Why we should all be using hyaluronic acid
Since the dawn of time, hyaluronic acid has existed. Despite being labelled as an acid, it is not a resurfacing (exfoliating) acid like an AHA or BHA, it is a moisturising acid meaning it doesn’t peel or irritate the skin and is suitable for everyone. It is, in fact, a natural moisturising factor meaning that it is found within our skin already as well as being a water magnet, attracting 1000 times its own weight in water. Interestingly enough, the surface layer of your skin hydrates itself from the air as opposed to drinking water, which is a common skincare myth. For me, owning a good, reliable hyaluronic acid serum is the key to plump, hydrated looking skin all throughout the year.
Here are some of my favourite hyaluronic acids (HAs):
First up is The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic 2% + B5 serum which is one of my all-time favourite HA. It is viscose in texture but not too thick or thin yet is slightly sticky. But when it dries, it tightens your skin giving you this instant filtered, plump looking skin which is perfect before starting to apply your makeup. One thing to note is that when using hyaluronic acid serums, you will not notice a visible change right away, it takes around 6 weeks to see results. The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum, £5.90.
Secondly, we have Glossier’s Super Bounce which for me is a good, solid all-rounder hyaluronic. Unlike The Ordinary’s, I found the consistency of this serum to be far more silky and light when applied onto the skin. It has a smaller percentage of hyaluronic acid than most serums out there, but where it lacks, it makes up with the focus on bringing the ‘bounce’ back to your skin, as suggested by the name. What this means is that this serum has a higher percentage of vitamin B5, which is excellent for bringing plumpness and elasticity to the skin. Glossier Super Bounce, £24.
My firm favourite, Hada Labo’s Super Hydrator Lotion No1 which comes from a range which has been hailed as ‘Japan’s number 1 skincare line’. This hyaluronic acid has been labelled as one of the new breeds of HAs because of it’s a multi-molecular hyaluronic acid, meaning that it contains 3 different molecular weights of HA which creates a super lightweight consistency – in-fact it is quite simply like water. This consistency allows the product to penetrate the skin within seconds, filling it with moisture and locking water inside the skin. It is also made with a new technology called ‘super hyaluronic acid’ which provides moisture longevity, with supposed anti-ageing effects after long-term usage. Hada Labo Super Hydrator Lotion No1, £15.95.
Opening image: courtesy of Getty Images
