Hyaluronic acid is a ingredient commonly found in skincare products but what is it and how can it benefit your skin? Known for its moisture retention properties, hyaluronic acid is great for most skin types. This skin blog looks at hyaluronic acid, it’s benefits and how you can incorporate this easy to use hydrating ingredient into your skincare routine.
Lets get started.
HYALURONIC ACID
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a humectant, a substance that retains moisture, and naturally occurs in the human body. Hyaluronic acid can be found in the skin, eyes and fluid of joints. The main role of hyaluronic acid in the body is to provide hydration which assists in cell function, lubrication of joints and tissue regeneration in wound healing.
As we age, the production of key substances in the skin, including hyaluronic acid, decline and as a result, our skin loses hydration and plumpness, contributing to the signs of ageing. Hyaluronic acid is a common ingredient found in skincare products and dermal fillers that assists the skin in retaining moisture and plumpness.
BENEFITS OF HYALURONIC ACID
The main role of hyaluronic acid in the skin is hydration
Known for its water retention properties Hyaluronic Acid can hold 1000 times it's weight in water
Hyaluronic acid attracts water and helps to prevent transepidermal water loss or the evaporation of water from the skin to the environment
Hyaluronic acid assists with the absorption of other products through percutaneous absorption by opening up absorption pathways
Hyaluronic acid does not enter the skin cell so it cannot make change at a cellular level making it a safe and easy ingredient for most skin types
DOES SIZE MATTER?
Hyaluronic acid found in skincare products come in different molecular sizes and this can affect the effectiveness of the product in delivering hydration to the skin.
Large HA molecules, despite being able to bind to more water due to their molecular size, cannot penetrate into the skin. When applied topically to the skin, large HA molecules sit on top of the epidermis, offering hydration only at the surface level. Smaller HA molecules, which bind to less water, can penetrate deeper into the epidermis, adding hydration at a deeper level.
To ensure the effectiveness of your hyaluronic acid skincare products, look for skincare products that contain hyaluronic acid molecules in a variety of sizes for maximum hydration.
HOW TO INCORPORATE HYALURONIC ACID INTO YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE
Moisturisers
Look for moisturisers that contain hyaluronic acid. Due to its moisture retention properties, hyaluronic acid is a common ingredient in skincare products and these products often include other active ingredients as well.
Serums
Hyaluronic acid specific serums can be used by themselves or layered with other serums for added hydration. When using hyaluronic acid serums with other serums always consider what your trying to target. While some serums may need to penetrate deeper into the skin to target a specific concern, hyaluronic acid can only penetrate to the epidermis and should always be applied last if layering with other serums.
Derma roller
The use of a derma roller with your hyaluronic acid serum can be a helpful way to ensure better product penetration increasing skin hydration. Recommended once a week, a derma roller uses small stainless steel needles ranging in size (0.25 mm to 1.5 mm) to create micro channels, allowing your serum, or other skincare products, to better absorb into the skin.
Masks
Masks are a great way to boost skin hydration and hyaluronic acid is usually the main ingredient. Easy to use, a lot of masks come in a sheet or gel form and are applied directly to the face. Masks can be used once a week in your skincare routine for added hydration or when the skin is feeling dry.
Mists
Mists are a great addition to your skincare routine to add hydration to the skin. Not only does it assist the absorption of other skincare products, hyaluronic acid binds to the water content eliminating the absorption of water from the skin which can dehydrate the skin. Mists can be used as a base for your serums, throughout the day and even applied over makeup.
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