How hyaluronic acid works and why it's important for sensitive skin
When it comes to hydrating the skin, hyaluronic acid is undoubtedly the superhero of the ingredient's world. It pops up in many products, and for very good reason – it’s like a big, tall, huge glass of water for your skin. Plump skin is in, and here’s how hyaluronic acid gets you there.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Firstly, hyaluronic acid is a humectant. A ‘hu-what’, you may be asking? Humectants help to retain moisture, and hyaluronic acid actually holds over 1,000 times its weight in water. It’s found naturally in the body, though when used as a skincare ingredient, it helps to draw moisture from the air into the deeper layers of the skin.
Why is hyaluronic acid important in skincare?
We all want plump, smooth, hydrated skin – and hyaluronic acid checks those boxes. When used topically in skincare products, it helps your skin cells to retain moisture throughout the day and prevent dehydration. Further, given dehydrated skin can accelerate the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, hyaluronic acid is said to have a smoothing effect when it works to replenish lost moisture.
Can hyaluronic acid be used on sensitive skin types?
Sure can, honey! The reason hyaluronic acid is so commonly used in skincare products is that it’s generally nonirritating and isn’t likely to trigger skin reactions or clog up the pores and bring on acne breakouts. If you’re on the sensitive side, it can actually work to strengthen the skin barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss. The flow on from this is that sensitive, rosacea or redness-prone skin types may feel some relief – so it’s worth a try!
Does hyaluronic acid work on blemish-prone skin?
In a similar vein, hyaluronic acid may also help to reduce visible breakouts (we know what you’re thinking – what can’t it do?!). Breakouts are often caused when the skin is stripped of hydration and tries to overcompensate by producing oil. By ensuring your skin is retaining moisture and not working overdrive to produce oil (that then clogs pores and causes breakouts), hyaluronic acid in skincare may just solve your acne woes. It can also act as a protector for the skin during flare ups, helping to support a compromised skin barrier and help the skin calm down.
Can I use hyaluronic acid with other ingredients?
Please, do! Hyaluronic acid pairs well with niacinamide as they’re both water-based ingredients, making it the perfect dynamic duo when it comes to packing your skin with hydration and getting it all plump and dewy. On the other hand, hyaluronic acid also goes hand in hand with lactic acid which is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) that helps to exfoliate the skin and smooth the complexion. Since lactic acid exfoliates the skin, hyaluronic acid then steps in to ensure moisture is retained and the skin isn’t stripped of all the good stuff. A match made in heaven, if you ask us!