Today’s skincare market is an ocean of brands, creams, and oils, each with their own superpowers. To choose skincare products best suited to your skin, it’s helpful to know about key ingredients and their benefits. Let’s take a look at one ingredient that is the hero of the moment and deserves to be on your shelf - Hyaluronic Acid.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occuring substance in our bodies which keeps our skin hydrated. It is a molecule that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. It also has anti-inflammatory and skin regeneration properties, and functions as a cushion for bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and lips.
The amount of Hyaluronic Acid in our body naturally decreases with age. As our skin becomes drier and loses elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles become more visible.
Hyaluronic Acid containing smaller molecules is more effective in repairing the depth of wrinkles, increasing moisture, improving elasticity around the eyes and is better absorbed by the skin.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid in Skincare
Hyaluronic Acid binds with water molecules so it is effective at increasing and retaining moisture in our skin cells to make them appear plumper. As well as that, Hyaluronic Acid:
- Helps protect the skin against UV rays
- Replenishes the skin and helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
- Enhances the body's ability to synthesise collagen.
- Reduces redness with its anti-inflammatory properties
- Absorbs into your skin quickly
- Doesn’t cause irritation and can be used with all skin types
It is no surprise that Hyaluronic Acid has become a key ingredient in so many skincare products!
How to Use Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid can appear in serums, moisturisers and other facial skin care products. To use it in serum form, like Roza Natural Cosmetics’ Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum, first cleanse your face and apply 2-3 drops of Hyaluronic Acid while your skin is still damp. Gently massage in and wait for it to fully absorb before applying other products in your routine.
For moisturisers with Hyaluronic Acid, it's best to apply these after other skincare products. For evening rituals, we recommend UpCircle Beauty’s Night Cream with Hyaluronic Acid & Niacinamide. This nourishing, unscented night cream has the added benefit of skin-replenishing niacinamide and repurposed blueberry extract. Niacinamide is great for restoring your skin's natural barrier.
Are there side effects?
Generally, there are no side effects caused by the topical use of Hyaluronic Acid. It’s also a non-comedogenic ingredient so it won't clog your pores. Products like Dublin Herbalist’s Regenerating Face Cream With Anti-Aging Hyaluronic Acid Gel can be especially helpful for skin that is dry or prone to breakouts.
For skin conditions like rosacea or eczema, it is recommended to first patch test Hyaluronic Acid before applying it sparingly.
Am I too early/late to start using Hyaluronic Acid?
You can consider introducing face creams or serums containing Hyaluronic Acid into your skincare at any stage of life. Our skin usually starts to age in our mid to late 20’s and continues at a stable pace from there on. Increasing moisture levels in the skin improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, no matter your age.
What about Sodium Hyaluronate?
You might have spotted an ingredient called Sodium Hyaluronate on skincare products like UpCircle Beauty’s Eye Cream with Hyaluronic Acid + Coffee. Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of Hyaluronic Acid which has smaller molecules and is more resilient to oxidation. Its small molecules deeply hydrate the skin beyond its surface.
Both Sodium Hyaluronate and Hyaluronic Acid are used in face creams and serums and provide the same results. The only difference is that Sodium Hyaluronate has a smaller molecular structure.
An even more natural alternative is a plant-based hyaluronic acid derived from tremella mushroom. Tremella is renowned for its capacity to hold up to 500 times its weight in water. It can be found in products like Oxmantown Skincare’s No.5 Hydrating Facial Serum with Organic Tremella & Vegan Collagen and Organicules Shampoo and Conditioner bars.
The key to optimal skincare is finding products and ingredients that work for your skin. To dive deep into another skincare hero of the moment, check out our blog on Why Retinol Deserves A Spot In Your Skincare Routine.