a quick guide to hyaluronic acid - sk.in

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A quick reminder why hyaluronic acid should be in everyone’s skincare routine this season (and year-round).

what is hyaluronic acid?

Any skincare expert or enthusiast will tell you that hyaluronic acid is the gold standard when it comes to hydrating your skin. But what exactly is it and how does it work? Scientifically speaking, hyaluronic acid, also known as HA or hyaluronan, is a sugar molecule naturally found in your body. It works by drawing in water and holding it—up to a whopping 1000 times its own weight—which helps keep skin hydrated and tissues and joints lubricated.

So, since you already produce hyaluronic acid in your body, is it necessary to apply it topically? Well, unfortunately, like collagen, your body’s natural supply starts to decline as you age, which is why incorporating the ingredient into your skincare routine is a smart idea.

1. hydrates skin

As we already mentioned, hyaluronic acid is most loved for its hydrating benefits — and that’s because it’s a humectant, which means it pulls moisture from the environment and binds it to the skin to hydrate and plump.

2. reduces wrinkles

Hyaluronic acid’s hydrating and plumping properties also make it an effective anti-ageing ingredient. That’s because, the more hydrated and plump your skin is, the smoother and tighter it will look.

3. protects skin

Proper hydration is also essential for a healthy skin barrier, and a healthy skin barrier means your skin is more protected from the environment and is less prone to sensitivity, irritation and redness.

how do you incorporate hyaluronic acid into your routine?

You can find hyaluronic acid in everything from toners to sheet masks, but to get the most out of the ingredient, we recommend looking for it in a concentrated serum form, which will give you the best results. Remember, your serum comes after cleansing and before sealing it in with your moisturiser.

are all hyaluronic acid serums created equal?

If you want the best results, look for a hyaluronic acid serum that contains different molecular weights of HA, which will provide multi-level hydration for both immediate and long-term results. The hyaluronic acid complex found in all sk.in serums contains a combination of high, medium and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid molecules, with the low molecular weight being 50 kilodaltons.

is hyaluronic acid safe for all skin types and tones?

The best news is that hyaluronic acid is beneficial for all skin types, and side effects are rare (which makes sense because our bodies produce it naturally, remember?). That said, it’s always a good idea to introduce new products gradually to see how your skin reacts and consult your skincare professional if necessary.