Written by OSEA Staff | Published July 24, 2024
If you’re looking for effective ways to achieve smooth, hydrated skin, hyaluronic acid (HA) could be the key ingredient you’ve been missing in your routine. Hyaluronic acid serums help the skin barrier retain moisture, giving it that plump and soft appearance you love.
If you’re new to hyaluronic acid, don’t panic! This guide explores the properties of hyaluronic acid, its benefits, and when to apply it in your skincare routine for the most hydrating results.
How Does Hyaluronic Acid Hydrate the Skin?
HA acts as a humectant, latching onto and attracting water molecules to retain moisture. This is what makes it a water-absorbing powerhouse.
When you apply products that contain hyaluronic acid, the molecules attach to your skin cells, hold onto any nearby water and attract more moisture throughout the day. HA continuously hydrates thirsty skin, making it the perfect addition to your skincare routine.
Can Hyaluronic Acid Replace a Moisturizer?
While hyaluronic acid serum benefits can’t be overstated, this ingredient isn’t a replacement for a good moisturizer. This dynamic duo is best used together.
HA works hard to help your skin retain moisture, while moisturizers like our Seabiotic® Water Cream provide deep hydration that seals the deal by reinforcing the skin’s moisture barrier. This rich, naturally-derived formula nourishes the skin with a probiotic*, prebiotic and seaweed that’s clinically shown to instantly increase skin hydration by 173%.
For a full-body moisturizer, try our Undaria Algae™ Body Lotion. The lightweight lotion boasts the water retention benefits of hyaluronic acid, plus replenishing Undaria seaweed, vegan collagen that makes skin appear more youthful and elastic and peptides that smooth and firm the appearance of skin.
Tip: To really reinforce that moisture barrier and give dry skin an extra dose of hydration, add face and body oils as the final steps in your skincare routine. Our Dayglow Face Oil® and Undaria Algae™ Body Oil deliver deep moisturization while giving skin a dewy, supple finish.
Is It Safe to Use HA With an Exfoliant That Contains HA?
Yes! AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) are chemical exfoliants that help you deal with dry, dull skin by removing dead skin cells. This leaves a fresh, smooth surface that needs plenty of moisture to maintain its glowy appearance — and you’ve got the perfect follow-up. Using a hyaluronic acid serum after an AHA product attracts moisture to the newly resurfaced skin, ensuring it stays looking soft and radiant.
When to Apply Hyaluronic Acid in Your Skincare Routine
Before incorporating a new skincare product into your skin, always perform a patch test first to see how your skin reacts to the new product. Even though HA is generally a perfectly safe ingredient, applying any new product on a small area of skin is a smart way to test the waters for potential reactions.
If your new serum passes the patch test, it’s time to add it to your routine! HA serums can be used morning and night, after your cleanser and toner but before your moisturizer. Simply apply a few drops to your skin while damp and let it soak in.
We recommend our best-selling Hyaluronic Sea Serum, clinically proven to instantly boost hydration and visibly enhance the elasticity and firmness of your skin**. This anti-aging serum combines HA, seaweed and snow mushroom to keep skin hydrated and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Looking to get rid of dark circles and tired eyes? Brighten your look with the Ocean Eyes® Age-Defying Serum. Use our refreshing, cooling roller ball applicator to gently roll the serum underneath your eyes, avoiding your eyelids. With a specially formulated blend of HA, caffeine, seaweed and peptides, start your days with brighter, smoother-looking skin. Say goodbye to eye bags!
Our Hyaluronic Body Serum is the ideal HA-powered, full-body hydrator. We use vitamin B3 to visibly smooth rough skin, vegan peptides and seaweed to nourish and moisturize and aloe for immediate hydration. Use it from the neck down, allow it to absorb and seal it with a body moisturizer for the best results.
When you’re done using them, store HA products in a cool, dry place to maximize their lifespan and effectiveness.
*The probiotic in this formula is nonviable. This means it is not a live organism.
