Everything you need to know about this ultra-hydrating ingredient
One thing that never goes out of style is hydrated skin. Though we've come across many products in the market nowadays that scream HYDRATION - few can actually help you achieve the intense levels of moisturisation that this ONE ingredient can.
Any guesses on what the ingredient could be? Drum rolls, please…
It's no other than the holy grail of hydration - hyaluronic acid. This one ingredient packs a punch of up to one thousand times its weight in water. Apply this to your skin, and it plumps it with moisture as no other ingredient can.
At this point, you already know that hyaluronic acid should be a staple in your skincare routine, but you're probably wondering, "what IS hyaluronic acid?".
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid or also referred to as HA in skincare lingo, is a sugar molecule that naturally occurs in our skin. This molecule helps bind water to collagen, draping it in the skin to keep it moisturised.
The texture is lightweight, watery and it's absorbed by the skin quickly like your body would when you gulp a big glass of water when you're parched.
Why our skin needs Hyaluronic Acid
While ageing is inevitable, making sure our skin gets the hydration it needs isn't. As our skin matures, it gets slower at producing new cells, which affects the levels of hyaluronic acid in our skin. Sagging, fine lines and wrinkles start to appear as our levels of skin elasticity plummet.
Though age plays a factor in the decline of hyaluronic acid and skin elasticity - weather changes, environmental pollutants, and diet play a role too. With all these factors combined, it's a no-brainer why our skin needs this crucial ingredient.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
1. Skin-firming
The ingredient draws water to the surface of your skin which makes it hydrated and gives a firmer-looking appearance.
2. Dewy
Your face will instantly look glowy when you use hyaluronic acid. This is due to the extra moisture it gives your skin which provides it with a nice plump.
3. Anti-aging
A skin rich in moisture will give it a youthful appearance, and hydration helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
4. Quick-absorbing
Its molecular dimension allows it to penetrate the deep layers of your skin quickly to give it the ultimate hydration.
How to use Hyaluronic Acid
All of Lava Art's skincare products contain hyaluronic acid, and there are plenty of options you can choose from!
Sheet Mask: If you're looking for something to use on your #SelfcareSundays, we'd recommend the Perfect Moisturizing Sheet Mask.
Foam Cleanser: Remove the daily grime without stripping your skin of its natural oils with Perfect Foam Cleanser.
Toner: Perfect Facial Toner is perfect for restoring your skin's pH levels and moisture while removing any excess layer of makeup and dirt.
Moisturizer: Lightweight, quick-absorbing, and packed full of hyaluronic acid, the Perfect Light Facial Cream will have your skin dewy and plump.
Foundation: Makeup meets skincare… Talk about the best of both worlds! Glow and Matte Cushion Foundation will give you flawless coverage while nourishing your skin with 19 natural fruit and flower extracts and keep it supple with hyaluronic acid.
Do's and Don'ts
An easy ingredient to integrate, hyaluronic acid is compatible with many elements in skincare. It's important to remember, though, that it MUST be used on damp skin.
Think of hyaluronic acid as a moisture magnet - it will absorb the water on your skin, and if your skin isn't damp, then it can't extract any moisture that's skin-deep. This then causes a ripple effect as your skin will end up excreting its natural moisture.
Hyaluronic acid is best used with:
- Retinols
- Vitamins A, B, and C
- Most acids
Avoid mixing hyaluronic acid with:
Any acids with a low pH value (it will make HA less effective) like glycolic acid.
Which skin type is Hyaluronic Acid suitable for?
This gem of an ingredient is safe to use on ALL skin types as it's a gentle ingredient that doesn't provoke irritation, acne breakouts, or allergic reactions.
Stay Beautiful,
The Lava Art Team