Have you been hearing the term ‘hyaluronic acid’ bandied about of late? The terrifying-sounding ingredient is actually a skin hero, and all those dewy-faced folks who know what’s up when it comes to skincare have been on board with it for yonks.
Thing is, often those “fine lines” and “wrinkles” you whinge about daily are actually the result of dehydrated skin. Hyaluronic acid works by attracting moisture. As skincare company Paula’s Choice explains, “this science-based magic lies in hyaluronic acid’s ability to replenish moisture, a lot of moisture! One gram (0.03 ounce) of hyaluronic acid can hold up to six litres of water.”
All that hydration is also provided to skin in a balanced way – something that’s also important. The effect on the skin’s surface is plumper, smoother, more radiant-looking skin. Um, yes please. Even better, hyaluronic acid is also a great antioxidant to help fight environmental aggressors – the stuff that can result in premature ageing, pigmentation and so on.
Oh, and it’s one of those ingredients that even sensitive skinned folks can use.
Time for me to shut up and show you some stuff to buy that has hyaluronic acid in it? Ok, ok.
A serum which claims to enhance skin’s hyaluronic acid levels by 30%, this can be applied morning and night, after cleansing and before moisturising (if you use retinol-based products in the evening, Skinceuticals suggest applying this serum after those).
Another serum designed to be used after cleansing and before moisturising, this booster can also be added to your regular serum or moisturiser to enhance it’s moisture-retaining properties.
This lightweight, oil free serum contains hyaluronic acid, but also free-radical fighting vitamin c and skin boosting peptides for all-round complexion support.
Known for their science-based development and products that, well, ACTUALLY WORK and don’t cost a billion dollars, The Ordinary’s offering in the hyaluronic acid space is good shit. As always, they’ve formulated their product to ensure that the HA goes into the skin, instead of sitting on top like some formulations can do for a temporary fix.
Drunk Elephant have a cult following for their no-fuss skincare, and their hydration serum is one of the most loved products – it’s also got ceramide and vitamin B5 in there for repairing the skin barrier.
This guy has not one, but two types of pure hyaluronic acids in it.
