'Acids' in skincare is not a new concept. However, it is yet less-explored in Indian skincare users. The word 'acid', in itself, scares the shit out of a lot of people. Most of the times, people are hesitant to try them, because they don't know how to use it, it might burn their skin, it might not suit them. They are just hesitant to try. However, not all acids are exfoliating or burning, and Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is one of them. Here is a skincare guide on Hyaluronic Acid for you.
What is Hyaluronic Acid (HA)?
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a hydrating ingredient, which works by drawing water content from deep layers of skin to the surface. It has the capability to retain 1000 times its weight in water. It is like one of those hydrating serums, which you can never be scared of. It will simply attract water, and hold it. This saves your skin from dryness or rather, dehyration.
Hyaluronic Acid in Nature/by Plants-
HA is found naturally in our skin, but with age, our body starts to produce less of it. This lead to usage of topical HA into out skincare routine. HA can be replenishes into our skin by various plant based food produces as well. You can always add these materials to your diet with HA based skincare products. Such food items include, citrus fruits, leafy greens, soy-based food products, starchy root vegetables, etc. Consuming more water while adding topical HA is recommended (the water will be pulled up by HA on skin's surface).
Who should use it and when?
Anybody whose skin needs hydration, such as dehydrated or dry skin people can use it. Even oily skin people can use one, however, they are advised to use more of HA based products, instead of standalone HA.
Our skin requirements changes with season, age, lifestyle, or even with certain skincare products. For example-
I personally feel my skin as dry/dehydrated in winters, and normal in summers. Due to this I prefer using HA in winters, and not in summers. My skin just not need a separate HA in summers. In fact, any moisturizer with HA as one ingredient works great for my summer skin.
Certain lifestyle habits can ask you to incorporate hydrating serums (such as HA), such as, application of hot water on skin (strips off natural oils), lesser water intake (not enough water to hydrate your skin), etc.
If you are using skincare products that tend to dry out your skin, like Salicylic Acid or Retinol. These ingredients might cause dryness, and hence, skin soothing, hydrating and moisturizing ingredients are used to overcome this.
How to use?
There is no way to make a DIY Hyaluronic Acid. Please reach out to certified brands to get your hands on a good quality HA. The brand provides instructions on how to use the product. Certain products have applications based on their formulation as well. However, talking in general, you should apply it as follows-
Dampen your skin (this will ensure that HA uses most of this water to make your skin hydrated and plump, and hence, doesn't cause dehydration from deep layers of skin)
Take 1-2 drops/pumps of HA on your palm.
Spread the HA on your damp skin.
Cover it with a moisturizer or occlusive (it ensures that water/HA doesn't evaporate and gets sealed in).
It can be used both in AM and PM Routine.
Time taken to show its effects-
Hyaluronic Acid is supposed to start to show its effects instantly, that is, in the first use itself. Now, when I used it in PM, it showed its effect on my skin in first use only. However, when used in AM (after a few days break), its effect was not as plausible as that of PM application in first use (showed effects in 2 uses). Hence, its effects depends upon the level of dehydration/dryness, time of application, contact with outside environment, pollution levels in the area, etc.
Recommendations-
Product- Only HA I've used till date is by Vya Naturals, and I always go back to it.
Reviewed above suggested HA- Coming Soon.
Overall, HA can be a boon when your skin is more on drier or dehydrated side. Otherwise, you can simply go for toners, mists or moisturizers having HA as an ingredient or even water-based/hydrating serum with HA as an ingredient. Unless you have dry skin, it is not advised to use standalone HA as a product, rather as an ingredient.
Though I have tried covering all the things about HA, yet you can drop any other queries and they'll be answered.
Until next time,
Priya
XoXo
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