If you've purchased or even looked at any skin care product, you've definitely heard of "hyaluronic acid" before.
But what's the actual benefit of applying it to your skin as a serum?
Considering the heap of ingredients in commercial cosmetic products, it's hard to know if a single ingredient like hyaluronic acid could be causing a reaction (or if it’s actually a harsh additive instead).
Before we take a look at one particular skincare product (NOW’s Hyaluronic Firming Serum) we’ll explore why you may want to include this potent natural ingredient into your skincare routine!
Can You Benefit from Hyaluronic Acid?
What’s good for the goose…
Isn’t always the case with skincare, especially when it comes to particularly problematic skin. So, is hyaluronic acid suited to *all* skin types, or are there specific considerations you should keep in mind when shopping for a serum?
Studies and dermatologists continually reaffirm that hyaluronic acid is suitable for all skin types:
Fine lines and wrinkles: Hyaluronic acid helps the skin to better retain moisture, giving it an automatic ‘plumping’ effect. And there’s no ‘set’ age to start using it. It can prove beneficial for both 20-year old skin and 80-year old skin in equal measure.
- How does it work? Studies reaffirm that HA leads to reduced wrinkle depth. It also helps to promote collagen production. While wrinkles are a totally natural part of aging, there are also extrinsic (outside) factors that impact the appearance of your skin. HA is the main molecule involved in regulating skin moisture, and an imbalance in HA occurs as we age. HA then shifts to the deeper layers of the skin, and is often accelerated by UV-B rays.
Oily and Acne-prone skin: Acne is often a result of oily skin — your skin is overproducing oil as a result of sebum production. Controlling sebum can help reduce acne zits, and decrease pore size. At the same time, those with acne prone skin may have issues with the integrity of their skin barrier — leading to water loss due to increased exposure to environmental conditions.
- How does it work? Contrary to popular belief, hyaluronic acid actually possesses properties that unclog pores, that can help you achieve clearer and more even skin. Because it’s a moisture magnet, it can help to better regulate sebum (oil) production and get oily skin under control. A number of studies show reduced pore size when using topical HA or injections.
Dry and dehydrated skin: As the all-in-one skincare ‘it’ product, hyaluronic acid works especially well on dry and dehydrated skin. Most people in North America experience dry skin (or dehydrated skin) during the cold winter months. Hyaluronic acid penetrates the deeper layers of the skin easily.
- How does it work? It draws water from the dermis and deposits it into the epidermis, which is the outer layer of skin. Think of it kind of like a sponge — these skincare ingredients are referred to as humectants.
You’ve Heard Hyaluronic Acid Can Cause Breakouts
Many anecdotal reports across social media and Reddit would have you believe that HA can cause breakouts and acne.
But this simply isn’t true.
At least, it’s extremely unlikely that it’s the hyaluronic acid itself that caused the breakout.
Hyaluronic acid is non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t clog your pores. It’s also not really a “purger” like other cosmetic items (retinols, etc.). These are a little different from a breakout, but can often make people think that a product is doing the opposite of its intended purpose when it’s working to increase cellular turnover.
So, if you experience a breakout after using a hyaluronic acid “serum,” it’s likely due to one of the other ingredients in the formulation and not the HA. And this is where natural alternatives can come in — look for a product that is limited in additional ingredients, like NOW’s Hyaluronic Firming Serum.
NOW’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum Is High-Potency
We recommend NOW Hyaluronic Firming Serum if you’re looking for a natural serum that doesn’t contain a whole host of problematic additives.
Specifically formulated, their firming serum is intended to target fine lines and wrinkles, using only natural plant-based ingredients. It’s never tested on animals, and is certified gluten-free.
It’s intended to be used as a precursor to moisturizer, in both the AM & PM. This should be done after any cleansing and toning steps in your skincare routine!
