Hyaluronic acid is a hugely popular skincare ingredient. If you’ve been wondering what the hype is all about, read on to find out exactly what hyaluronic acid is and the skincare benefits it brings. We’ll also discuss how you can use hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine, including when to use a hyaluronic acid cream and what skin types can benefit most.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a water-binding molecule that is produced naturally in the body. It’s a humectant which means it retains moisture. Hyaluronic acid is a particularly effective humectant and is capable of holding over 1,000 times its own weight in water.
Hyaluronic acid is a gel-like substance. Although it’s produced naturally in our bodies, when it’s used in skincare, it’s formulated in laboratories using a biotechnical process that’s completely vegan.
What are the skincare benefits of hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is so popular in skincare because it brings a range of benefits.
Hydrating
The main benefit of hyaluronic acid is that it is incredibly hydrating. Thanks to the humectant qualities, it can pull water from the environment and bind the moisture to the surface of the skin. This keeps skin thoroughly hydrated.
Protecting
When skin is dry, the skin’s barrier will be broken, which can leave skin irritated and flaky, and can also lead to acne. Hyaluronic acid helps to reinforce the skin’s barrier, keeping skin protected and soothed. It also has antioxidant properties which help to protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Anti-aging
As we age, we will start to produce less hyaluronic acid naturally. This can leave skin dull and dry. Using hyaluronic acid topically in skincare can bring a boost to our skin and give it the moisture it needs. This in turn can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid can also improve the elasticity of our skin, leaving a youthful radiance.
Plumping
Hyaluronic acid helps to plump the skin and give it more defined contours, which can start to soften with age. Hyaluronic acid helps to firm skin and give the face a youthful fullness.
Who should use hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid can be beneficial for all skin types. It can be most effective for those who have dry or mature skin, as the hydrating qualities can help to combat and target problem areas.
Hyaluronic acid can also be used by those with oily skin. Even oily skin needs moisture, and hyaluronic acid can help to balance the skin. It won’t trigger acne and it doesn’t clog pores.
Although it has ‘acid’ in the name, hyaluronic acid is gentle enough that it can usually be used by those who have sensitive skin. As it’s produced naturally in the skin, there are no known side effects of using hyaluronic acid. However, you should always do a patch test to ensure the product is safe for you to use, especially if you have eczema or rosacea. Hyaluronic acid is often combined with other active ingredients in skincare, and it may be that another ingredient in your product could cause irritation.
How do I use hyaluronic acid?
There are lots of skincare products available that contain hyaluronic acid. It is often used in hydrating face creams to lock in moisture throughout the day. Hyaluronic acid face creams are typically lightweight and could even be a gel formula.
Hyaluronic acid is also popular in serums. Serums often contain a higher concentration of active ingredients and can penetrate the skin deeper, so they can be a great way of hydrating your skin.
Hyaluronic acid can work best when it’s applied to damp skin. This is because it will draw the moisture in from the surface of the skin and keep it locked in, for long-lasting plumping and hydration. You can use hyaluronic acid both in the morning to keep skin hydrated, and in the evening, to replenish any moisture that has been lost throughout the day.
Hyaluronic acid can be layered with other ingredients, such as a vitamin C serum. The active ingredients will still be effective and you can reap the anti-aging and glow-giving benefits of both types of skincare.
