We all know the darling of the beauty world, Hyaluronic Acid. This ingredient is EVERYWHERE and is one of the hero ingredients in our skincare game. It is plumping, it moisturises skin, it promises all the good things we often go for when looking for a beauty product. Sounds amazing right?
But we recently came across some articles online and YouTube videos about how Hyaluronic Acid can be bad for your skin. Wait - is that true?
After calming ourselves from the disbelief, we tried to put the facts into perspective and did our research homework. So what’s the deal with it? Read on to find out.
First of all… What is Hyaluronic Acid?
A humectant by birth, HA is a molecule that naturally exists in your skin and your connective tissues. HA acts as a lubricating agent for almost everything, really! Eyes, skin, joints, you name it. Our skin pushes HA production regularly but with environmental aggressors and time, it’s only normal that the levels are going downhill.
In the beauty sphere, HA is widely used as a hydrator to keep our skin bouncy and moisturised. Like a sponge that holds and absorbs moisture, it is able to retain 1000x more than its natural weight in water! HA holds moisture when applied topically, resulting in hydrated, plump skin. Which is, what we want exactly.
Despite the name, HA is not an exfoliating type of acid. It exists in many forms, Hydrolysed Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate to name a few.
So, what’s the problem with Hyaluronic Acid?
Truth to be told, there are many misconceptions about this powerful helper. HA is NOT a moisturiser as some of us had thought. For HA to really work, we need to understand how its water binding properties function. Without the right steps, it’ll end up drying up your skin and evaporating the existing moisture. In an environment where the humidity levels are low, the usage of HA might even leave the skin feeling tight and uncomfortably dehydrated.
Ok, but how about all these HA-rich serums that you just bought? Everything might sound frustrating and contradictory, but we found these perfect solutions to make you believe in HA again!
Tip #1: Check your base
When doing that GRWM sesh, have you noticed how dry your skin is before applying your serum? HA works only by having a damp environment to really bind the moisture in, so a hydrated base is paramount to ensure its efficacy! Without this step, HA will only suck the water out of your skin, making it prone to dehydration or irritation.
Fancy HA on your body? Apply your (Tasmanian Spring Water Wonder) Body Lotion right after the shower to activate its hydrating benefits!
Tip #2: Layering is vital
HA got us in a jiffy with the ‘moisturising’ tagline. The truth is, using an HA serum won’t be complete without a moisturiser on top of it! It’s no rocket science (duh), but some people tend to forget this. For HA to work, it needs a moisturising agent to hold on to. This step is a game changer, so don’t skip this step (like ever)!
Did you know? Our Tasmanian Spring Water Hydration Boost Cream is made with Red Algae that is known for its moisture locking properties. It is a natural source of polysaccharides, an effective source to replenish moisture. Together with HA serum, this ultralight gel-cream will lock in moisture to prevent dehydration. What can we say, #teamwork makes #dreamwork.
Tip #3: Give another active a go!
Up your HA game by mixing it with another active ingredient. We are a firm believer of the dynamic HA & vitamin C duo. HA will work to keep your skin moisturised, while vitamin C brightens and protects your skin from free radicals and aging signs. When being used together, the couple helps prevent the appearance of fine lines and dull skin. What’s not to love?
If you are a newbie to vitamin C, put aside your worries! You can say buh-bye to dull, lacklustre skin with our favourite serums. Start incorporating the Dreamy Glow Drops for AM skin routine, then the HA-rich Splash Serum for that deep night hydration. Wake up to a super glowy, healthy skin with minimum effort!
Our verdict? HA is a friend, not a foe when used properly. Just remember to moisturise properly and stay well-hydrated for maximum results! Do you still have questions regarding HA? Don't hesitate to reach us out on Instagram for more tips!
