Easily Harvest and Prepare DIY Aloe Vera Gel at HomeHow toUse Rose Water on Your FaceA Complete Guide to Skin Icing: Is It Good for Your Face?6 Easy Ways to Get Rid of a Cleft ChinHow toExfoliate, Steam and Use Face MasksHow to Get Hair Dye Off Skin Quickly at HomeHow toHave a Good Skin Care Regime (Teen Girls)How toUse a LoofahHow to Give Yourself Totally Cute Freckles SafelyHow toUse Vaseline

      Advertisem*nt

      More References (3)

      1. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22052267
      2. ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
      3. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2685277/

      About This Article

      3 Ways to Use Hyaluronic Acid - wikiHow (38)

      Co-authored by:

      Diana Yerkes

      Skincare Professional

      This article was co-authored by Diana Yerkes. Diana Yerkes is a Skincare Professional and the Lead Esthetician at Rescue Spa in New York City, New York. With over 15 years of experience, Diana helps others with their skin care needs by incorporating natural and high-performing products and treatments into their routines while providing nutrition insights and educating clients on better skin care habits. Diana is a member of the Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) and holds certifications from the Wellness for Cancer and Look Good Feel Better programs. She received her esthetics education from the Aveda Institute, the International Dermal Institute, and the Biologique Research Academy. This article has been viewed 146,359 times.

      13 votes - 83%

      Co-authors: 12

      Updated: December 16, 2023

      Views:146,359

      Categories: Featured Articles | Skin Care

      Article SummaryX

      To use hyaluronic acid, start by choosing a serum that works best for your skin type. If you have oily or combination skin, try a water-based serum to avoid introducing too many unnecessary oils to your skin. Alternatively, find an oil-based serum if you have dry or normal skin. Oil-based products will help retain water on the surface of your skin so it's more hydrated. Once you have your product, test it somewhere discreet, like behind your ear, to see the effect on your skin. If you don’t have a reaction, cleanse and tone your face as usual, then apply a thin layer of hyaluronic acid serum to your damp skin to help it absorb better. Use your serum in the morning and at night for the best results. To learn how to use a hyaluronic acid cream, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?

      In other languages

      Nederlands:Hyaluronzuur gebruiken

      Русский:использовать гиалуроновую кислоту

      Deutsch:Hyaluronsäure benutzen

      العربية:استخدام حمض الهيالورونيك

      Español:usar el ácido hialurónico

      Bahasa Indonesia:Menggunakan Asam Hialuronat

      中文:使用玻尿酸

      • Print
      • Send fan mail to authors

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 146,359 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • 3 Ways to Use Hyaluronic Acid - wikiHow (39)

        Darlene Smith

        Feb 14, 2019

        "I always do research on any skincare product I want to buy. Your website has helped me find the information I need."

      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisem*nt

      3 Ways to Use Hyaluronic Acid - wikiHow (2024)
      Top Articles
      DIY: How to setup BMW Standard Tools 2.12 w/Windows 10 x64 (64-bit)
      05 trailblazer high idle
      'AITA for canceling my wedding because my fiancée won't let my mom live with us?' UPDATED
      Man shocked when MIL calls police on him & partner; 'We're NOT abusive parents to our baby!' AITA? UPDATED
      Latest Posts
      What are the top 10 most recognisable brands in the world?
      How to test and replace a VNT turbo actuator VW TDI and VNT actuator adjustment
      Article information

      Author: Pres. Lawanda Wiegand

      Last Updated:

      Views: 6117

      Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

      Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

      Author information

      Name: Pres. Lawanda Wiegand

      Birthday: 1993-01-10

      Address: Suite 391 6963 Ullrich Shore, Bellefort, WI 01350-7893

      Phone: +6806610432415

      Job: Dynamic Manufacturing Assistant

      Hobby: amateur radio, Taekwondo, Wood carving, Parkour, Skateboarding, Running, Rafting

      Introduction: My name is Pres. Lawanda Wiegand, I am a inquisitive, helpful, glamorous, cheerful, open, clever, innocent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.