When discussing moisturizing and hydrating ingredients, one cannot overlook the “golden” name, Hyaluronic Acid (HA). However, HA can be tricky to use. Incorrect usage may lead to drier skin. Let’s explore how to use “standard” HA Serum with us.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Is Hyaluronic Acid Polysaccharide a fantastic ingredient?
Hyaluronic Acid, abbreviated as HA, scientifically known as Polysaccharide, is a gel-like sugar naturally present in the skin. It plays a crucial role in retaining water molecules beneath the skin’s surface and lubricating various body parts, including muscles and joints.
HA exhibits remarkable hydration capabilities, with 1 gram of HA able to retain up to 6 liters of water. Think of it as a sponge that efficiently absorbs moisture. In the body, HA is concentrated in the dermis, making up over 50% of its composition. HA is vital for maintaining skin structure and supporting collagen synthesis. However, HA levels tend to diminish with age, contributing to sagging skin and wrinkles.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for the skin include:
- Hydration and moisture retention.
- Slowing down the skin aging process and improving texture.
- Accelerating the skin’s healing of damage.
- Strengthening the skin’s natural immune system.
- Supporting the treatment of various skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis.
So, when should you start using Hyaluronic Acid?
The skin’s aging process typically begins around the age of 20 and becomes more pronounced after 30. Since HA levels decline with age, it’s beneficial to incorporate Hyaluronic Acid into your skincare routine starting in your 20s to help maintain youthful skin.
How to Properly Use Scientific HA Serum?
The effectiveness of HA Serum in enhancing skin health is unquestionable. Consequently, many cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies incorporate Hyaluronic Acid into their products. However, HA is a challenging active ingredient to utilize, as improper application of HA Serum can result in the Hyaluronic Acid drawing moisture away from the skin, leading to dryness. Here are four scientifically recommended methods for effectively using HA:
Guidelines for Proper Hyaluronic Acid Usage.
Apply HA to Hydrated Skin
Hyaluronic Acid functions like a sponge, drawing moisture from the surrounding environment. Research indicates that when the humidity drops below 70% outside, reverse hygroscopicity occurs on the skin, meaning that Hyaluronic Acid can actually pull moisture away from the skin. Therefore, the key rule for using HA is to apply it to damp skin. Dermatologists explain this requirement as follows:
Damp skin provides the optimal environment for Hyaluronic Acid molecules to deeply penetrate the skin, enhancing its moisturizing effect by utilizing its hydrating properties.
As a result, HA should be applied immediately after cleansing and toning. To further enhance its effectiveness, you can also incorporate a mineral spray or moisture-locking method: Toner => HA Serum => Toner.
How to Use HA Serum in Conjunction with a Sheet Mask
Combining HA Serum with a sheet mask is a method highly recommended by many experts. Applying HA Serum before using the mask allows the HA molecules to absorb water and nutrients from the sheet mask, providing nourishment to the skin. This is one of the quickest ways to hydrate the skin and restore its natural radiance.
Seal in Moisture After Applying HA
Overreliance on HA’s moisturizing properties may lead some to believe that they can skip the moisturizing step involving creams or balms. This is a common misconception when it comes to using Hyaluronic Acid.
How to Seal in Moisture After Applying Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
When HA molecules penetrate the skin’s watery environment, they have the ability to hydrate, providing moisture to the skin’s epidermis. However, without the step of locking in this moisture, the skin will still lose water as usual. Therefore, it’s essential to seal in the moisture with a moisturizer, oil, or a sleeping mask when using an HA serum.
How to Use HA Serum in Conjunction with a Humidifier
During dry weather, the skin is prone to dehydration and dryness. In such conditions, you can utilize the hygroscopic properties of HA molecules in combination with a humidifier. HA serum will help draw moisture from the external environment and supply it to the skin, reducing dryness and flakiness. It’s important to use pure water for humidification and avoid adding essential oils, as they may cause skin irritation.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a unique active ingredient that contributes to nourishing and maintaining youthful skin. To make the most of HA, it’s crucial to understand its properties. With the four methods for using HA Serum discussed in this article, we hope you can use Hyaluronic Acid with confidence and peace of mind!
Johnny Jacks was born in 1985 in Texas, USA. He is the founder of Good Health Plan and is passionate about helping people improve their health and physical well-being. With over a decade of experience working in the healthcare industry, he currently works at Goodheathplan.com – a blog that shares knowledge on beauty and health.