What is Hyaluronic acid ?
Hyaluronic acid is an extremely popular ingredient present in many skincare products. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant. A humectant is a molecular ingredient that helps to draw water into the skin from the air making it hydrated and plump.
Hyaluronic acid is commonly used also as Sodium hyaluronate. It essentially is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid. When applied o the skin it attracts moisture in skin cells. It has a smaller molecular structure which means that it can penetrate the skin better and has increased resistance to oxidation.
What is a Humectant?
A humectant is a moisturising agent that is commonly found in many skincare and haircare products such as moisturisers, shampoos, and lotions. They have a strong ability to pull and retain moisture to the outer layers of the skin (epidermis). Other humectants include glycerin, urea, peptides, urea, lactic acid, mandelic acid, snail filtrate.
Is Hyaluyaronic acid a moisturiser?
Hyaluronic acid is not a moisturiser. It offers skin hydration but not moisturisation. It offers the skin water-based hydration whereas a moisturiser will provide the skin with an oil-based layer and seal that helps hydration from being lost from the skin. Thereby maintaining plump and hydrated skin. Therefore, it is important to apply a moisturiser after using Hyaluronic acid to get the full benefit of this humectant.
What are the benefits of Hyaluyaronic acid on the skin?
Hydration
Skin plumpness
Is Hyaluronic acid an all in one ingredient?
Hyaluronic acid can provide immediate results with skin plumpness and give the appearance of healthy skin however in order for them to be maintained it needs to be used in tandem with a good moisturiser. That way the Hyaluronic acid will boost water levels in your skin and the moisturiser will seal and prevent water loss and help keep your skin plump for a longer period of time.
How to use Hyaluronic acid serum
To increase and maintain the benefits of Hyaluronic acid the best skincare routine is;
Cleanse > Tone > Hyaluronic acid > Moisturiser > Sunscreen is generally a good skincare routine to follow for all skincare routines.
It is also best applied to the skin while it is still damp and very soon after cleansing. Cleanse your face from makeup and all skin products. While your skin is still damp apply a thin film of hyaluronic acid to your face. You do not need a large amount. A little goes a long way. After you have applied a thin layer then immediately use a moistuiriser to help seal the water within the skin.
If you choose to use Hyaluronic acid in the morning then you may choose to use sunscreen rather than a moisturiser to lock in the moisture rather than double up.
Hyaluronic acid works very well on damp skin so ensure you use it straight after cleansing.
What if l live in a dry environment (low humidity), will Hyaluronic acid still work?
If you live in an area that has very low humidity there will not be much water in the air around. Hyaluronic acid is most effective when there is moisture in the air, when it is not available it may take moisture from the lower layers of your skin which unfortunately will result in drying of the skin. If you have dry skin then Hyaluronic acid may not provide the best results as it would in an area that has higher levels of humidity.