You can’t scour the internet for skincare advice without seeing “Hyaluronic Acid”, practically every product on the market contains it these days. So what is it REALLY, and is it worth the hype?
WHAT IS IT?
Hyaluronic acid is a substance (a humectant specifically) produced by the body naturally in the eyes, joints and skin. Its purpose is multifaceted. For one, it acts almost as an oil for your joints, keeping them functioning smoothly and efficiently. Specifically for skincare, it has amazing hydration properties that help the skin (and even the eyes) retain water, which is why it’s found in many skincare products and even eye drops. It can also help the body’s ability to heal wounds faster and prevent the skin from scarring. Another killer thing about hyaluronic acid is its ability to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by helping the skin’s flexibility. Hell yeah, I’ll take it!
There are different weights when talking hyaluronic acid for skincare serums, all serving slightly different needs. I’m going to just pretend like this is Goldilocks and the Three Bears only er not bears but hyaluronic acid weights… definitely comparable.
Daddy bear or high molecular weight hydrates the upper surface layers of the skin to prevent dryness. Mommy bear aka medium molecular weight hyaluronic acid works through 3 layers of skin (epidermis) smoothing and plumping the skin to reduce those pesky signs of aging. Mommy bear knows how to stay looking young. Last but not least is good ol’ baby bear and the low molecular weight (wow this metaphor is getting kind of ridiculous, but I’m still going with it. Sorry.). Baby bear has got the drop on staying young because this type of hyaluronic acid penetrates deep helping to revive collagen production helping your skin to be firmer and more youthful. Just like goldilocks (see I told you this story works), there is a specific level that works for each individual need. Okay, okay, I’m done with the kid story.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO USE IT?
Obviously, you can see why skincare gurus and even us mere mortals love hyaluronic acid so much (if you could sift through my cringy retelling of Goldilocks, you’ll get it…maybe). Even those with oily skin require moisture every once in a while and hyaluronic acid works best when it is used consistently as part of your daily skincare routine. You can look for it in moisturizers, serums, lotions, etc. as an essential ingredient with amazing benefits.
Now like most skincare products, there is a way to use it to get the most out of its intended purpose. Hyaluronic acid draws moisture from wherever it can get it, meaning it is best applied on slightly dampened skin otherwise you could be doing more harm than good, for those in dry climates specifically. If there is no moisture for the hyaluronic acid to latch onto, it could be taking moisture from your deeper skin layers and causing even more dryness.
Serums are usually the best products to use with hyaluronic acid because you can layer up your products. A serum with hyaluronic acid applied first and then topped with an emollient rich moisturizer packs a serious skincare punch. The hyaluronic acid retains the moisture and the emollients trap it all in. The dynamic duo of skincare at work. All I can picture is cheerleaders spelling out the words in a cheer and everyone trying to figure out what the heck they’re spelling. Give me an H, give me a Y. Skincare words are a mouthful, but at least we know they work wonders for our skin. WHAT DOES THAT SPELL?! Hyaluronic acid!
Looking for the best hyaluronic serums and other skincare products?
614 Beauty artists recommend Neocutis Hyalis + which contains both high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid.