For such a popular skin care ingredient, there’s a lot going on with HA, so beware of love at first use! There are more layers to using HA than the simple equation, Dry Skin + Hyaluronic Acid = Hydrated Skin. In some conditions, the intended results can actually backfire. Think the opposite of clear, dewy, plump skin. So how do you use HA properly?
First - Debunking Common Myths about HA
Hyaluronic Acid is not actually an acid, like glycolic or salicylic acid that exfoliates the skin. HA is a complex sugar, known as a polysaccharide, that occurs naturally in the body providing hydration for our joints, hair, eyes and especially the skin.
As a naturally sourced ingredient, HA has become super popular as a dermal filler, such as Restylane or JUVÉDERM®. Since it’s not a foreign substance, the body tends to accept it, and so it works well as an injection to plump up the skin and smooth out wrinkles.
When it’s injected, it works as an anti-aging agent, but when used topically, HA works as a hydrating agent.
The HA molecule is actually quite large, so it’s a good idea to use HA products that are medium to low molecular weight that absorb more easily into the skin, such as Timeless’ lightweight HA Spray. Timeless uses a 1% concentration of sodium hyaluronate, which equates to 100% HA, hence the Hyaluronic Acid 100% Pure from the Timeless Pure Line. Any higher concentration would actually gel up and dry out the skin, instead of delivering maximum permeability to help hydrate the face.
Benefits of HA include:
-Hydrates the skin
-Minimizes the appearance of wrinkles
-Helps with skin elasticity
-Helps plump and increase volume
Yes! HA can Dry out your Skin - It’s all about Climate Control
HA, also known as hyaluronan or hyaluronate, is a humectant. This means that it binds to moisture and is renowned for its unique ability to attract and hold up to 1000 times its weight in water!
But since HA draws moisture to it and holds on to it, beware of using pure HA on dehydrated skin and in dry climates.
In hot and arid zones, or cold and dry climates, especially inside during the winter, if HA can’t draw moisture out of the air, it can actually start pulling moisture out of your skin. This can leave skin even more thirsty and riddled with dehydrated, fine lines.
So which skin types should use HA?
Any skin types can successfully use HA, it comes down to the way you use it!
Here are the top 3 tips for using HA effectively:
- Always apply HA on damp skin to help bind the moisture to your skin.
- Use in a serum form, such as Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C for the highest efficiency, or layer it after your favorite serum for extra hydrating benefits.
- Seal in HA with a layer of facial oil and/or moisturizer on top.
HA is also super light and watery which is a great benefit for acne-prone or oily skin. For more sensitive skin, incorporating Hyaluronic Acid 100% Pure is the perfect clean ingredient to boost hydration for your face, by mixing it into your non-comedogenic moisturizer.
Try This – Suggested Application
When it comes to getting the most out of your HA, here is a suggested order for applying products:
- Treatment Serum
- HA Pure
- Squalane Oil (use as a facial primer to seal in moisture and protect the skin from the environment)
- Moisturizer
- Physical SPF
As Esthetician and Timeless Skin Care Education Specialist, Shelly Leggins says, “Just as water is to a sponge, applying Hyaluronic Acid serum topically helps plump up the skin. Hydrated skin is beautiful skin!”
