Can I exfoliate and use hyaluronic acid?

That’s one of the many questions women want to know the answer to, in regards to their skin.

In this article you’ll find out more about exfoliation, as well as hyaluronic acid (HA).

Can you exfoliate and use hyaluronic acid?

It’s safe to use hyaluronic acid on exfoliated skin.

It’s also safe to apply moisturizer without first removing any oil-based products, like sunscreen.

HA is a humectant (a substance that binds moisture to the skin).

It draws moisture from the environment into your skin.

Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells which can clog pores and prevent HA from being absorbed properly.

However, if you’re using a physical exfoliant (like a scrub), it’s best to do it before applying HA.

This is because physical exfoliants can irritate the skin and increase inflammation (which we want to avoid when using HA).

So for example, if you’re using an alpha hydroxy acid or retinol product in the evening, it would be best to wash it off with warm water first before applying your HA serum or cream.

Should you exfoliate before or after hyaluronic acid?

You can use your exfoliant before or after applying any hyaluronic acid product.

The only difference is that if you use it before, the HA will hold on to the exfoliant’s actives better, so it will be more effective at improving texture and brightening.

But if you want to amp up your exfoliation, apply it after your HA serum.

That way, your skin can get the full benefit of both treatments.

The reason I recommend exfoliating first is because it will make it easier to apply the HA serum.

The dead skin cells on your face are what stop the serum from penetrating deep into your skin.

Once you remove them, the serum can go deeper into your skin and hydrate it better.

Can you use acid after exfoliating?

You can use acid after exfoliating.

In fact, if you have dry or sensitive skin and are new to acids, your dermatologist may recommend that you start with an AHA/BHA exfoliant before moving on to more potent chemical peels.

The reason why is because exfoliation helps improve the penetration of the AHAs and BHAs into the skin so they can work better at improving texture and appearance.

It also helps retain moisture in your epidermis to prevent flaking or irritation that might occur when using an acidic product on top of a dry surface

Final Thoughts

That means that exfoliating and using hyaluronic acid on different parts of your face really isn’t likely to have any negative effects, as long as you use pH-correct products.