If you’re interested in skincare, you’ve probably already heard of hyaluronic acid (HA) — it seems as though everyone is talking about this holy grail ingredient and advising you to incorporate it into your skincare routine. But what is hyaluronic acid, exactly, and is it the secret to smooth, hydrated skin? If you’re unsure where to begin with HA, we’re here to fill you in.
For more tips to combat dry skin and achieve a glowing complexion, take a look at this essential skincare routine for dry skin.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid isn’t really an acid at all — technically, it’s a group of sugar molecules called polysaccharides. These molecules help bind water to collagen and work as a magnet for moisture, so your skin can look and feel more hydrated, plump and healthy.
Hyaluronic acid is what’s known as a humectant — a water-loving substance that draws moisture into the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of your skin). Humectants reduce loss of moisture in the skin and can regulate moisture levels within the cells, ensuring they get just the right amount.
Although hyaluronic acid may sound a bit scary, it’s perfectly safe for use on your skin — in fact, our own skin cells produce this gel-like substance naturally to maintain moisture levels. Unfortunately, as we age, our natural levels of hyaluronic acid decrease, leaving the skin vulnerable to dehydration and damage. Studies also show that environmental aggressors such as ultraviolet radiation, smoking and air pollution can accelerate this process. This is why it’s essential to include synthetic hyaluronic acid in your daily skincare regimen, ensuring you continue to benefit from its many skin-boosting properties.
How Does Hyaluronic Acid Work?
Hyaluronic acid is a water-retaining gel that can hold many times its own weight in moisture. When applied topically, HA sits on the skin’s surface and acts as a highly effective moisturiser, drawing water into the skin to keep it supple and ensure it functions properly as a barrier. For best results, try layering a hyaluronic acid serum with a moisturiser, as this will help seal it into your skin and protect the epidermis against moisture loss.
Who Should Use Hyaluronic Acid?
Naturally found in the skin, hyaluronic acid is a safe and effective active ingredient used in many skincare products. HA is suitable for all skin types, which is one of the reasons it’s so universally recommended for regular use. People of all ages can benefit from HA’s moisturising properties and may notice that the skin appears firmer, bouncier, and that fine lines and wrinkles appear diminished.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid offers many benefits for the skin. As well as its incredible ability to retain moisture, HA also helps shield the skin from external aggressors, keeping the top layer healthy so it can effectively fulfil its primary function as a protective barrier. Dehydrated skin is vulnerable to damage and infection, but regular use of hyaluronic acid will help it stay well-moisturised and strong.
Hyaluronic acid is also associated with several cosmetic benefits such as skin plumpness, tightness and a younger-looking visage. Although this gel-like substance won’t miraculously turn back the clock and get rid of all your wrinkles, it can soften their appearance by making the skin appear more hydrated and full of volume. Using it daily alongside sun protection is recommended.
Hyaluronic Acid Products to Make at Home
If you want to add hyaluronic acid to your skincare routine, making your own skincare products is an excellent option. Luxury products containing active ingredients like HA are often expensive, but by creating your own cosmetics at home, you’ll benefit from the same skin-boosting properties without breaking the bank. You’ll also have the advantage of knowing exactly what you’re putting into your products and using on your skin.
These five recipes are a great starting point for anyone looking to make their own beauty products — and they all contain that miracle moisture magnet, hyaluronic acid.
1. Deeply Hydrating Serum
As mentioned above, using a hyaluronic acid serum after cleansing is an easy and effective way to give your skin a serious moisture boost. This deeply hydrating serum is what you need, containing not only HA gel but also nourishing shea butter and antioxidant-rich black seed oil, walnut oil and vitamin E.
Simple to make at home, you’ll need nothing more than a selection of our natural cosmetic ingredients alongside a stick blender and a double boiler (or a steel bowl and saucepan). You can even customise the recipe with your favourite essential oils, making it perfectly tailored to you.
Layer this serum on your face both in the morning and at night, following up with your favourite moisturiser to seal it in.
2. Soothing Eye Gel
The skin under and around your eyes is particularly susceptible to dehydration. Ensure it stays hydrated, firm and plump with this specially formulated eye gel, which is suitable for this thinner, more sensitive area of skin and benefits from one of the world’s most powerful hydrating ingredients.
As well as hyaluronic acid, this soothing eye gel is packed with other natural, skin-friendly ingredients such as aloe vera, witch hazel, chamomile and arnica. Through a straightforward process of heating, cooling and combining the recipe’s ingredients, you’ll create a moisturising gel that calms and hydrates the under-eye area.
3. Plumping Face Cream
If you’re looking for an HA-infused moisturiser for multiple benefits at once, this plumping face cream recipe is perfect for you. This rich moisturiser will rejuvenate and hydrate the skin, helping it hold on to water while shielding it from free radicals.
This face cream also contains moisturising camelina oil, glow-inducing brazil nut oil and antioxidant-rich pomegranate seed oil for even more radiant results.
4. After Sun Hydrating Lotion
Give your skin hydration and protection when it needs it most by making this after sun hydrating lotion at home. Containing active ingredient vitamin E, soothing cucumber glycerol extract and healing St. John’s Wort Oil, among other powerful skincare ingredients, this product is a must-have for your bathroom cabinet.
5. Peel off Marine Silt Mask
Incorporate HA into your next pamper session by making your very own hyaluronic acid-infused face mask. This recipe combines our ready-to-use peel off marine silt mask with additional oils and active ingredients for enhanced results. Choose your ingredients depending on your skin’s needs for an individually tailored beauty treatment you can create and enjoy at home.