Supercharging your skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated. For every 12-step regime that comprises every imaginable lotion and potion, there are a number of more low-maintenance ways to achieve the luminous skin of your dreams—all it takes is knowing how to boost the efficacy of the products you’re using. One of the easiest tricks in the book? Moisture sandwiching.
Layering your active ingredients correctly is one thing, but it is knowing how to properly use hyaluronic acid that is most crucial for plump, hydrated skin. As a universally useful ingredient, many of us use HA, but its ability to do its job well lies in how it’s applied – and that’s where moisture sandwiching comes in.
“Applying a moisturiser straight after using hyaluronic acid immediately locks in hydration,” confirms facialist Michaella Bolder. “HA holds a thousand times its own weight in moisture, so sealing it in with a moisturiser helps maximise and lock in the skin’s water intake.” Aesthetician Dija Ayodele agrees, and compares the trusty ingredient to underwear: “You’d never walk out of the house in just your bra and pants, would you? Always apply moisturiser—your clothes—on top.”
Failure to do so can actually lead to dehydration. “HA is a humectant—and is always searching for moisture—so will pull moisture out of the deeper layers of skin if it isn’t sealed in,” explains Ayodele. “It’s crucial you help it out by applying a hydrating or nourishing moisturiser over the top of it.”
Another thing to note, recommended by both experts, is that it should always be applied on damp skin to ensure that there is surface moisture for the molecule to scoop up in the first place, subsequently plumping and hydrating the skin. You can apply it post-cleanse when the skin is still wet, or you can also make use of a facial mist pre-application, to ensure the skin is damp and to amp up hydration.
So, there you have it: a simple, easy and ultra-effective skincare trick that guarantees you make the most of your HA. Truly the tastiest sandwich you’ll ever come across.
This article originally appeared in British Vogue.
