Retinoids: Do we love or hate them?

[Tartansparkles]

Do you live in a very dry climate? That could be part of the issue... we have a lot of moisture in the air here on the coast. If the air is dry, and you don't give the HA enough moisture to bind to the skin (it can hold 1,000 times its weight in water), it will start pulling moisture from deeper in the dermis, and that can have a reverse, drying effect.

So, HA serum has absolutely transformed my skin, but it took some time to get my application right. By applying it with the CeraVe hydrating toner on damp skin, it mitigates that tight feeling you mentioned (any hydrating/alcohol-free toner will do). Then I use a spray bottle with distilled water and mist that all over my face. I give it at least 5 minutes to do its thing before going to the next step. You'll often read to apply HA to damp skin, but I mist my face until it's quite moist - just short of any dripping or flooding. And then you always need to top it with a good moisturizer, preferably one that has some occlusive properties. Mine has shea butter.

I should also describe my skin... it's dehydrated and prone to irritation due to the retinoid. But I do not have dry skin. In fact, my skin is fairly oily, which is why everything I've included here is non-comedogenic and acne-safe.

Does this help?

I'm in Scotland, a dry climate isn't something we typically have a problem with

How much of the HA do you use each time, a pea sized amount? I've heard such good things about HA that I need to give it another go!