CHRONICLE XI: Ingredient Spotlight: Hyaluronic Acid

Today we’re taking a deep dive into Hyaluronic Acid and filling you in on why it deserves top shelf status in your skincare and wellness routine.

Here at the Unnamed, our love affair with hyaluronic acid is no secret. A key ingredient in one of our most popular products, our Hydrating & Anti-Aging Sheet Mask, hyaluronic acid is the insider’s secret to achieving healthy, plump and dewy skin in just a matter of minutes.

So what exactly is Hyaluronic Acid (HA)?

If the thought of putting ‘acid’ on your face causes you concern, fear not, this gentle yet effective ingredient is scientifically-proven to replenish and enhance your skin’s natural moisture, rather than stripping it dry. Simply put, hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that helps your skin retain its moisture and lock it in, leaving you with plump, happy little skin cells.

Just to give you some context on how powerful HA is, one gram of hyaluronic acid can actually hold up to six litres of water, or up to one thousand times its own weight in water, helping you achieve that lasting, lit-from-within glow.

Why do I need Hyaluronic Acid? 

We all know that drinking water is one of the most powerful ways to keep our skin healthy and supple. However, external factors such as exposure to sun, dust and pollution, as well as our natural aging process, can all cause loss of moisture and skin elasticity. This lack of hydration can result in your skin looking dull and feeling dry. Over time, this can also result in fine lines and prematurely ageing skin. 

If you’ve been wondering why your eight glasses a day aren’t leaving your face glowing, applying a topical ingredient such as HA can help to prevent the moisture loss, dullness and fine lines from settling in.

How often can I use HA in my skincare routine? 

The best part about hyaluronic acid is that unlike many other skincare ingredients which can cause irritation, sensitivity or take time getting used to, hyaluronic acid can and should be used by everyone, as frequently as once or twice a day.

Even if you have oily, sensitive or acne-prone skin, this non-oil based soluble can be great in helping to even out your skin’s natural moisture levels. For those with dry or dehydrated skin, hyaluronic acid should be one of the key components of your daily skincare routine, as not only will it increase your moisture levels, but also boost your lipids, protecting your skin’s natural barrier from aggravating external factors such as wind and dust.

How should I incorporate HA in my routine?

There are many ways you can incorporate hyaluronic acid into your skincare or beauty routine. You can apply a HA serum which is best used after cleansing and before moisturising. Simply dab a few drops of your favourite serum onto a clean face and massage it gently with your fingers or a Gua Sha tool. Alternatively you can use hyaluronic-infused make-up, such as foundation or concealer, which helps to create a flawless and luminous base for the rest of your powders, creams and tints.

Our secret tip to achieve an unbeatable glow is to supercharge your hydration with a hyaluronic acid infused face mask, such as our Hydrating & Anti-Aging Sheet Mask. Combining the brightening powers of HA, with soothing aloe vera, softening ceramides and collagen-plumping peptides, this ultimate moisture-boosting sheet mask will leave your skin glowing, healthy and plump, perfect for your weekend wellness routine or just before a special occasion.

How do you incorporate Hyaluronic Acid in your skincare routine? Let us know in the comments below.

Written by Sweni Shah for The Unnamed Skincare