Allow us to properly introduce you to one of our favorite skincare ingredients: hyaluronic acid! Hyaluronic acid – which is the star of our Hyaluronic Pure Boost Serum – is the ingredient you need if you’re looking to unlock hydrated, dewy, and younger-looking skin. We’ll dive into everything you need to know about this ingredient, as well as how you can work it into your skincare routine.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a molecule that is naturally found in the body. It’s responsible for lubricating and acting as a cushion for our nerves, joints, ligaments, and other tissues. However, what it may be best known for is its role in skin health.
This natural molecule gives the complexion a plump and hydrated look and feel. Our natural levels of hyaluronic acid deplete as we age, which makes the skin more prone to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging.
While hyaluronic acid is found in the body, it’s also a highly effective skincare ingredient frequently used in topical products.
Before we talk more about this molecule’s role in skincare, let’s cover the difference between hyaluronic acid and another commonly used ingredient: sodium hyaluronate. You might notice that many hyaluronic acid products actually contain sodium hyaluronate, and don’t even list hyaluronic acid in the ingredients. So what exactly is the relationship between the two?
Sodium hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid, and it's a super stable ingredient with a minimal risk of oxidation. While both offer the same benefits (more on that below!), sodium hyaluronate has a lower molecular weight, which allows it to better penetrate the skin.
Due to its stability and powerful penetration power, sodium hyaluronate is frequently used in hyaluronic acid skincare formulas, including our Hyaluronic Pure Boost Serum.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Now that we know a bit about what hyaluronic acid actually is, let’s talk about what role it plays in skincare. Here are some of the top benefits of adding a hyaluronic acid serum to your routine:
The good news is that hyaluronic acid is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin!
In order to ensure everyone can add hyaluronic acid to their routine, we specifically formulated our Hyaluronic Pure Boost Serum with a simple yet effective list of science-backed ingredients that help everyone achieve a dewy, supple complexion. The formula is super lightweight (so no need to worry about it feeling heavy or greasy on the skin), but is able to deeply hydrate the skin.
How Does It Work?
Hyaluronic acid offers a ton of benefits, but how exactly does it work? Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means it’s essentially a water magnet. It attracts water to the outer layer of the skin and locks it in, improving the skin’s hydration levels.
While there are many humectant ingredients out there, what makes hyaluronic acid really stand out is the fact that it is able to hold nearly 1000 times its weight in water. This is why it’s so powerful when it comes to quenching the skin.
How To Use & Apply Hyaluronic Acid
The interesting thing about hyaluronic acid is that it works best when applied to damp skin. This allows it to draw in the most moisture for maximum quenching power. With that in mind, you’ll want to apply your hyaluronic acid serum while your skin is still damp after cleansing. If your skin is already dry, you can simply mist your face with water prior to applying your serum to give the hyaluronic acid the moisture it needs to do its best work.
With that in mind, after cleansing, apply a pump or two of your serum to damp skin. Apply a moisturizer afterwards to seal in the hydrating power.
If you’re layering a hyaluronic acid serum with other serums, a general rule of thumb is to apply your products in order from thinnest to thickest. For example, if the hyaluronic acid serum is thinner than your other serum, you’d cleanse, apply the hyaluronic acid serum, apply the second serum, and moisturize (and during the day, apply sunscreen).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use hyaluronic acid everyday?
Yes! Since hyaluronic acid is non-irritating, you can use it twice a day for maximum hydrating and anti-aging benefits. It also plays well with other skincare ingredients (including retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, and beta hydroxy acids), so it’s easy to work into your existing skincare routine.
Do you need to use a moisturizer after applying hyaluronic acid?
Yes, you’ll want to use a moisturizer after applying your hyaluronic acid. This helps seal in moisture for your plumpest, dewiest skin yet. It also adds extra moisture to ensure the hyaluronic acid works properly, which is particularly important if you live in a drier climate.
Does hyaluronic acid have side effects?
There aren’t any known side effects of using hyaluronic acid topically, so no need to worry about adverse reactions. Of course, it’s always a smart idea to patch test new products to ensure none of the ingredients cause any unwanted negative effects.
Can you use vitamin C and hyaluronic acid together?
Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are a perfect match! You can easily layer the Hyaluronic Pure Boost Serum with the Vitamin C Boost Serum to promote a youthful, bright, and dewy complexion. We recommend starting with the vitamin C, and then following up with the hyaluronic acid. Top it off with a moisturizer to seal in hydration, and then sunscreen during the day.
