What is it? How does it work? Where do YOU buy it? Look no further because all you need to know about hyaluronic acid is right here.
The key substance responsible for skin moisture is hyaluronic acid. With unique properties in retaining water, this heavy-weight champion can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water.
Hyaluronic acid is actually produced by our bodies naturally, and has been found to be a key molecule in skin ageing.
Anything with the word acid in it can be quite deterring and even frightening, but find comfort in the fact that our bodies naturally produce this.
While technically classified as an acid, Hyaluronic Acid doesn’t actually exfoliate, it combats excessive dryness and reduces the appearance of wrinkles by retaining moisture and plumpness in the skin.
HA acts as a humectant to draw moisture towards itself from our external environment but to also prevent moisture getting out, keeping you hydrated all day long.
Hyaluronic Acid promotes healthier and younger looking skin.
Roughly half of the hyaluronic acid in your body is present in your skin, where it binds to water to help retain moisture.
It’s a great ingredient to use in conjunction with harsher exfoliants and retinoids as well because its moisturising properties help counteract irritation, redness, and dryness that usually surface when using retinol, AHA’s and BHA’s (Salicylic Acid).
More moisture in the skin means fine lines and wrinkles are plumped up giving a more youthful appearance.
Surprisingly, HA is a rare ingredient in the sense that its transformative powers work on just about every skin type without causing side effects (even the most sensitive and reactive skin types).
Here are the top 5 hyaluronic serums you need to know about:
- Aesthetic Skin Hyaluronic Serum RRP: $49.95
Indoor heaters, air con, and blustery temps are no match for this game-changer. This product is extremely light weight and softly melts into your skin within seconds of application, to be applied before your moisturiser. Aesthetic Life’s Hyaluronic serum keeps your skin hydrated in a way that creates a healthy barrier to stop breakouts and prevents pollutants from entering the skin.
With its delicate, glossy texture, and added vitamins and minerals from Red algae for added protection, you will be sure to have your skin in check.
2. Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum RRP: $100
With a title like ‘Water Drench’ this product proves itself to be true to its name. Although this product has a hefty price tag, a little does go a long way so don’t be dissuaded. This powerful serum is enriched with 75 percent hyaluronic acid to help keep skin hydrated. The soothing complex replenishes dehydrated skin with vital nourishment, imparts a look of youthful radiance, and smooths the appearance of fine lines and rough skin texture.
3. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 RRP: $12.90
This is the product for those who wish to retain their supple skin, but are on a serious budget. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 has quickly become one of The Ordinary’s most-loved products, particularly because it benefits all skin types. Enhanced with a boost of vitamin B5 to increase efficacy, this lightweight serum will leave skin softened and strengthened.
4. Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum RRP: $60
Plump skin with this innovative plum-filled serum that calls on five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin while vegan collagen and silk protein support skin barrier function and fend off free radicals. Kakadu, Illawarra, and burdekin plum nourish and hydrate to aid in diminishing the appearance of fine lines while giving your skin a potent and delicious drink.
5. Mineral 89 Daily Skin Booster Serum and Moisturiser RRP: $29.50
Made with 15 mineral-rich water and hyaluronic acid, this face moisturizer protects skin against environmental aggressors that can stress and fatigue its appearance. Free of fragrance and oil, this daily formula provides 24-hour hydration for softer, suppler skin.
Apply a few drops of any one of these serums while your face is still damp after your cleansing routine or after a shower. Products are most effective if you use them while your skin is still damp because moist skin absorbs the product more readily. It also gives the moisturiser a better chance of sealing in that hydration.
Hyaluronic acid used incorrectly can also dehydrate your skin. The molecule needs water to plump, but without any moisture on the surface of your skin or from the air, it will pull the water from deep inside your skin.
For optimal results, it’s best to follow this application with a hydro-active cream or moisturiser. This is to ensure the hydration is sealed in – HA needs moisture present in order to work.
The Aesthetic Life Hydro-Active cream is perfect in combination with any HA serum. It’s a concoction of 3 peptides that, together, diminish DNA damage and fight signs of ageing. It acts as a relaxing agent to prevent wrinkle formation for more supple looking skin.
