Is hyaluronic acid worth the hype?
If you’re a skincare fanatic like I am, you’ve probably been bombarded by very confusing TikToks and Instagram Reels about hyaluronic acid, with some saying to not use it while others advising you to do so. So who do you listen to? Is hyaluronic acid worth the hype or should you steer clear from it?
What exactly does hyaluronic acid do?
Before we get into what exactly hyaluronic acid does and if it’s worth our time and coins, let’s dive into what it actually is. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide that’s found in your body. It’s used to bind moisture and create a hydration cushion for your skin, joints, hair, and eyes. Not only does hyaluronic acid act as a moisturizer, but it also acts as a humectant, a compound that is used to prevent the loss of moisture in your skin due to its amazing ability to retain moisture. One gram of hyaluronic acid can hold up to 6 liters of water, 1000 times its weight!
What makes hyaluronic acid so incredible is its ability to draw in moisture from the environment, making it the perfect serum to apply before your moisturizer so you can get the highest level of hydration from it. And the coolest part about hyaluronic acid is that it will draw in the right amount of moisture, without drowning your skin in water and breaking down key substances that hold your skin’s surface intact. It’s basically a smart little hydrating molecule, and we love that!
When we look at your typical skincare products that contain hyaluronic acid, the industry standard is about a 2% level of concentration. Anything higher than that will have the opposite effect on your skin and dry it out. Much like everything in life, anything in excess is never good.
Benefits of hyaluronic acid
Plays nice with all your other skincare products. There are actually no known negative reactions with other ingredients, which makes it very easy to incorporate into your skincare routine.
Safe for all skin types. Generally, hyaluronic acid is safe for all skin types, but like any new product you’re introducing to your routine, always patch test before applying it all over your face.
Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As we age, our skin loses the ability to retain moisture, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. With the help of hyaluronic acid, your skin can replenish moisture and plump up your skin for a smoother appearance and texture.
How to use hyaluronic acid
Always use it as a base before applying your moisturizer since hyaluronic acid’s main purpose is to draw in moisture, provide moisture! You don’t want to use it on its own as it can work against you and draw moisture from your skin, so always pair it with your favorite moisturizer. Because it plays nice with basically everything in your skincare routine, you can use it day and night. My current go-to hyaluronic acid is The INKEYLIST Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum, as it’s fast-absorbing and leaves my skin super plump and hydrated. And with a price tag of $7.99, it’s a bargain!
Overall, hyaluronic acid is all that and a bag of chips. If you haven’t incorporated it into your routine, I would suggest you do so if you have dry skin, are worried about aging gracefully, and live in a dry area. It’s worth the hype, and my skin has benefited greatly from it.
