What’s the first thing you notice when you’re shopping for skin care? Is it a) the packaging, b) the brand or c) the list of ingredients? If you answered c, then you might’ve seen the words hyaluronic acid printed on some products. It’s not a newly discovered ingredient – in fact, hyaluronic acid has been known about since 1934, when it was discovered by Columbia University scientists Karl Meyer and John Palmer.
Calling hyaluronic acid a skin care hero is an understatement. I might be biased because it’s one of my personal favorite ingredients, but hyaluronic acid truly is a game-changer for skin! You can have 99 skin problems but hydration won’t be one of them as long as hyaluronic acid is on your shelf.
Learn everything there is to know about this potent ingredient.
How Do You Add Hyaluronic Acid to Your Skin Care Routine?
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant, meaning it attracts and retains a large amount of moisture. This component is actually naturally present in our body, which is why babies have exceptionally soft and dewy skin. Unfortunately, the amount of hyaluronic acid in our body decreases as we age and, also thanks to a decline in collagen, our skin loses its elasticity, firmness, radiance and speed at which it replenishes moisture. This results in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
There may not be a time machine that can bring back younger-looking skin but hyaluronic acid can surely help thanks to its anti-aging benefits.
Image: Pinterest
How can you benefit from hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is known for its moisture-binding powers; you can count on it to keep skin hydrated from inside out. Aside from providing skin with sufficient hydration, it also strengthens your skin’s barrier to prevent moisture loss, revealing a smoother and softer complexion. If supple, plump and glowing skin is what you’re after, you can depend on hyaluronic acid to take care of that.
You can use products formulated with hyaluronic acid throughout the year. When the sun is at its hottest and brightest during summer, your skin is the first to take a hit, with UV damage causing dark spots and dehydrated skin. While the damage may be irreversible, hyaluronic acid can defend your skin from future harmful rays by protecting it with a stronger lipid barrier. During the winter, your skin becomes more vulnerable to dryness when temperatures drop since there’s less moisture in the air. You can rely on hyaluronic acid to bring that much-needed moisture back.
How do you add hyaluronic acid to your skin care routine?
In addition to hyaluronic acid being a calming ingredient, it’s incredibly versatile. It’s gentle enough for all skin types, so people with skin that’s sensitive or acne-, rosacea- and eczema-prone won’t have to worry too much about having adverse reactions. Also, don’t let the word acid scare you away; hyaluronic acid is skin-friendly and vastly different from other chemical acids like alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), beta hydroxy acid (BHA) and polyhydroxy acids (PHA).
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You can find hyaluronic acid in various types of products including toners, serums, moisturizers and face masks. With an extremely lightweight texture, it’s instantly absorbed by your skin. If you opt for a hyaluronic acid serum, apply it after cleanser, toner and essence. Pat it onto skin until fully absorbed and follow with a moisturizer. You can apply it both during the day and at night.
Did you know that hyaluronic acid and chemical exfoliants go better together? The next time you exfoliate with AHAs or BHAs, follow with a hyaluronic acid-based product to avoid skin flaking and to help boost hydration levels.
Give your skin a moisturizing treat with these hyaluronic acid products available on YesStyle:
TONERS
iUNIK | is & tree | Mentholatum
ESSENCE
COSRX
SERUMS
MIZON | Elizavecca | YEOUTH | Timeless Skin Care
MASKS
Innisfree | Etude House | Dr. Jart+ | Kose
CREAMS
COSRX |Elizavecca |YEOUTH
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