Wanna learn how to use Hyaluronic Acid as part of your skincare routine?
Commercials promoting products with hyaluronic acid have become commonplace in the beauty industry. The challenge is consumers knowing which products are legit and actually work. The reality is, hyaluronic acid can be an amazing hydrator as one of the skincare steps in any beauty routine, however, it can dry out your skin more than it already is if it’s not used correctly.
This post will primarily focus on topical hyaluronic acid, not to be confused with injectable hyaluronic acid fillers which you can read more about here: Dermal Fillers Turn Back the Hands of Time
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a molecule naturally produced by and found within various parts of the body. Nearly 50% of hyaluronic acid is found in our skin. It can also be found in our lips, tendons, bones, ligaments, and cartilage.
HA binds water molecules to retain moisture in the joints and skin and can hold 1,000 times its weight in water. As we age, our natural HA levels within our body decrease. People turn to products with hyaluronic acid in them for added moisture to help replenish the depleted levels.
When you use Hyaluronic Acid, what are the benefits?
Hyaluronic acid is most known for its skin-related benefits. It helps the skin to retain water, which hydrates the outer layer of skin that gives the skin a more youthful and radiant appearance.
Additionally, HA works as a cushion for our skin, joints, and nerves. It can also act as an antioxidant to protect the skin from free radicals, help repair skin damage, and support wound healing.
Who does HA work for?
What makes Hyaluronic acid a skincare superstar for just about every skin type? Simple. This naturally occurring acid “locks in” water in the skin’s structure resulting in plump hydrated skin. With the reduction of the body’s ability to produce hyaluronic acid as we age, HA skin care products are an excellent topical supplement for even sensitive skin.
Are there any side effects?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring acid in our skin so you don’t need to be concerned about the word “acid” in the name. Side effects rarely occur with the introduction of HA products as part of a skincare regimen when used as directed. If you have particularly sensitive skin, you can always do a skin test to confirm compatibility before using the product in a more widespread area.
Not all products are created equal
To ensure that you get the results you are after when choosing HA products, be sure and read those labels. Choose the right ingredients. For example, an HA product with more than 2% hyaluronic acid can result in dryness and sometimes irritation.
Variations in molecular weights
When you are shopping for Hyaluronic acid products, you will likely see differences in the molecular weights of the HA on the product labels. Always look for products that contain a lower molecular weight of hyaluronic acid. Why? These lower weight hyaluronic acid molecules penetrate the skin more deeply. The deeper the skin penetration, the more improvement of wrinkles, though it may seem counterintuitive that the higher the molecular weight of hyaluronic acid in your product means the less benefit to your skin. So remember, go low.
Variations in acid concentrations
Do your homework and ask your skincare professional which hyaluronic acid concentration is best to meet your skincare goals. A higher hyaluronic acid concentration will help give your skin the most hydration and anti-aging support. Lower HA acid concentration is helpful in diminishing acne breakouts or to even out skin tone.
Dermal Fillers
Some of the most popular dermal fillers on the market are made of hyaluronic acid. Professional Nurse Injectors and Doctors inject HA fillers directly into the skin to add volume, smooth lines and wrinkles, and rejuvenate the skin. HA fillers provide immediate and effective support to treat the signs of aging that wears off over time. Possible side effects include swelling and bruising at the injection site.
What ingredients should be in your HA products?
Be choosy about the ingredients in your HA products. Hyaluronic acid is most beneficial in skincare products intended to moisturize. So what do you want to look for when shopping for over the counter HA products? Look for products that maximize the benefit of HA. Avoid water based products and those with heavy perfume or alcohol content. These types of products are actually drying.
Look for HA products that list ingredients known as occlusives. These ingredients include shea and cocoa butter, avocado oil, stearic acid and lanolin. Beeswax and carnauba wax are also among occlusive ingredients and help to hold water in your skin offering greater hydration.
Other ingredients to be on the lookout for are antioxidant Vitamin C and Vitamin B5. These vitamins work in tandem with hyaluronic acid. Vitamin C hydrates and protects the skin from free radicals while vitamin B5 smooths and softens. Read those labels ladies for the best result when choosing OTC (over the counter) hyaluronic acid products.
How to use Hyaluronic Acid in your skincare steps
When beginning to incorporate hyaluronic acid into your skincare program, remember that there are basically two ways to utilize HA. HA products are typically moisturizers or a serum for use under your moisturizer.
If you choose a HA moisturizer, simply begin using that product as you do your moisturizer. If an HA serum is your preference, then apply a few drops to your clean and not-quite-dry face, then follow with a moisturizer. It’s simple to add hyaluronic acid products into your skincare system because HA is compatible with vitamin C, retinol, AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids).
Medical Grade Product Options
SkinMedica offers top-of-the-line products, including a couple effective products with HA.
HA⁵® Rejuvenating Hydrator provides a radiant, rejuvenated tone and texture. Appropriate for all skin types, this hydrator immediately smooths the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while supporting the skin’s natural ability to keep in moisture.
HA⁵® Smooth and Plump Lip System provides similar smoothing and hydrating benefits of HA⁵® Rejuvenating Hydrator. This two-step treatment is clinically proven to plump the appearance of lips.
Contact DermaTouch RN for Your Skin Care Needs
If you want to determine the best skincare steps and products, book your appointment or consultation online 24/7. Or, stop by our clinics to purchase medical grade skin care products, including HA5 hydrator and HA5 Smooth and Plump Lip System.
You can also purchase SkinMedica products online 24/7 at: https://dermatouchrn.brilliantconnections.com/
DermaTouch RN offers minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments for men and women in Houston, San Antonio, Spring and Cypress, as well as the surrounding areas of Texas. We are the largest aesthetic practice in the Houston area, and all of our medical spa treatments are performed by a team of nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and aestheticians who receive continuing education to remain abreast of emerging treatments that benefit our patients. We invite you to learn more about our office before your consultation.
