Hyaluronic acid (also known as HA) has become such a popular ingredient in skincare products that you would have a difficult time finding a serum or lotion that doesn’t have it, and it’s all for a very good reason once you find out all the awesome things it can do for your skin. This substance occurs naturally in our bodies, where it plays a major role in keeping our skin looking fresh, dewy, and hydrated. However, as we get older (and more fabulous), the body’s production of natural HA slows down and decreases, which can lead to having drier and more wrinkled skin. But, luckily for you nowadays, including hyaluronic acid in your regular skincare routine can do wonders in helping replenish any moisture your skin loses and even go so far as to improve the overall appearance of your skin.
The Most Important Facts You Need to Know About Using Hyaluronic Acid
HA is what’s known as a humectant, a natural substance that can attract and retain moisture in your skin. It’s so amazing that it can hold up to a thousand times its weight in water, making it an excellent ingredient for keeping skin hydrated all day. Hyaluronic acid comes with different molecular weights, each with its own set of benefits that can greatly help improve your skin both in appearance and in health. HA with a low molecular weight, for example, can go deeper into your skin and provide intense hydration to its lower layers. Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight can form a protective shield on the surface of your skin that will help to lock in moisture and prevent the loss of water from its inner layers. Some serums on the market nowadays are even formulated with a combination of the two types so users can enjoy these different benefits, leading to healthier-looking skin. Products with hyaluronic acid are also often recommended for those who get skin needling pen treatments in order to soothe their skin and promote healing.
Including an HA product into your skincare routine can offer a host of awesome benefits that you’ll surely love; starting with keeping your skin hydrated, which can make it look soft, supple, and plump. This plumping effect on your skin can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by minimising fine lines and improving texture. Refining your skin’s appearance isn’t the only thing hyaluronic acid is good for, though. It even has anti-inflammatory properties that can greatly help soothe irritated skin. Finally, it can help strengthen and repair your skin’s barrier function, which helps protect this vital organ from harmful environmental effects and keep it healthy.
These days, HA can often be found in the ingredients list of a large variety of skincare products, such as serums, moisturisers, masks, and facial mists. Once you’ve shopped around and purchased the hyaluronic products you wish to try, here’s how you should use them to maximise their incredible skin-loving benefits:
- Start your routine with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser to remove any dirt, makeup, and excess oil from your skin. Find a cleanser that will not strip your skin of its natural oils and leave it feeling tight and dry.
- Apply some hydrating toner that can help to balance your skin’s pH level and prepare it for the next steps so your other products will sink into your skin more easily. Though most people may use a cotton square to apply their toner, we recommend pouring some into your hand then pressing the liquid into your skin with light patting motions.
- Use a few drops of hyaluronic acid serum, as recommended in the product instructions, and massage it gently all over your face. Don’t forget to give your neck the same attention and treatment! Pick a serum that combines HA of different molecular weights so the different layers of your skin can soak in its hydrating goodness.
- Seal in all that beautiful hydration with a moisturiser that’s suited to your skin type and climate. You may or may not choose a moisturiser that also contains HA, but hey, you’re already putting in the work, so you might as well buy a lotion that has hyaluronic acid, too. By applying HA products in layers, you can maximise its hydration effects for your skin.
- Finally, don’t counter all your efforts by forgetting to apply sunscreen during the day (yes, even when you’re just staying at home!) so you can keep your skin protected from harmful UV rays. When shopping for one, make sure to pick a sunscreen with no fragrance and a light, watery formula that has at least SPF 30, or even more, to get the most protection for your skin.
Start today and always remember to be consistent with your application in order to enjoy the long-lasting benefits of this powerful ingredient.