Regardless of whether you’re a skincare fanatic or currently building your very first skincare routine, we’re sure that you’ll have already heard the rave reviews about hyaluronic acid.
With the approval of skincare gurus and beauty bloggers alike, hyaluronic acid (otherwise known as HA) has been dubbed a skincare hero ingredient – and it’s easy to see why!
Suitable for all skin types (including those with extra sensitive complexions) hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is vital to the healthy functioning of our skin and joints.
However, just like the way that our collagen begins to deplete at the age of 25, we also begin to lose our ability to produce hyaluronic acid as we age, and this can lead to the presence of a fine line, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
Besides contributing to the healthy functioning of skin and joints, this hydrating ingredient also helps to protect your skin from the damage of free radical damage, which are essentially unstable atoms that have the ability to damage cells and bring on premature aging.
By using a hyaluronic acid skincare product either a part of your morning or nighttime skincare routine (or even both) you’ll make sure that your complexion gets the hydration it needs, all while strengthening the natural barrier of your skin that will improve elasticity, increase radiance and keep nasty free radicals at bay.
The good news is that hyaluronic acid can be found in just about every skincare product there is. From face masks to eye patches, serums to daily moisturizers – you’ll be spoilt for choice on which to use.
One thing’s for sure though – incorporate it into your skincare routine and your complexion will say thank you!
Need a recommendation? Cult favorites The Ordinary have dominated the scene since the introduction of their hyaluronic acid serum, Hyaluronic Acid 2%. Boasting an affordable price point and maximum efficacy – it’s definitely worth considering if you’re currently looking to add an HA product to your skincare shelf.
I don’t think I’d include it in my best skincare routine for dry skin but it certainly doesn’t hurt if you already have it. If you’re going for the ‘kitchen sink’ approach of throwing everything at your dry skin at once I’d remember to give your skin a break as well.
Applying too much at once will make it harder to see what’s working.
Can hyaluronic acid burn your skin?
Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating humectant and skincare powerhouse – but can it burn when applied to the skin?
The short answer is no – and this is because hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that our bodies already produce in order to keep our joints, eyes, and skin healthy and supple.
Despite what its name might suggest, it’s important not to get hyaluronic acid confused with other types of skincare acid ingredients out there that can actually cause the skin to become red and inflamed if used incorrectly, such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids (otherwise known as good old retinol).
Seeing as the body already naturally produces hyaluronic acid, it means that you’ll be able to use it with the peace of mind that your body is already familiar with, so there’s nearly a 100% chance that it won’t cause any allergic reactions or side effects.
With that being said, if you have a history of allergic reactions (such as experiencing anaphylaxis) then we recommend consulting your doctor or a dermatologist prior to using it, as they will be able to give you sound guidance on whether or not you should use HA, in accordance with your personal medical history.
Is hyaluronic acid bad for oily skin?
Quite the opposite – hyaluronic is a fantastic hydrating solution for shiny complexions in need of some moisturizing TLC.
Just think about it: the best way to help encourage healthy cell turnover and the regulation of sebum is to make sure that your skin is getting all of the hydration it needs – and what better way to help achieve that than with a quenching dose of hyaluronic acid?
Unlike other types of facial moisturizers which can leave a greasy residue and cause pores to become clogged, hyaluronic acid works by penetrating the skin’s barrier to ensure optimum hydration deep down in your skin’s layers, and it does all of that while leaving a minimal oily residue.
So, in other words, HA will give your oily skin all the hydration it needs without weighing it down, leaving a greasy film, or causing your skin to become congested.
Additionally, alongside using HA, we also recommend considering using a serum that contains AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) as this skincare ingredient can be very helpful in regulating shine and helping to control breakouts.
While using AHA, we recommend that you limit your usage to only a few times a week, while also making sure that you are using an SPF, as AHA is an exfoliator.
Is hyaluronic acid good for combination skin?
Hyaluronic acid is a superstar skincare ingredient that our bodies already produce naturally, which means that it’s not only good for combination skin but vital to its health!
When used, hyaluronic acid will be able to help keep your skin moisturized, aid in the strengthening of your skin’s natural barrier, replenish depleted cells, while also speeding up wound healing – which makes it a great choice for combination skin types that are prone to acne breakouts.
What’s more, hyaluronic acid is incredibly lightweight and non-comedogenic, which means that you can kiss goodbye that greasy and weighed-down feeling that can often come with hydrating skincare products.
Instead, you’ll be able to enjoy maximum hydration, increased cell moisture (hello elasticity) as well as an overall more youthful and radiant complexion.
Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, this serum is full to the brim with hydrating HA and skin-loving vitamin C, which will help to keep your skin radiant, quenched, and protected from nasty free radicals.
