What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Healthline states in their ‘7 Surprising Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid‘ article that hyaluronic acid is a clear substance that is in our skin, connective tissue, and eyes. It retains water to keep our connective tissues well lubricated and moist. Also, it plays a role in wound healing and can reduce the appearance of wrinkles. This is why hyaluronic acid is a common ingredient added and marketed in skincare. 

In this blog post, I want to introduce you to my favourite hyaluronic acid serum and how I use it in my skincare routine.

My Favourite Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Before finding The Ordinary 2% Hyaluronic Acid + B5 Serum. A Sephora employee introduced me to the ingredient through a Peter Thomas Roth serum. It’s called Hyaluronic Cloud Serum and it retails for c$86 – a hefty investment for skincare. 

My experience with the Peter Thomas Roth serum was disappointing. It made my skin feel dry and tight – the opposite effect of what it advertises. Causing me to avoid skincare with hyaluronic acid in it for months due to fear of a similar reaction.

That was until I read a Reddit thread on r/SkincareAddiction. That helped me discover that I was applying hyaluronic acid serum incorrectly. In order for hyaluronic acid serum to be effective, you need to apply it to damp skin. That way it binds with the water and hydrates the skin.

I was applying the Peter Thomas Roth serum on dry skin because I didn’t know any different. The reason why my skin felt tight was because it was binding to the moisture already found in my skin. Leaving me with dryer skin than before. 

This information changed how I looked at hyaluronic acid. I then ordered The Ordinary 2% Hyaluronic Acid + B5 Serum for c$6.80/30ml and never looked back. It’s a much better investment than the Peter Thomas Roth serum at c$86/30ml. 

The Ordinary serum combines low, medium, and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid. As well as a next-generation H.A. crosspolymer at a combined concentration of two percent for multi-depth hydration. This system is supported with the addition of B5 for enhanced hydration. It’s also the least expensive hyaluronic acid serum on the market and a fantastic product to layer with other skincare in your routine. 

I’ve re-purchased the 30ml version over ten times and have now switched to the 60ml value-size version. I use the 60ml version twice daily and it lasts me about 2 months.

How I Use Hyaluronic Acid Serum in My Skincare Routine

In the morning, I wash my face with only lukewarm tap water. I then spritz Avene Thermal Spring Water and lightly pat dry with a micro-fibre face towel. My face is still damp and not completely dry when I apply The Ordinary 2% Hyaluronic Acid + B5 Serum. I then continue on with the rest of my morning skincare routine. 

In the evening, I double cleanse (micellar water + cleanser) and use lukewarm tap water. I then spritz Avene Thermal Spring Water and lightly pat dry with a micro-fibre face towel. My face is still damp and not completely dry when I apply The Ordinary 2% Hyaluronic Acid + B5 Serum. I then continue on with the rest of my evening skincare routine. 

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Do you use a hyaluronic acid serum?

Let me know.