You’ve probably noticed you can barely scroll your Instagram feed or watch TV without seeing ads for skincare products touting an ingredient that’s top on the buzz list right now: hyaluronic acid. But it’s more than just a passing trend. Dermatologists and estheticians have known about hyaluronic acid for years, and the reason it’s in the spotlight? It really works. Hyaluronic acid is essential for your skin’s overall hydration and getting to know this ingredient better highlights exactly why it deserves a permanent spot in your skincare routine.
Q: What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
A: Hyaluronic acid is a potent hydrator that works to actively attract and trap moisture on your skin. Your body already produces hyaluronic acid naturally: it’s found in your connective tissue and works to keep nerves, joints, and tissue lubricated. Fifty percent of your body’s hyaluronic acid, however, is actually found in your skin. Like a lot of healthy-skin ingredients, your body’s hyaluronic acid production decreases as you age.
Q: What Does Hyaluronic Acid Actually Do?
A: Most skincare ingredients can be put in one of three categories: hydration, protection, and regeneration. Sunscreen, for example, is something that protects your skin, while serums containing ingredients such as retinol or alpha hydroxy acids are cell regenerators. Hyaluronic acid can attract and absorb up to 1000 times its weight in moisture, making it one of the most reliable and effective hydrators available. Besides being necessary for well-lubricated tissue and joints, you can think of hyaluronic acid as a natural “filler” for you skin. No needles here: hyaluronic acid naturally visibly plumps your skin while supporting its molecular structure. It even helps with shock absorption so your skin bounces back more effectively from all the wear and tear it experiences with everything from exercise to sun exposure and even that weird face-sleeping position you were in all night.
Q: What Results Can You Expect from Hyaluronic Acid?
A: Hyaluronic acid is one of the most common ingredients in injectable fillers, since it attracts moisture, lasts for about a year, and dissolves naturally in the body. Luckily, you don’t need to head to your doctor to experience hyaluronic acid’s results; it can be applied topically as part of your daily routine. Of course, the results from topical hyaluronic acid won’t be the same as what you get from an injectable filler, but if you get an effective, potent hyaluronic acid formula, you’ll experience a reduction in the look of fine lines and skin that feels more hydrated and looks plumper almost right away. With continued use, topical hyaluronic acid can also help support your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Not bad for just one skin-loving ingredient!
Q: What Should I Look for in an Hyaluronic Acid Formula?
A: You want a formula that includes purified hyaluronic acid. You should also look for a product that includes hyaluronic acid in multiple molecular weights. Why is that important? Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid has been shown in clinical studies to penetrate the skin, support epidermal hydration, and enhance skin texture. High molecular weight hyaluronic acid generally can’t penetrate the skin, but it helps improve hydration by forming a layer on the skin’s surface that helps prevent water loss.
TriHydrate™ Concentrate offers pure, deep hydration. It includes 3% purified hyaluronic acid in 3 forms (both high and low molecular weight) optimized to reach deeper epidermal layers. Its key ingredients have been shown to visibly hydrate, plump, and perfect the skin. And the fact that it’s a clean, vegan formula? That’s an extra bonus for your skin.
Q: How Should I Use It?
A: Hyaluronic acid works beautifully with the other products in your skincare routine, but layering it effectively can make a huge difference in how it impacts your skin. In general, hyaluronic acid should be used before your moisturizer. Be sure to use it on damp skin, give it a minute or two to absorb fully, and then finish your routine with your regular moisturizer to get the most out of your hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid might be this year’s skincare buzzword, but it’s for a good reason. Don’t make the mistake of dismissing hyaluronic acid as nothing more than a passing skincare trend. Its immediate and long-term benefits make it one of the most effective and accessible ingredients for healthy-looking, hydrated skin.