Even if you are not a huge skincare junkie, chances are you have probably heard about Hyaluronic Acid at least once. Whether it is combatting signs of ageing, replenishing dry skin, or helping heal blemishes, Hyaluronic Acid can do it all. Let us take a deep dive into what this acid really is and how it works.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
You may not know this but Hyaluronic Acid is actually a naturally occurring sugar molecule found in our bodies, particularly in the fluids in the joints and eyes. What does it do? Well, it binds water to collagen, trapping the moisture in the skin, and preventing it from escaping. Hyaluronic acid is what keeps your skin looking dewy, plump, and full. It also affects the way our bodies respond to injury and acts as a cushion and lubricant in the joints.
However, just as with Collagen and Elastin, the amount of Hyaluronic Acid in our bodies begins to decrease as we grow older. There are ways you can stimulate the production of Hyaluronic Acid though. But first, let us talk about what it does for your skin and how!
What does Hyaluronic Acid do?
1. Powerful Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid keeps your skin moisturised throughout the day. It is a great humectant and helps draw water to the outer layers of the skin. Here is a fun fact: Almost half of the Hyaluronic Acid found in the body is present in your skin! The active is lightweight and watery to the touch, making it a great choice for those struggling with oilier skin.
To read more about humectants, emollients, and occlusives, head over to our blog on moisturisers here.
2. Strengthens the Skin Barrier
Hyaluronic Acid helps lock in moisture in the skin and strengthens the acid mantle or the Stratum Corneum (the skin barrier). The skin is then able to defend itself against environmental aggressors such as pollution, dust, and UV damage better.
3. Can Help Wound Healing
Hyaluronic Acid is also known to soothe inflammations and stimulate blood circulation. The increased blood flow helps in the healing of any wounds and damage to the area.
4. Prevents Signs of Ageing
Hyaluronic acid penetrates deep into the skin, strengthens the skin barrier, and prevents water loss. The plumping effect that Hyaluronic Acid produces helps the skin look youthful and full, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps smoothen skin texture.
5. Events Out Skin Tone:
Like Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid is an antioxidant. It increases the cell turnover rate and helps reduce pigmentation and dark spots.
6. Adds a Glowy Plumpness to the Skin
Hyaluronic Acid adds a nice plumpness to the skin seeing as it replenishes skin cells with water. This plumpness also adds a subtle dewy glow to the skin.
Who it is suitable for?
While certain ingredients are not meant for everyone, that is not the case with Hyaluronic Acid. It is suitable for all skin types and is considered to be non-irritating. Even if you have oily skin, Hyaluronic Acid will not be too overpowering an ingredient and will not make the skin greasy, thanks to its water-like consistency. This ingredient is particularly well suited to dry and mature skin because of its hydrating and plumping properties.
While the ‘Acid’ part may sound intimidating, the reality is that Hyaluronic Acid does not work as most acids do and is considered to be safe. While there are not many known side-effects of using products containing Hyaluronic Acid, it is always a good idea to consult your dermatologist and patch-test your product first!
How to incorporate Hyaluronic Acid into your skincare routine?
So you have come to the conclusion that Hyaluronic Acid is an ingredient you want to try for sure and are looking to add it into your skincare routine. But how should you go about doing so? Here are some of our top product picks that you can try out!
1. Ampoules
Ampoules are a type of serum. They deliver a more concentrated dose of active ingredients. Matiderm’s Flash Ampoules are a great example of an ampoule that contains a mix of hydrating and brightening ingredients. If you feel this might be too much for you, you can try either a serum or a toner.
2. Serums
Serums are a less potent form of an ampoule but they are still more concentrated than a moisturiser. Neemli Naturals’ Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin C Brightening Serum is a great choice if you are looking to add a dewy radiance to your skin. The serum also contains powerful ingredients such as Aloe Vera and Niacinamide.
3. Toners/Mists
Toners and mists help balance the pH while delivering a dose of hydration, often mixed with some other ingredients. If you have oily skin, a hydrating and lightweight toner or mist is bound to be your best friend. Neemli Naturals’ Glycolic Acid & Apple Cider Vinegar Exfoliating Toner is a great choice for oily and acne-prone skin. The toner is a great mix of exfoliating, hydrating, and soothing ingredients such as Aloe Vera Extract and Hyaluronic Acid.
4. Moisturiser
Being a humectant, Hyaluronic Acid is a great ingredient to have in a moisturiser - irrespective of your skin type. Ilana Organics’ All-Time Moisturiser is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe, and Green Tea and works for all skin types. Intense hydration in a jar - delivered!
5. Cleanser
The last thing you want in a cleanser is that it dries out your skin, leaving it tight. You want some hydrating ingredients that will bring back some hydration or moisture to the skin and Hyaluronic Acid does just that. Conscious Chemist’s Ritual Face Cleanser is a great option for a hydrating cleanser.
6. Eye Cream
Plumping and hydrating. What more could one want from an eye cream? Neemli Naturals’ Caffeine and Cucumber Eye Cream is enriched with hydrating ingredients, such as Cucumber and Hyaluronic Acid, and antioxidants, such as Caffeine.
What to watch our for?
While Hyaluronic Acid is suitable even for sensitive skin, not all products containing Hyaluronic Acid are made equal. Depending upon the concentration that you might be looking at, choose a formula and product that best suits your skin’s requirements and concerns.
If you are looking to purchase a moisturiser that contains Hyaluronic Acid, be sure to check the ingredients list to make sure there are some occlusive and emollient ingredients as well. Like any other humectant, sometimes Hyaluronic Acid may just start drawing water from the deeper layers of the skin, resulting in more water loss. Also, make sure that you are applying a product containing Hyaluronic Acid on slightly damp skin. If you apply it on dry skin, the product might dry you out.
Another good thing about Hyaluronic Acid is that it plays quite well with other active ingredients. Whether it is a Retinol, AHA, BHA, or a Vitamin C, you do not have to worry about any unwanted reactions.
SUMMARY
Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful active ingredient, occurring naturally in our bodies, with hydrating and plumping properties. It boosts the cell turnover rate, helps reduce signs of ageing, and protects the skin barrier. A highly versatile ingredient, Hyaluronic Acid can be found in masks, moisturisers, serums, and ampoules. It is suited to all skin types, plays well with other active ingredients such as Glycolic Acid (an AHA) and Vitamin C among others, and gives the skin a plump and dewy glow.
- Gauri Sindhu