If you’re using skincare, chances are you’ve come across the ingredient hyaluronic acid before. Known as the magnet for moisture, when it comes to essentials in your skincare routine, hyaluronic acid is usually high on the list, and with good reason. It’s great for all skin types; sensitive, oily, blemish-prone, you name it, everyone can benefit from it. That’s because everyone, regardless of skin type, will experience dry or dehydrated skin at some point, and hyaluronic acid is essentially a long drink for thirsty skin.
Alongside other superstar skincare ingredients like retinol and niacinamide, the effects of hyaluronic acid can be truly transformative, particularly for those who suffer from dry skin. Think shrivelled-up raisin turns into a glazed doughnut if you need a visual. It can improve skin texture, plump the skin, and give you a next-level glow that will make you wonder why you didn’t start using it earlier.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a carbohydrate molecule that is naturally found in the skin that has the unique capacity to bind and retain water. It basically acts like a sponge that draws and attracts moisture from the atmosphere to the skin once applied. That’s why it's recommended to apply after you’ve washed your face, as it will draw the moisture from the skin's surface deeper into the skin. This can serve up some much-needed relief for those suffering from dry or dehydrated skin.
While the word ‘acid’ can be scary for some, it’s important to remember that not all acids are astringent. Milk is slightly acidic for example, and Hyaluronic Acid is a very gentle match for the skin, making it perfect for people with sensitive skin that maybe can’t handle harsher acids.
You can, and should, use products that contain Hyaluronic Acid all year round, however, it can be particularly beneficial during the winter months when the skin is exposed to dehydrating effects like heating and punishing temperatures.
What are the benefits?
Hydration
As we age, the amount of hyaluronic acid our body creates will naturally start to deplete. This will result in the skin becoming drier and can lead to the formation of fine lines. Applying a synthetic version of Hyaluronic Acid to the skin topically can help to boost the skin’s moisture content as well as soothe and prevent moisture loss from your other skincare products.
Improved skin barrier function
The main function of our skin is to protect our body, as obviously, skin protects all our muscles, bones and internal organs from outside stressors. The skin on our face in particular has to ward off a number of harmful toxins and UV light on a daily basis. When we don’t protect our skin from these outside factors, we can damage the outer layer of the skin (the lipid barrier) which is responsible for keeping water in and nasties out. Hyaluronic acid fortifies the skin's natural barrier which will in turn help lock in moisture, which will help the rest of your skincare work harder and the results last longer. Over time, this can help to slow down the deterioration of the lipid barrier and help to fortify it long term.
Improved skin tone
When we think about adjectives we want to describe our skin - saggy is not usually one of them. As we age, elastin in the skin will begin to break down and deteriorate. This is what reduces that ‘bounce back’ effect and will lead to the skin sagging. While Hyaluronic Acid is not able to replace the elastin in your skin, it can help with the appearance and tightness in the skin. Because it fills the skin with moisture, Hyaluronic Acid tightens and enhances the overall complexion which will give you a more youthful appearance.
Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
No matter your age, it’s never too early to start protecting your skin from fine lines and wrinkles. The key to prevention is hydration, and it’s a lot easier to prevent damage than it is to try and turn back the clock. Hyaluronic Acid helps reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles by retaining moisture for longer times, creating a plumping effect. Because the area around the eyes is usually one of the first to show fine lines and wrinkles, it’s worth incorporating into your eye serum too.
How should I use hyaluronic acid?
Like most things in life, the key to success is consistency. If you consistently apply hyaluronic acid to your skincare regime, you will absolutely start to notice a difference in the appearance of your skin. Always remember to apply Hyaluronic Acid to skin that is slightly damp, as the molecule needs moisture to work at its best. If you apply it in a dry environment such as in front of a heater, you can run the risk of drying the skin out even more. Yikes!
Hyaluronic Acid will essentially draw moisture from wherever it can, so applying it to your face directly after you get out of the shower is a great way to reap all its hydrating benefits. Then make sure you follow with a moisturiser that will ‘lock in’ the benefits. Another great thing about Hyaluronic Acid is that it is safe to use with all your other serums, so you can layer it with vitamin C, retinol, niacinamide and salicylic acid.
Ultimate Renewal Serum
This is the ultimate hydration booster, jam-packed with ingredients that will help you get your glow on. This plumping, lifting elixir is not just another hyaluronic serum, it also includes niacinamide which is known to improve the health of the skin barrier, as well as smooth and refine the skin texture. It also contains Sodium Hyaluronate which is a smaller form of Hyaluronic Acid that can deeply penetrate to hydrate and plump skin.
This formulation is designed to deeply hydrate the skin for long-lasting silky hydration.
PRO Collagen Eye Complex
The eye area can also benefit from Hyaluronic Acid. The PRO Collagen Eye Complex is a ceramide-enriched targeted eye treatment that answers all your prayers for looking after the delicate area surrounding the eyes. It contains Sodium Hyaluronate which will draw moisture to the area, helping firm and strengthen the skin around the eyes and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
