Long hailed as the antidote to fine lines, wrinkles, and a dull complexion, hyaluronic acid (HA) makes the list of top skincare ingredients for skin experts and beauty buffs alike. While this powerful skincare ingredient is well known in the personal care industry for its ability to replenish and rejuvenate the skin, there are things to keep in mind when using products that tout HA’s benefits. For a deep-dive into the benefits of HA and how best to integrate it into your routine, read on.
What is hyaluronic acid and how does it work?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies that helps retain moisture and keeps our tissues lubricated. It is a polysaccharide and the most prevalent glycosaminoglycan in human dermis. It acts as a biologic humectant helping the skin to retain water, thus keeping it hydrated and supple.
Benefits of hyaluronic acid for the skin
Hyaluronic acid offers several benefits for the skin. It helps to maintain skin hydration, making it look plump and youthful. It also has the ability to stimulate collagen production, improve skin firmness, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Research has shown that the reduction of HA production that occurs over time directly impacts the aging process. The effects of this loss of moisture in the skin can disrupt the enzymatic process that initiates cell turnover (a.k.a. your skin’s renewal process). When the skin cells are too dehydrated, this action is impaired leading to dullness and congestion.
Furthermore, aging changes that impact the production of the lipid matrix (fatty acids, cholesterol, and ceramides) which is crucial for skin barrier function can lead to a loss of moisture to the environment leaving the skin dehydrated, flaky and prone to sensitivity.
Topical treatments that contain high quality HA can mitigate these concerns and support healthy skin functions.
How to incorporate hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine
Hyaluronic Acid can be incorporated into your skincare routine in various ways. One common method is to use a hyaluronic acid serum or moisturizer. These products can be applied after cleansing and toning, and before applying other skincare products such as moisturizers or sunscreen. Another option is to use sheet masks or facial mists containing HA for a quick boost of hydration.
It’s important to note that hyaluronic acid works best when applied to damp skin, as it can help to lock in moisture.
Think of the HA molecule as a water magnet. If it is sitting on top of dry skin, it will draw water upwards. If you apply it to damp skin, it will be drawn inwards.
It goes without saying that consistency is key. Use hyaluronic acid products every day to see the best results over time.
Choosing the right hyaluronic acid products
When choosing hyaluronic acid products, look for products that contain a sufficient concentration of hyaluronic acid to effectively hydrate the skin. One way of ascertaining this is to look at the ingredient list. The closer to the top of the list, the more abundant the ingredient is in the formulation. Keep an eye out for products that contain different molecular weights of HA; in this case, the HA will sit at different levels of the epidermis, flooding it with hydration.
Some of our favourite products that fit the bill include the circular hydration serum from Dermalogica and the instant smoothing serum from Grown Alchemist.
Common misconceptions about hyaluronic acid
There are a few common misconceptions about hyaluronic acid.
- It can replace the need for a moisturizer. While hyaluronic acid is excellent at attracting and retaining moisture, it is not a substitute for a moisturizer. It should be used in conjunction with a moisturizer to provide optimal hydration for the skin.
- Hyaluronic acid is only beneficial for dry skin. In reality, HA is suitable for all skin types and can provide hydration and other benefits for oily, combination, and sensitive skin as well.
- Hyaluronic acid can deeply penetrate the skin. While it can hydrate the outer layers of the skin, it does not deeply penetrate to the deeper layers. Instead, it works by attracting moisture to the skin’s surface and helping to prevent water loss.
Hyaluronic acid injections and beauty boosters
Hyaluronic acid filler injections are used for cosmetic purposes and are commonly used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and add volume to the skin. The density and composition of the HA filler will vary based on its intended purpose. For lifting and providing shape and definition to the face, the HA filler will generally be highly cross-linked to provide structure and volume.
Beauty boosters are generally composed of a very soft hyaluronic acid and injected very superficially into the skin to hydrate and improve skin quality.
Hyaluronic Acid for different skin types
When considering a HA serum for your skin, it’s important to understand that it is helping to improve the water content in your skin and therefore, it is not going to increase oil production or clog the pores. It is generally suitable for all skin types—even oily, acne-prone and sensitive skin.
With that said, some people do have a sensitivity to hyaluronic acid. If you’ve experienced flushing or irritation when using a HA based product, you may wish to explore other options that yield the same benefits. The HydrExtreme serum from Consonant is an excellent alternative to hyaluronic acid. It features just two ingredients: Cassia Angustifolia a plant based polysaccharide and organic glycerine.
In a double blind independent study, the HydrExtreme serum outperformed the leading hyaluronic acid serum by 70% after one hour. It maintained hydration and outperformed the same leading HA serum by 35% after 24 hours.
Embrace the power of hyaluronic acid for youthful and radiant skin
The science-backed verdict is in: the better hydrated your skin is, the healthier it is. If you’re looking to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, and diminish the depth of existing wrinkles, make hydrating your skin a priority. Keep in mind these two principles:
- The quality of the product you use will make a big difference in its efficacy.
- ALWAYS apply your chosen hydrating serum onto damp skin.
We hope this post has given you the knowledge to pursue happy, healthy and deeply hydrated skin!
