What is Hyaluronic Acid?
You’ve probably seen the term “hyaluronic acid” thrown around everywhere in the skincare world recently. What exactly is this key ingredient and why is it in so many skincare products? Let’s take a deep dive.
Hyaluronic Acid, known as HA for short, is a very well known skincare ingredient that you have likely heard of already. It is featured in many skincare products, with the purpose of providing the skin with an extra boost of hydration. So what makes it such a special ingredient?
Let’s take a closer look at the science behind Hyaluronic Acid.
Hyaluronic Acid is actually a molecule that is naturally produced by the body. More than 50% of the Hyaluronic Acid in the body is found in the skin (it is also present in your eyes and connective tissues) and its main purpose is to lubricate and hydrate, as it attaches itself to water molecules and is able to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. Crazy, right?
So you can guess why it is such a superstar ingredient in the world of skincare products. It’s moisture-holding properties allow it to hydrate the skin from within, keeping it plump and preventing it from dehydration.
Hyaluronic Acid in Your Skin
Hyaluronic Acid, or rather the gradual reduction in the production of Hyaluronic Acid in the body, contributes to the natural aging process of the skin, referred to as "intrinsic skin aging". Extrinsic skin aging, which is the aging of the skin caused by external environmental factors such as UV exposure, can be helped, or at least slowed, with proper care and protection from your climate. Intrinsic skin aging, on the other hand, is a natural and inevitable process of the body which occurs over time. The rate and extent of intrinsic aging is greatly determined by each individual's genetics.
As the body ages it naturally produces less Hyaluronic Acid which, among other things, leads to fine lines, wrinkles, and less “plump” looking skin. This is because less Hyaluronic Acid means the skin’s ability to retain moisture decreases over time. So really, it makes perfect sense to use Hyaluronic Acid in our skincare to keep our skin looking and feeling as supple and healthy as possible.
Hyaluronic Acid in Skincare
When applied to the skin, Hyaluronic Acid provides hydration that can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It replenishes the skin, bringing moisture to the surface of the skin and making it more plump, resulting in smoother skin overall.
There are many ways to incorporate Hyaluronic Acid into your skincare routine. For example, our Aqua Boosting Essence Toner as well as our Advanced Aqua Boosting Ampoule both feature 10-Hyaluronic Acid. 10-Hyaluronic Acid refers to the different molecular weights and sizes of the molecules, which allows for better overall absorption of the Hyaluronic Acid throughout the skin. For Hyaluronic Acid to really be effective, it needs to be modified to be at molecular weights that can absorb through the skin's surface. Without reducing the size of the molecules they are too large to penetrate the surface of the skin. Read more about 10-Hyaluronic Acid at our blog here!
Hyaluronic Acid can also be found in the form of serums, gels, and formulated in creams. Because Hyaluronic Acid is naturally produced by the body it is generally very safe to use by anyone, and can be used on any skin type as it is non-irritating. It is a great product to use everyday due to its lightweight, watery texture and its ability to be absorbed quickly into the skin.
How NOT to use Hyaluronic Acid
How do you know you are using your Hyaluronic Acid effectively to get the best results? If you’re not using your Hyaluronic Acid properly it can actually have the opposite effect. Remember we mentioned that Hyaluronic Acid has the ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water? Well, an important aspect of that ability is that there is water present to be held in the first place. So when using Hyaluronic Acid as part of your skincare routine you need to ensure that you are not applying it to a dry face, otherwise it will pull moisture from deep within your skin, and evaporate into the air because it’s not locked in properly.
So what is the best way to use Hyaluronic Acid?
Generally when using Hyaluronic Acid you want to apply it to an already-damp face, so that the Hyaluronic Acid molecules have a source to pull water from. You then want to lock it in with a moisturizer right away to lock in the water-holding effects of the Hyaluronic Acid. So gently splashing or lightly spraying your face with a water mist before using Hyaluronic Acid will hugely amp up your HA game.
AXIS-Y’s Hyaluronic Acid Routine
Here’s how we suggest using our Water Your Skin Ultra Hydration Set to get optimal results from the 10-Hyaluronic Acid.
Thoroughly massage a small amount of cleanser onto your dampened face, cleaning all areas of the face. Rinse off with lukewarm water, making sure no foam remains.
2. Aqua Boosting Essence Toner
Without drying your face completely, pour some toner into your hands and apply directly to your face, gently patting in the product with your hands.
3. Advanced Aqua Boosting Ampoule
While the toner is still wet, apply a few drops of the ampoule onto your face and gently pat in with your hands.
4. Heartleaf My Type Calming Cream
Immediately after applying the ampoule, lock in all the moisture with our moisturizing cream. Apply the desired amount into your hands and rub into the skin. For extra hydration, you can add an extra layer of cream.
Using these products in this order allows you to reap the full benefits of Hyaluronic Acid and ensure you are keeping your skin as hydrated as possible. Read more about our Water Your Skin Ultra Hydration Set here!
We hope this blog has given you some insight into the science behind Hyaluronic Acid and why it is such a superstar ingredient in the skincare world. Tell us how you like to incorporate Hyaluronic Acid into your skincare routine! And if you haven't been using it, do you think you’ll start using it now?