If you’ve got a bathroom shelf full of skin care essentials like serums and moisturizers, then you are truly one of us. And with so many products in your arsenal, it can be tricky figuring out what should be layered with what, especially when it comes to acids and other actives.
Many of our skin care products include ingredients that we love, such as hyaluronic acid, which helps to plump and hydrate the skin. And now many of our makeup must-haves are starting to include this skin care hero too. But how do you know if it’s safe to mix or layer them?
We consulted with Dr. Joshua Zeichner, NYC-based board-certified dermatologist and director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research for Mount Sinai, for more insight on how to layer hyaluronic acid-infused makeup products with hyaluronic acid skin care.
Is It Safe To Layer Hyaluronic Acid Skin Care And Makeup?
The answer is yes. Since hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule — not actually an acid as its name may imply — that already exists in our skin it’s safe to use hyaluronic acid skin care and makeup together.
“Hyaluronic acid is commonly used as a supporting ingredient in most skin care and cosmetic products you are already using because of its humectant [moisture-retaining] benefits,” says Zeichner. So there’s no need to worry about using too much of this ingredient; you can layer it on as a serum or in your moisturizer even if your concealer contains it too.
“Hyaluronic acid is like the popular kid at school who is friends with everyone,” Zeichner continues. “It can be combined with almost all other skin care ingredients since it helps to hydrate, plump, and protect the outer skin layer.”
How To Layer Your Hyaluronic Skin Care and Makeup Products
After cleansing, use the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum to help hydrate and plump the skin. Zeichner recommends applying all hyaluronic acid skin care products to damp skin or by using damp fingertips. “Once the hyaluronic acid comes into contact with water, it will know exactly what to do and what to bind to,” he says.
Be sure to follow up your serum with a moisturizer. “Moisturize first to help seal in hydration and then layer on cosmetics after,” adds Zeichner. Reach for one that also has built-in sun protection, like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30, formulated with pro-retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid to reduce wrinkles, firm, and brighten the skin.
Once your skin care routine is complete, you can begin working on your makeup. The L’Oréal Paris True Match Eye Cream in a Concealer, 0.5% hyaluronic acid works double-duty to minimize the look of aging and provides 24-hour hydration to the eye area. It will help conceal dark under eye circles and hide imperfections, leaving you with a fresh and revived look.
For the best results, apply a few dots of concealer where you want coverage, and use your fingers to gently warm up the product and tap it into your skin until it is fully blended out.
Editor’s tip: If you suffer from under-eye bags and puffiness, freshen up your eye area with the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives with 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid, 1% Caffeine Eye Serum before applying your makeup.
Layering your skin care and makeup products properly will help you get the best results. And thanks to the dose of hyaluronic acid in these beauty products you’ll be left with an overall healthier-looking complexion when you remove your makeup.
Next: Our Best Moisturizers With Hyaluronic Acid
Edited by: Shalwah Evans, Photo Credit: Melissa San Vicente-Landestoy