Hyaluronic acid is most certainly a buzzword in the skincare community. If you’re a skincare newbie, anything with the word “acid” in it could leave you feeling a little uncertain, and you probably have some questions. To cut to the chase – hyaluronic acid is an effective and simple ingredient, easy to incorporate, and everyone can benefit from using it. In today’s piece, we’re going to take more of an in depth look at what this buzzworthy ingredient actually is, the potential benefits of using it topically in your skincare routine, and our favourite hyaluronic products.
So, what is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid, sometimes referred to as Hyaluron or HA scientifically, is a naturally occurring element found in our bodies. Its purpose is to hold water and to help our skin stay hydrated. HA can regulate the levels of moisture within our skin and can hold up to one thousand times its own weight in water. Yes, really! It helps keep our cells healthy and hydrated. However, as with a lot of the good stuff our body naturally produces, levels of hyaluronic acid reduce as we get older due to ageing and environmental damage. That’s where hyaluronic acid skincare comes in!
In skincare, there are generally three types of ingredient: humectants, emollients and occlusives. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning very basically it is an ingredient that keeps the skin hydrated because it draws moisture in and helps your skin retain that moisture. It penetrates the skin easily and generally works well with all skin types.
Why should I use Hyaluronic Acid?
It’s important to keep the skin hydrated for both health and appearance. If your skin is dehydrated it can increase the chance of premature skin sagging, fine lines, and cause a rough textured surface. Your skin may also be more easily irritated and sensitive. Hydrating the skin results in a smoother surface, a plump, healthy look, and better protection against external aggressors. It can help with preventative anti-ageing, as well as generally strengthening your skin. Because of hyaluronic acids ability to easily penetrate skin and draw moisture into the upper layer of skin cells, it is a reliable and effective option in helping hydrate the skin to achieve all the above.
Another great quality of hyaluronic acid is that all skin types can benefit from its use. Hydration is a crucial step in any skincare routine and is not the same the as moisturising. Usually when we talk about moisturising, we’re talking about replenishing oil in our skin with a moisturising emollient or occlusive product. Whereas oily skin types may avoid adding more oil with moisturising, replenishing lost water and hydrating the skin is a separate treatment and vital for everyone. That’s why hyaluronic acid is a fantastic ingredient for all skin types to look for in an ingredients list. You really can’t go wrong with hydrating products and they play a central role in any Korean-inspired skincare routine.
Must-Have Products
Now that we have a clearer idea of what hyaluronic acid is and why we can all benefit from the humectant, we wanted to share our favourite hyaluronic products. All these must-haves are carefully formulated to ensure thorough hydration and retention of moisture for a youthful glow and healthy complexion. Exactly what we want!
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner – £16
If you know anything about K-beauty, or follow the Korean skincare community on Instagram, you know about this classic Isntree toner! Isntree are a new brand to Kōsame Beauty and the brand focuses on the use of natural ingredients for their products. This toner has a renewed formula that contains a whopping 50% hyaluronic acid with a combination of three different HA molecule sizes. The smaller molecules penetrate more deeply and absorb quickly into the skin to hydrate from the inside, while the larger molecules provide a protective layer on the uppermost level to prevent moisture escaping. Skin looks visibly plumper immediately after application and this is such a staple for hydration in a daily routine! Just pat into skin after cleansing.
Dr Ceuracle Hyal Reyouth Toner – £24.90
This deeply hydrating toner is not one to miss out on if you’re looking for a simple, quick-absorbing hydration product. The ingredients include a 6-Hyaluronic Complex, which just as it sounds contains 6 different forms of hyaluronic acid for maximum hydration. It also contains panthenol and niacinamide to lock the moisture in and protect skin from the environment. While it’s important to hydrate, it’s also important to retain the moisture! This lightweight toner can be used by all skin types and comes with a handy pump dispenser for easy use.
COSRX Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule – £24
If your skin needs intense hydrating and moisturising, this is the product for you. A nourishing ampoule with a simple yet highly beneficial ingredients list, it contains low molecular hyaluronic acid to hydrate within the skin within while high molecular HA creates a protective barrier. A little goes a long way with this product and it is ideal for those with sensitive, dehydrated skin. Pat a small amount into your skin after cleansing and toning and follow with a moisturiser.
Sioris Bring the Light into Your Skin Serum – £28
This lightweight serum hydrates and brightens for noticeably radiant and hydrated skin. It contains a variety of molecular weights of hyaluronic acid for deep hydration, as well as natural superfood extracts packed with vitamins and moisturising ingredients. This is truly a multi-functional formula for all skin types, and we love that 99.4% of the brand’s ingredients come from raw materials that are used within one year of harvesting in Korea.
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Moist Cream – £18.00
This hypoallergic cream is ideal for those with normal to dry skin for intense hydration and moisturising. The creamy texture immediately nourishes and soothes the skin while helping replenish moisture and reduce flakiness. The cream contains five types of hyaluronic acid consisting of different size molecules for maximum hydration, combined with three different oils to ensure skin is moisturised and can retain hydration more efficiently. Skin feels bouncy and healthy immediately after application with this one!
We hope this guide to hyaluronic acid was helpful for you. Be sure to follow us on socials and join the skincare conversation!