Hyaluronic Acid 101 : Everything You Need to Know

Beloved by make-up artists for its skin-smoothing properties, the darling of dry-skin sufferers everywhere, and the ultimate skincare multitasker : Hyaluronic Acid Serum is quite simply an essential ingredient for anyone who cares about how their natural skin looks and feels.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of skin. It is present in abundance in our skin from when we are born, but depletes as we age. It is the key molecule responsible for skin moisture, with the amazing capacity to hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water.

Even though its name sounds a little scary, hyaluronic acid is not an astringent. Unlike glycolic acid, lactic acid, and other AHAs and BHAs, hyaluronic acid doesn’t break down dead skin cells or exfoliate the skin. Conversely, it actually plumps up the skin, locks-in moisture, and softens the skin’s surface. It’s a complexion champion that belongs in any self-respecting skin care routine.

Why include Hyaluronic Acid in your skincare routine?

If you’re using a well-formulated hyaluronic acid serum, you’ll notice an instant skin-plumping effect when it’s applied. This is because hyaluronic acid acts like a sponge – not only will it hold on to moisture that is already on the skin, it will also attract moisture to boost hydration on the  skin’s surface. The result is skin that is bouncy, more elastic, and supple.

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

Basically, incorporating hyaluronic acid into your routine is like giving your skin a big glass of water. Not only does it ensure optimal hydration, it also leaves skin feeling like velvet. 

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• Deeply hydrates and locks moisture into the skin
• Smooths and refines the complexion
• Plumps-up the skin and enhances elasticity

How to use Hyaluronic Acid Serum?

Before you invest in a hyaluronic serum, you should know how to use it. Because hyaluronic acid is a humectant, it draws water towards it and holds onto it. A problem arises in conditions where humidity is low – if there is no moisture in the air, hyaluronic acid can draw moisture out of the skin. This is why you should always apply a heavier cream or moisturiser over your serum to ensure that the product is sealed in and moisture can’t escape from the skin.

• Apply two drops of Pure Hyaluronic Serum after cleansing to damp skin.
  
• Always seal it in with your face moisturiser. This will ensure that you get maximum hydration benefits from your serum.

For dull, dry & dehydrated skin

Almost everyone suffers with dry skin at some stage, and it’s frustrating trying to firefight it. The secret to reducing dry skin flare-ups is to develop a consistent daily skincare routine that delivers optimal hydration without clogging pores or leading to oiliness.

The key is balance  – when you treat your skin with clean ingredients that are nourishing, hydrating, and non-comedogenic, your skin will know what to do. It will reset itself so that everything is working harmoniously. 

An effective skin care routine will work wonders over time. But the great thing about hyaluronic acid is that it provides visible results almost instantly. You can slot it into your regular routine, without worrying about irritation, and you’ll notice the difference immediately. Your skin will look smoother, and more refined, and feel bouncy, hydrated,  and healthy. 

How to choose a Hyaluronic Acid product?

First off, the most potent form of topical hyaluronic is a serum over a moisturiser or cream. This is because serums are the most effective way to deliver active ingredients into the  skin as they  serums are lightweight and highly absorbent, they can penetrate the deeper layers of the dermis and get to work quickly.

Look for a hyaluronic serum that contains different molecular weights of this hero ingredient : 

– High molecular weight HA locks in moisture. This retains moisture, prevents dehydration, and makes skin look healthy.
– Mid molecular weight HA provides hydration to mid-dermal layers. This reduces fine lines, plumps up the complexion, and delivers a smooth complexion.
– Low molecular weight HA penetrates deep into the skin to stimulate the body’s own HA production systems. It deeply penetrates into the lower layers of the skin to revive collagen production and enhance elasticity.

Another thing to look for on the ingredient label is Sodium Hyaluronate. This water-soluble salt form of hyaluronic acid is smaller in size and more easily absorbed by skin. The terms hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate are often used interchangeably by cosmetics companies.