Hyaluronic acid is infamous for being a staple in skincare. In fact, these days you'd be hard-pressed to find a product that doesn't have it in its formulation. For someone with combination skin, I can vouch for this ingredient. But what is hyaluronic acid? We asked two dermatologists how they would explain hyaluronic acid to a skincare newbie.
01What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Dr Jaishree Sharad who is a board certified cosmetic dermatologist with 24 years of experience, explains "Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide (a kind of sugar molecule) present in our skin, joints, and connective tissues. It's a humectant, meaning it draws water from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface. Each molecule can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water and hydrate as well as plump the skin." Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta , an aesthetic doctor and skin expert in Delhi who is also the founder of Isaac Luxe, adds to this, "Hyaluronic acid is a fuel for the skin that helps to keep the skin fresh and luminous by taking care of the hydration needs of the skin. This in turn helps in reduction of signs of ageing, pigmentation and the overall skin health."
02What’s the science behind Hyaluronic Acid? Why is it a Must-Have For Hydration?
Hyaluronic acid is what gives your skin that supple, plumping effect. Hyaluronic acid uses for skin include its ability to reduce trans-epidermal moisture loss and fortify the epidermal barrier function, leaving your skin hydrated and protected throughout the day. While our body produces it naturally, our levels of hyaluronic acid deplete as we age, leaving our skin increasingly unable to retain water. This results in dehydration, pale skin, and ultimately fine lines and wrinkles. The good news is that there is a wealth of products that can combat all this. To plump dry skin, hyaluronic acid works to reduce trans-epidermal moisture loss and fortify the epidermal barrier function, leaving your skin hydrated and protected throughout the day. However, there are side effects of hyaluronic acid too which we will explore later.
03Uses and Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid For The Skin
Hyaluronic acid plays a vital role in wound healing and tissue regeneration. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Its benefits stretch far and wide and that's why it is commonly used in cosmetic products. Incorporating hyaluronic acid serum into your routine can work wonders.
- Provides Intense Hydration: Consistent hydration strengthens the skin's natural barrier, reducing moisture loss and protecting against environmental damage.
- Enhances Skin Elasticity: It has the ability to boost firmness, reducing the appearance of sagging skin, and thereby promoting a youthful look.
- Suitable for All Skin Types: Dr Jaishree confirms that hyaluronic acid is suitable for all skin types because it is non-comedogenic and non-irritant. For oily/acne-prone skin, it provides moisture without clogging pores. Hyaluronic acid for dry skin boosts hydration. And if you have sensitive skin, it'll calm and hydrate it without causing irritation.
- Boosts the Effectiveness of Other Products: By enhancing absorption, it helps other products to penetrate deeper into the skin. Keeping this in mind, you can, for instance, combine a heavy moisturiser after the serum to lock in more hydration if you have dry skin.
- Protects Against Environmental Stressors: While primarily known for hydration, some hyaluronic acid serums also offer protection against free radical damage caused by pollution and UV exposure. Despite this property, remember to layer your serum with a moisturiser and sunscreen, if applying during the day.
Steps to Incorporate Hyaluronic Serum Into Your Skincare Routine
Dr Jaishree shares that hyaluronic acid is available in serum formulations, creams and masks. However, serums are the most effective because they deliver a higher concentration of active ingredients directly to the skin. "You can also look for serums with multi-molecular HA (different molecule sizes) for deeper hydration."
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to seamlessly incorporate hyaluronic acid serum into your skincare routine:
- Cleanse First : Clean skin allows the serum to penetrate more effectively and ensures there's no buildup of dirt or oils that could block absorption. You can use a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type. Refreshing Face Wash by Simple is a must-try if you have dry and sensitive skin.
- Apply Hyaluronic Acid Serum : Dispense a few drops of hyaluronic acid serum onto your palm and gently press the serum into your damp skin, focusing on areas that need extra hydration, such as the cheeks, forehead, or under the eyes. To treat your skin with love, try the Simple Skincare Booster Serum with 3% Hyaluronic Acid and B5 For deep hydration. What makes it special is it uses Pentavitin technology which is known to give 72 hours of hydration.
- Allow the Serum to Absorb: Sounds obvious but this step is key. Give the serum about one to two minutes to completely absorb into your skin, ensuring that the active ingredients can penetrate your skin and provide optimal hydration.
- Layer Your Moisturizer : Locking in hydration by layering with a moisturizer will seal in the moisture and prevent water loss. You can choose a moisturizer suited to your skin type, whether it's lightweight for oily skin or richer for dry skin. The Hydrating Light Moisturizer by Simple is perfect if you want a naturally glowing skin kind of look.
- Apply Sunscreen : When using the serum in the morning, hyaluronic acid can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays, and sunscreen helps protect your skin from sun damage, which can dehydrate and fasten skin aging. We recommend the Lakme Sun Expert Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50+.
04Hyaluronic Acid Side Effects on Skin
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is generally considered safe. It is commonly used in skincare products and even dermal fillers. However, like any substance, it can have side effects. Some of them are:
-
Allergic Reactions: Though it's rare to have an allergic reaction, these reactions can be redness, itching, or swelling due to sensitivity to the product or other ingredients.
-
Dryness: However paradoxical this may sound, hyaluronic acid can dry up the skin if not sealed in properly.
Dr Jaishree explains, "Without sealing HA into the skin, it might draw water from the skin, leading to dryness." If you are using retinoids, AHA, or BHA, make sure to apply HA to damp skin first. After this, you can use the retinoid or AHA, followed by a moisturiser. Another point to keep in mind here is that you should avoid using high strength AHA and retinoids with hyaluronic acid. Dr Geetika states that such high concentrations can lead to excessive skin irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. Therefore it is advisable to use it individually or with advised combinations only. Another point to keep in mind would be to avoid applying HA over oils, heavy creams, or ointments." These create a barrier that prevents HA from penetrating and working effectively.
05Final Takeaway
The hero ingredient of any skincare routine, hyaluronic acid is perfectly safe to use every day. In fact, most experts would encourage you to apply it twice a day, every day, as part of your morning and evening routine. "Yes, it can be used every day, even twice a day." Dr Jaishree advises. Now that you know how to add this superstar of an ingredient to your skincare routine, don't waste time and start now!
