BY Jasmine Adiviso
Because hydration is key.
Hyaluronic acid is a skincare ingredient that has been buzzing in the beauty industry for years — with good reason. It’s listed in many cult-favorite skincare products, from masks to ampoules to serums to even moisturizers and cleansers. It’s everywhere! But why is it so popular, you may ask?
We’re here to give you the lowdown on why this acid is dubbed as a “powerhouse ingredient”, touted also as the major dose of hydration that we all could use.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Before knowing what makes it such a coveted ingredient, we first must know what it is. Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, is actually a substance that is naturally produced by the body. It’s a hydrating molecule whose main purpose is to retain water in your skin tissues to keep them well-hydrated. Because of this, topical use of hyaluronic acid is best known to thoroughly moisturize skin and visibly reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
There are three types of moisturizers: humectants (water-based ingredients that pull moisture from the environment), occlusives (ingredients that create a physical barrier to prevent moisture loss), and emollients (oil-based ingredients that typically prevent skin irritation). Hyaluronic acid falls into the first category as this incredibly powerful ingredient can draw moisture from the air to keep your skin hydrated, holding almost 1,000 times its own weight in water.
The Benefits
There’s just so much to love about this ingredient. The beauty industry itself adores hyaluronic acid because of its seemingly magical ability to retain moisture and keep our skin’s natural protective barriers hydrated and healthy.
Hyaluronic acid moisturizes the skin so efficiently that it has no need for oils and heavy creams that may clog pores, making it perfect for acne-prone or sensitive skin. Since dehydrated skin is also a prevailing cause of the signs of aging, this hydrating wonder replenishes moisture, thus plumping the skin and contributing to visibly reduced fine lines and wrinkles.
It plays well with a lot of ingredients with its non-irritating properties, making it easy to add to your routine. Plus, unlike most ingredients, this absorbs quickly into the skin, meaning you may use less product and still get great effects.
How to Amp Up Your Routine
Hyaluronic acid is one of the breeziest products/ingredients to incorporate into your existing routine, so level up your hydration game with a bottle of The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5:
Mix It with Vitamin C
You’ll notice that this moisturizing ingredient is always paired with the skin-brightening vitamin C, and it’s no coincidence why. While powerful separately, together they’re a comprehensive duo that would hydrate, protect, and repair skin.
Apply to Hair Post Shower
Yes, you heard that right. This hydrating molecule works wonders for your tresses as well. Apply post-shower while your strands are still damp or wet to accelerate the effect of hair absorbing all that moisture and to plump life into your locks.
Water Is Key
Whenever you’re topically applying hyaluronic acid to skin (or hair!) make sure that the surface is damp. Remember that this molecule pulls in moisture from its surroundings so it would help to have that additional layer of hydration already sitting on your skin to absorb and lock in as much moisture as possible.
Have we piqued your interest? Browse through more skincare products from ZALORA Philippines here today!