Hyaluronic Acid

Welcome to the All Eyes on series. Posts like these will highlight an extraordinary ingredient found in popular skincare products. I couldn’t think of any better way to kick off this series than with hyaluronic acid!

Hyaluronic acid is a popular ingredient that a lot of brands in the U.S. are catching onto. When people hear acid, they automatically think it’s something that will burn their skin. Well actually, acids can be extremely beneficial in skincare. They are often surprisingly gentle on the skin. It may sound like an obscure chemical, but it’s really a molecule found naturally in our bodies. It can be found in fluids in various places, from your eyes to your joints. Hyaluronic acid’s job is to lubricate and protect. It can actually be used medically to help people with joint issues. With it’s cushiony, armor-like nature, one could imagine how it would be beneficial outside of the body too.

The hyaluronic acid found in skincare products like the Hanskin Hyaluron Skin Essence are synthetic, but of course safe for the skin. This star ingredient is a humectant, which means it helps draw moisture from the air, into the skin. Yeah you read that right, your skin can gain moisture (in a good way) throughout your daily activities. These healing properties also include anti-aging, improved fine lines and wrinkles, moisture, gained elasticity in the skin, moisture, clearer skin, and more moisture!

I know, I know. If you have combination to oily skin like me, you probably think something like this is only helpful for people with dry skin. No one wants to be a walking vat of oil, but it’s important to know that ALL skin types need a moisturizer of some sort. Hyaluronic acid can especially be a wonderful, simple moisturizer in place of your regular moisturizer on those scorching summer days.

People with oily skin often believe adding moisturizers or oils to their routine will make their skin greasy, when in fact it’s the opposite! When you leave off moisturizing, your skin tries to over compensate by producing more natural oils, AKA, you’re back to being a walking vat of oil. So let’s just avoid that mess all together, and start using products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Pinky swear, okay?

In my experience, hyaluronic acid is a miracle worker. It always makes a dramatic difference. I see the results in bouncy, glowing, hydrated skin. Here are some products that have really worked for me:

Hanskin, Hyaluron Skin Essence

$46

I mentioned this essence earlier and it’s one of my faves. It goes on like slightly viscous water, but will add in moisture X 100. It is on the pricier side, but a little seriously goes  a long way. In fact, I have this same bottle from last year! This is one of my winter staples, but you can find me adding it into my routine anytime of year, just to give my skin a little oomf and glow.

The Plant Base, Waterfall Moist Balanced Hyaluronic Acid 100

Photo: allure.com

$23

I had the joy of receiving a few samples of this ampoule from Soko Glam. It contains 100% pure sodium hyaluronate, or, hyaluronic acid. Does it get any better than that? It is ultra moisturizing and your skin will drink it up instantly. All you need is a couple drops.

The Ordinary, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

 

Photo: beautylish.com

$6.80

The Ordinary is a great brand that focuses on using pure, concentrated ingredients without any unnecessary fillers. Their price point is a great plus too. This product is a lovely supplement to your routine. On top of the hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 is added for even more hydration. I typically add this on around the serum/ampoule step.

Here are a few other products I’ve yet to try, but have only heard great things about them:

Glossier, Super Bounce

Photo: glossier.com

$28

Drunk Elephant, B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

Photo: drunkelephant.com

$52

COSRX, Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream

Photo: wishtrend.com

$21

What’s your favorite way to incorporate hyaluronic acid into your routine?