A COMPLETE GUIDE TO USING HYALURONIC ACID FOR SKINCARE

Hyaluronic acid, which can be found in serums, sheet masks, and a whole host of products, is a crucial component of skincare products as it helps manage wrinkles and fine lines leaving you with youthful and glowing skin. But what is it exactly? Today, we give you a complete breakdown of this magical acid and how best to add it to your skincare routine.

WHAT IS HYALYRONIC ACID?

Our bodies naturally contain hyaluronic acid (or HA), a sugar molecule that can hold 1,000 times its weight in water and keeps our skin moisturised and supple. The acid in our skin is trapped by HA’s affinity for water and collagen, preventing it from evaporating into the atmosphere. Our bodies’ natural production of hyaluronic acid declines with age, just as that of collagen and elastin. However, it is possible to increase the molecule’s production in our bodies through a diet that has a substantial impact on the skin. For example, eating antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables can help the skin avoid inflammation, which in turn helps the skin maintain its hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid improves the appearance of your skin when applied topically in skincare products like creams and serums. It does this by rapidly raising the skin’s moisture content. You can use it as a humectant in your skincare routine because of its capacity to attract and hold water. In addition, hyaluronic acid mixes nicely with the majority of other skin care, for example it easily combines with acids, retinols, peels, and vitamins.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT HYALYRONIC ACID FOR YOU?

1. Be mindful of the molecule size

Depending on your skin type, the choice of hyalyronic can sometimes be tricky, as the molecule can sometimes be too large to hydrate through the skin layers. Larger HA molecules can better bind water, but they are unable to enter the skin deeply, according to Harvard Medical School. Additionally, they only hydrate the surface when administered topically. It is recommended to look for a product that contains a mixture of hyaluronic acid molecules in various sizes because smaller acid molecules can infiltrate the skin’s layers more thoroughly.

2. Understand the application process

Hyaluronic acid serums can actually dry your skin when applied improperly. The molecule needs water to swell, but when there isn’t any available from the air or the surface of your skin, it draws water from deep within your skin. Applying a HA serum to damp skin and quickly covering it with your preferred moisturiser can stop this process. HAs are best used under a more occlusive moisturiser to trap in the water-binding actions of the acid.

3. Learn more about injectables

Hyaluronic acid is most frequently used topically in skincare products, but it is also accessible as an injection in well-known dermal fillers as Juvéderm and Restylane. The dermis, or inner layer between the two major layers of skin, can gain volume with the help of fillers, an active component in gel form. The gel solution helps to restore facial contours, smooth out fine wrinkles, and enhance radiance for up to nine months. After an injection, there may be a few minor side effects, such as temporary swelling or bruising that lasts two to three days. The most crucial thing to keep in mind is to go to a qualified and board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon before having any type of filler or injection.

HOW TO ADD IT TO YOUR ROUTINE?

This completely depends on what product you are using and your skin. The most common forms HA are moisturizers and serums.

When you normally moisturise, apply a product that contains hyaluronic acid. This should always be done after cleaning, exfoliating, or applying serums, and ideally twice daily.

The process for a hyaluronic acid serum is slightly different. Apply a few drops to your face with the palms of your hands after cleansing while your skin is still damp. To lock in all of that moisture, don’t forget to moisturise right away.

It’s always preferable to start out cautiously and adhere to any specific product directions. Hyaluronic acid, however, is generally safe to use both morning and evening. Results may take a while to appear because every product has a unique formulation. You might start to notice plumper, more hydrated skin within a few minutes because topical hyaluronic acid solutions frequently have transient benefits. But it can take a few months before you notice a difference if you’re hoping to minimise the look of fine wrinkles and other ageing symptoms.

OUR TOP 5 PICKS FOR YOU!

Now that you have your basics in place, here are our top 5 picks that will make the choice easier for you!