How to use hyaluronic acid for the skin: The dos & don'ts
Hyaluronic acid is well known to provide hydration to the skin and is often found within skincare products. In this article, we explore the dos and don’ts of using hyaluronic acid to establish a beneficial skincare regimen.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a compound naturally found within the body, including in the eyes, joints and the skin. Two of its primary functions are to add lubrication to the joints and moisture to the skin and eyes. Due to the aging process and environmental damage, the level of hyaluronic acid and natural moisture within the skin can decrease over time. Therefore, using skincare products that contain hyaluronic acid can help to provide supplemental moisture to the skin.
What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid for your skin?
Hydrates skin
Hyaluronic acid is found in many skincare products due to its spectacular ability to draw and lock in moisture into the skin. There are different forms of hyaluronic acid available. This skincare routine not only provides the skin with hydration, but with a boost in elasticity too.
Smooths skin texture
Through the aging process and as a result of environmental stressors, skin can become roughened, callused and lose its elasticity. However, using hyaluronic acid can cause a smoothing effect and has been shown to reduce skin roughness.[2]
Aging
Almost half of the body’s hyaluronic acid is found within the skin. Changes in this level of hyaluronic acid throughout the aging process can lead to the appearance of wrinkles. However, using topical hyaluronic acid may boost the elasticity of skin which can act to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
What to consider when choosing a hyaluronic acid product
There are an overwhelming number of different skincare products which contain hyaluronic acid. However, not all these products contain the same type and concentration of hyaluronic acid, which means they have different effects on the skin. To achieve the results you desire, it’s important to consider some of these factors when choosing a skincare product:
Alcohols
When certain alcohols are in skincare products, they can counteract the moisturizing ability of hyaluronic acid. They can have a drying effect which can reduce the skin’s plumpness and even lead to cracks forming within the skin; this hinders the skin-boosting ability of hyaluronic acid.
Smaller concentrations of alcohol are better for products containing hyaluronic acid. Sometimes ingredients are listed in order of concentration but they can also be listed alphabetically.
Fragrances
Skincare products can sometimes contain added fragrances. For some skin types, these can lead to skin irritation. If you have a skin type that is sensitive to fragrances, consider Optimal Hydration Replenishing Body Lotion for your body or Optimal Hydration Illuminating Lotion Serum for your face. Both products are fragrance-free and enriched with both hyaluronic acid and soothing blue daisy; these ingredients can be used to hydrate skin areas that are sensitive.
Water content
For products containing hyaluronic acid, water content can be a complementary component. For combination skin, consider Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion. It’s a lightweight formula with a high water concentration that can help relieve dry areas without adding extra oil to your skin. For a dry skin type or those with sensitive skin, try a Optimal Hydration Daily Glow Cream. This skincare product also contains a high water-based content with hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate your skin for up to 48 hours.
How to apply hyaluronic acid to your skincare routine
The two most common hyaluronic acid containing products are moisturizers and serums.
- Moisturizers: Use a moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid twice daily to access the best effects. These products should be used after you have cleansed your skin. If your routine also includes applying serums and exfoliating, apply your moisturizer after these steps. Our Optimal Hydration Replenishing Body Lotion is a body moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid.
- Serums: Using serums such as Optimal Hydration Eye Serum can help you to promote skin hydration in targeted areas. Serums should be applied to damp skin after using a cleanser. You can apply a serum by pressing a few drops onto the face with the palms of your hands. Applying a moisturizer after this step allows you to lock in the hydration too.
How often should you use hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid can generally be used twice a day, typically in both your morning and evening skincare routine. Always follow the product instructions and gradually introduce a new product into your routine.
The bottom line
Ensure you use a product which contains a level of hyaluronic acid which is tailored to your skincare needs. Don’t forget to check the ingredient list of your hyaluronic acid products to ensure the formulations are doing the very best for your skin type. Remember to include hyaluronic acid gradually into your skincare routine, building up to twice daily use to gain the amazing skin benefits.
References
- T, P. et al. (2011) "Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment", Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, 10(9), p. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/ (Accessed: 28 March 2022).
- KERSCHER, M., BAYRHAMMER, J. and REUTHER, T. (2008) "Rejuvenating Influence of a Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid–Based Gel of Nonanimal Origin on Facial Skin Aging", Dermatologic Surgery, 34(5), pp. 720-726. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2008.34176.x.
