Hyaluronic acid may sound like a very technical skincare term, but it couldn’t be simpler! Erase those misconceptions about it being an acid, which is commonly associated with exfoliation. Think of hyaluronic acid as a naturally-occurring molecule instead. It can actually be found in your body’s connective tissues and joints. But why do you hear about hyaluronic acid being in skincare? How does it help your skin? We chat to our beauty salon supplier friends over at the Global Beauty Group to get the lowdown on this hero skincare ingredient.
What is Hyaluronic acid?
At its core, hyaluronic acid is a humectant. Simply put, it holds water molecules and keeps them on the surface of your skin. Hyaluronic acid is a very powerful humectant as one molecule can attract up to 1,000 times its own weight in water. It could even pull water from the environment and absorb it like a sponge. That’s why this amazing ingredient is present in so many toners and serums.
As babies, we’re actually born with more than enough hyaluronic acid, and our tiny bodies keep producing lots of it. That’s why babies are so plump. But as we age, we produce less and less hyaluronic acid in our body, and that’s when wrinkles start to show up and our skin tends to sag and loose volume.
You may have come across the term “transepidermal water loss,” wherein water leaves the skin’s surface through evaporation. When your skin loses all this hydration, it becomes dry and flaky, and wrinkles become even more visible. As a skincare product, Hyaluronic acid combats this by keeping moisture in your skin.
Incorporating this hero ingredient into our skincare regimens could really help with aging. This is why it’s being used in supplements, injections, and most commonly topical skincare products. Scientists are constantly finding ways to utilize and maximize it to help slow down the aging process.
What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid?
- It’s hydrating.
As mentioned, it is a humectant that absorbs and keeps moisture in your skin and it is this benefit that helps to keep dry skin at bay. For some serious hydration – Hyaluronic acid can also be extremely effective when paired with an at-home dermaroller, as derma rolling can significantly increase the absorption of products applied directly after.
- It helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Because your skin is well-hydrated, it gives your skin a plump, youthful look. As such, it consequently reduces the appearance of those unsightly wrinkles and fine lines, effectively addressing signs of aging.
- It increases skin elasticity.
Hand in hand with its ability to improve skin tone, texture, and flexibility is its added benefit of tightening loose skin and making it soft.
- It’s anti-inflammatory.
Hyaluronic acid was found to promote wound healing by controlling inflammation on the skin. It greatly helps with any redness or damaged skin, and is also known to prevent scarring.
- It’s a safe option for fillers.
Hyaluronic acid fillers are a very safe option since the molecules are already naturally-occurring in your own body. Also, since it’s a humectant, it’s ideal for achieving that plumping effect.
- As a soothing product, often practiioners will reccomed to use hyaluronic acid to help repair skin after a professional treatment such as micro needling or hydro dermabrasion.
How do I add hyaluronic acid to my skincare regimen?
Contrary to its name, hyaluronic acid is a safe ingredient for all skin types and should be a staple in your routine. It can be easily integrated into your daily skincare regimen, either during the day or at night. Adding it to your routine can help maintain your skin’s hydration and moisture levels – keeping your skin supple, plump and radiant looking! But there are a few things to take note of when including this in your beauty regimen.
First, make sure to apply this on the top layer of your skin. Don’t put it on top of a cream or sunblock. It works best when applied directly onto your skin as ether an essence or serum – followed by your moisturise and sunblock, if during the day. Second, since this is a humectant that draws moisture in, it can absorb easier on damp skin so try a facial mist or hydrating spray to amp up the hydration effects. Lastly, pair it with a cream or a moisturizer to help lubricate the skin and seal everything in!
Additional information:
To learn more about skincare or hyaluronic acid, contact beauty suppliers at The Global Beauty Group.
