Are you tired of constantly searching for the next best skincare product to give you the hydrated and plump skin you've been dreaming of?
Introducing hyaluronic acid, the superhero ingredient in your skincare routine!
From its ability to hold onto 1000x its weight in water to its versatility in working with all skin types - it has found its way into my routine as a skincare staple.
Let's dive into the wonders of hyaluronic acid and discover why it just may be the missing puzzle piece in your skincare journey.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
It is a mucopolysaccharide. It is made up of a sugar called glycosaminoglycan which has water-binding properties. These molecules hold onto the moisture in your skin and prevent it from evaporating from the surface, leaving your skin feeling plump and hydrated.
Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in our body and is also called the 'body's natural moisturizer'
Products and serums with HA help in hydration and reduce the appearance of aging.
Personally, my favorite way to include this into my skincare routine would be to use a lightweight hyaluronic acid serum. You will also find this activity in the form of a toner or cream.
Most skincare products have a minimum of 1% concentration of HA, as the acid is most effective when used at this level.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
When applied topically, HA has numerous skin benefits that can help you achieve a hydrated, plump, and radiant complexion. Some of the most notable benefits of using HA in your skincare routine include -
Hydration: It is a humectant, which basically means that it helps draw in moisture from the air into your skin. This property of this ingredient helps in retaining moisture and hydrating your skin
Anti-aging properties - By retaining moisture, it helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps to boost collagen production, which is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. HA also protects the skin from free radicals in the environment that often cause damage.
Easy to use - Unlike some other active ingredients, HA is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. This makes it an accessible and effective ingredient for all.
Versatile Product - It can be used in various forms, including serums, creams, and masks, making it easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
Improves overall texture - It smooths and evens out rough skin, leaving you with a more polished and radiant complexion.
How Do I Use It?
One - Cleansing
I like to start every routine by cleansing my face to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup that may be present on my skin. This will help to ensure that the hyaluronic acid is able to penetrate my skin effectively.
Two - Apply to damp skin
Most people tend to look over this crucial step when it comes to maximizing the benefits of HA. After cleansing, I let my skin air dry for a few minutes and then apply the hyaluronic acid to my damp skin. This will help to lock in moisture and enhance the effectiveness of the product.
Three - Layering HA
If you are using other skincare products in addition to hyaluronic acid, it is important to layer them correctly. Apply the lightest products first, followed by heavier products. This will help to prevent your skin from becoming congested and will enhance the absorption of hyaluronic acid.
Four - Consistency is Key
Like any other product, especially with skincare - to get the best results, it is important to use the product consistently as part of your daily skincare routine. While you may see some immediate benefits from using hyaluronic acid, it can take some time to see significant results. Be patient and consistent in your use of the product to see the best results.
Keep In Mind
HA holds moisture which means you need to keep your skin supple and stay hydrated. The best way to use this active is by applying it on moist skin. I prefer layering it over a toner or mist.
It works best when paired with a good moisturizer. It is a hydrating agent, not a moisturizing one. There is a difference here and the words can not be used interchangeably.
Paring a gentle ingredient like hyaluronic acid with exfoliants such as AHA & BHA or retinoids helps in keeping your skin hydrated after the use of harsh actives.
Use products (like sodium hyaluronate) You can also pair HA products with Vitamin C and Vitamin B5 as these compounds the effects of the active
Sometimes the ingredient list of a product might not explicitly read hyaluronic acid. Instead, other elements such as sodium hyaluronate might be used. This is a derived salt with a lower molecular weight to help it penetrate better and also has a magnified humectant property attached to it.
What Not To Do
Avoid products with ingredients like alcohol-added fragrance, parabens, and propylene glycol
Don't forget to lock in the serum with a moisturizer to avoid drying. Moisturizers will create a synergistic effect and boost the properties of HA
Use expired products. Water-based serums like the ones with HA are more prone to contamination due to the use of preservatives in them.
If not used right, it causes the opposite effect and makes your skin dry. This wouldn't be ideal in locations with a dry climate as it can't absorb moisture from the environment. To tackle this, you need to compensate with more mists and moisturizing products.
Product Recommendations
Other HA Products -
Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum
Glossier Super Bounce
Now you know the basics of yet another skincare ingredient.
Happy skincare!
Love,
Rae
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Image credits - Alison Erickson
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