Hyaluronic acid is a clear substance naturally produced in the body. The main function of hyaluronic acid is that it binds to and retains water. It’s used in many things like injections, supplements, cosmetic surgery, and eye drops, but we’ll be focusing on its use in skincare. Its ability to hold onto water can help the skin keep hydrated, supple and reduce the signs of ageing and dryness.
It can be found in many drugstore products, from moisturisers to cleansers, and it’s one of the best chemicals for helping moisturise the skin. It’s a must-have in your skincare routine if you have dry or sensitive skin and can be a great alternative to oil-based moisturisers for people with oily skin.
How to use
In order to use Hyaluronic acid effectively, you need to make sure you use it right. First of all, I would not recommend using hyaluronic acid if you live in a dry country. If this humectant can’t find moisture in the air, it will pull moisture out of your skin, which will actually dry it out and not help signs of ageing at all. But if you live in a damper or more neutral climate, hyaluronic acid can be very beneficial.
Hyaluronic acid can be used in various products, but the most effective way to use it is in a serum and a moisturiser. If you use hyaluronic acid as a serum, apply it to the skin after cleansing. Try applying it to slightly damp skin, as this will allow the hyaluronic acid to bind to some water straight away. Allow the face to dry further, not entirely, and use a moisturiser to seal the hyaluronic acid into your skin. Ideally, you want to use a moisturiser with silicone or paraffin, as those ingredients are great in essentially creating a moisture barrier between your skin and the air, which will trap the water in and help give you plump moisturised skin. Application is easier if you are using hyaluronic acid in a moisturiser, as you would simply apply it at the end of your skincare routine. I would recommend using hyaluronic acid at night as it usually doesn’t work well with sunscreens, and for my fellow brownskin people it can make sunscreen look even more grey (ashy). But experiment to see what steps and products work for you and your skin.
Here is a list of products I recommend:
Products
Isabel is a writer and editor with a passion for reading, art and philosophy. She often spends her time pondering the meaning of life and performing her rigorous skincare routine.
