Skin Care

Lethal Beauty Product Combos

OK, maybe they won't kill you, but mixing some skin care products can annihilate your complexion

by Emily Woodruff | 4 COMMENTS

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Face Oil + Hyaluronic Acid = Anti-Aging Bust Though hyaluronic acid may sound like something dreamed up in a chemistry lab, it actually occurs naturally in the body. A gooey liquid that keeps your hinges from creaking, it's found in the connective tissues that keep joints lubricated. What does that have to do with your face? This acid has the ability to hold 1,000 times its weight in water, making it extremely moisturizing. It makes skin plumper, more hydrated, and reduces wrinkles.

To get all of those amazing benefits, when adding it to your skin care regimen, be sure to avoid this misstep:

"Do not apply hyaluronic acid over oil," says Dr. Graf. Why? The water-based hyaluronic acid can't penetrate the oil, meaning it can't get to your skin to do its job. If you're putting oils on before your hyaluronic acid, it's just sitting on top of that barrier. Apply your hyaluronic acid product first, and layer any facial oils (like oil-based moisturizers) on top of that. Using an oil-based cleanser before applying hyaluronic acid should be fine, as long as it's not one that you simply wipe off, since those will leave an oily residue behind that the hyaluronic acid can't penetrate.

Our readers give drugstore standby CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM top ratings because it contains hyaluronic acid and works for any skin type.

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