Benefits of Adding Hyaluronic Acid to Your Skincare Routine

WHAT IS HYALURONIC ACID

Hyaluronic acid (often shortened to HA) also called hyaluronan, is one of the most powerful humectants (meaning it attracts and retains moisture), and a naturally-occurring substance in skin known for its stunning capacity to attract and hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water or moisture !

What is really interesting about hyaluronic acid is that it is actually produced by our body and is a key part of connective tissue and joints, helping to lubricate and soften. In the skin it is present in the dermis layer, where combined with collagen and elastin fibers, it makes our skin plump, hydrated and youthful. Almost 50% of the body’s HA is found both in the deep underlying dermal areas as well as the visible epidermal top layers. Just think that HA is a drench of water compulsory for our skin.

We would then be wondering why we still need to use skin care products that are packed with Hyaluronic Acid if it occurs naturally in our bodies? The truth is that we produce HA in small amounts and this amount decreases even more as we age. Yes, sad to say, the aging process and free radical damage deplete the skin’s natural reserves of hyaluronic acid over time. The result is a visible loss of firmness, pliability, and a diminished appearance of plumpness and suppleness especially with exposure to harmful effects of the sun and environmental pollution.  We can notice this when our skin starts to lose its elasticity, it starts to get drier, and lines and wrinkles become obvious. To combat this and prevent skin from reaching significantly low levels of HA, we need to start applying products that contain this ingredient as early as possible.  Furthermore, HA is also synthesized and used daily by the body, so to keep HA levels up in our skin, this is all the more reason to use HA products regularly. Specifically, we then need to look to the outside world to replenish our resources.

Hyaluronic acid acts as a space filler by binding to water and thus keeping the skin youthful and wrinkle-free. HA products are lauded for their moisture-binding and retaining properties when applied topically to the skin. HA pulls moisture from its surroundings and helps keep the water in your skin instead of letting it evaporate. This property is SUPER beneficial for those battling dry and dehydrated skin!

This picture depicts the necessity of HA in our skin

Although Hyaluronic Acid is called an “acid”, don’t get terrified by the name as HA is the good kind of acid, it is not an exfoliator but a kind of carbohydrate produced naturally by the body. HA does not peel or exfoliate your skin at all and is generally safe to use for all skin types. It is a popular active ingredient in skin care for restoring “bounce” to the skin.  In short, Hyaluronic Acid is a thick, gooey substance with a gel-like consistency but it does not feel sticky or oily at all.

Hyaluronic Acid products for topical applications and commercial purposes are made from the bio-fermentation of 100% natural and non-GMO plant resources. The raw material undergoes a fermentation process where the natural hyaluronic acid is extracted.  The quality depends on its form and purpose of use, but whatever the source, its molecular structure is always the same, water absorbent and retaining substrates. A 1% aqueous solution is incredibly effective, even at 0.1-1%, where the bio-fermentation is capable of holding up to 1,000 times its weight in moisture.

In short, Hyaluronic acid is a magical molecule, that naturally restores and revitalizes the skin, promoting collagen production, retaining moisture levels, speeding up cell function and allowing skin to stay resilient. As a result, HA has become an important ingredient in so many anti-aging products in the market.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HYALURONIC ACID?

Hyaluronic Acid in skincare comes in form of toners, serums, creams, masks, or moisturizers but what does it actually do? In addition to boosting hydration, HA benefits skin in countless ways.

Hyaluronic acid is used in skincare and cosmetics because it is very well tolerated by the skin. What makes this ingredient so remarkable is that everyone can use it, regardless of age or skin type. HA benefits all kind of skin, and the results are relatively immediate. It is famous for its exceptional water retention capacity, making it great for moisturizing and “plumping” the skin. Hyaluronic acid is a disaccharide polymer and it can penetrate more or less deeply into the skin depending on the size of its molecules.

Thanks to the increased moisture retention of HA, your skin looks and feels plumper, smoother and more hydrated and when used over time, HA can visibly reduce the appearance of crepiness, fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes, making it an important ingredient to add to your skin care regimen. It is most important to keep the delicate skin around your eyes nourished with moisture as this particular area is 10 times thinner than the skin on the rest of your face and it can show the signs of fatigue easily.

Hyaluronic acid 1% solution contains larger molecules play a key role since its main function is to form a film on the skin’s surface, which maintains the skin’s hydration with its toning, hydrating, smoothing and plumping effect. This “plumping” effect also reduces the appearance of fine lines, furrow lines and wrinkles. However, we need to understand that HA will not replace your elastin, nevertheless, it will facilitate the tightening of the skin and firming up facial contours for a younger look. These larger particles stick closer to the surface, where they create softer, firmer skin immediately.

HA is so powerful because of its great humectant as it helps our skin retain its firmness, radiance and elasticity while fighting free radicals that can cause wrinkles and signs of aging. It also helps strengthen the skin’s barrier, protection against harsh environments and harmful UV rays. Studies have even proven that HA provides antioxidant defence against environmental pollutants. Hyaluronic acid is also used for tissue regeneration and healing wounds and many scientific studies have proven its effectiveness.

Oily and sensitive skin also benefits from hyaluronic acid treatment. It helps keep skin supple and reduce the occurrence of breakouts, itchiness and pores. HA is non-comedogenic, does not sensitize the skin, and is incredibly gentle and exceptionally helpful for all skin types, even the most sensitive skin and is even gentle enough for those with acne, eczema and rosacea-prone skin by assisting with healing and repair.

Efficacy of adding HA into skincare products

HOW TO INCORPORATE HYALURONIC ACID INTO YOUR SKINCARE

We need to understand that the hyaluronic acid produced by our body is located in the dermis layer, whereas the HA we get from skincare cannot penetrate deep enough to actually reach the dermis layer and replace our body’s own hyaluronic acid that has been lost during the aging process.  However, with constant usage, we are actually replenishing and restoring the moisture level in our skin to increase its firmness and elasticity.

Hyaluronic acid is a good humectant that hydrates the epidermis wonderfully, plus it has strong moisturizing qualities both of which help to give the skin a more hydrated, moisturized and consequently plumper, smoother, softer and younger complexion and improving the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid has huge value when used in anti-aging preparations and with this winning combination, hyaluronic acid is a hugely valuable ingredient to use in our skincare products. Those with dry skin will perhaps benefit the most because of its moisturizing and hydrating qualities, but given that the majority of people have dehydrated skin, including people with oily skin types, hyaluronic acid can also work wonders.

Though HA is commonly used in all sorts of skincare products from toners to moisturizers and high-end serums, however, dermatologists nowadays use HA as an injectable filler to replace volume, create lift and plumps the skin to make it appear and seeming younger for a longer term, as believed, of course the charges are exorbitant!  Nevertheless, that ‘injected’ HA will gradually degenerate, and the amazing results will disappear eventually.

Hyaluronic acid increases moisture levels in the skin without adding oil. It is hugely beneficial in skincare and it can really transform your products and offer significant benefits. Important thing you need to know is that it is not soluble in oils and can only be added to products that contain water, or water-based ingredients, such as hydrosols. On its own, it is not an oily-feeling ingredient. It is quite light and can be incorporated into non-greasy products that feel very comfortable on oily-prone skin.

The varying molecular weights determine how far the HA will penetrate into the skin.  The high molecular weight is known to sit on the surface where its acts as a humectant, attracting and retaining moisture, as much as possible preventing its loss, therefore, skin is very well and much hydrated.  The small molecular on the other hand, provides deeper penetration of moisture and stronger plumping effect.  The choice to choose of course depends on the outcome you are looking for.  You may also want to choose high molecular if you prefer the texture of your product’s viscosity to be thicker as low molecular will allow for lower viscosity or water-like.

We can find HA in ready-made skincare such as moisturiser, serum, toner, and face mask, eye cream, etc and even in DIY formulations, there are a variety of ways to add hyaluronic acid to your skincare products. Just by using 1% max in your formula is good enough because it is a very effective humectant. Incorporating HA into your skincare regime is therefore vital in maintaining a younger looking skin.

THE RIGHT WAY TO USE HYALURONIC ACID ON YOUR FACE

Hyaluronic acid in skincare products has several uses but mainly as a humectant and an anti-aging ingredient.  Just to prevent the effects and signs of aging, it has become a common beauty buzzword in recent years.

If you are looking to get the hydrating and regenerative properties of hyaluronic acid, try adding this to your serum, cream or lotion as a great way to deliver hyaluronic acid to your skin as functionally, it hydrates, smoothens, soothes and ultimately help your skin looks plumper and youthful.  Ideally, at least 1% or higher of hyaluronic acid in your skincare product will sufficiently replenish and boost your skin’s moisture levels.

Some people reported that their skin actually dries out more when they use products that contain HA. This is true when the air is drier, such as in superhot climate countries.  To prevent this from happening, always apply a moisturizer or facial oil to your face after applying your HA product. This will help lock the moisture in, and prevent your skin from drying out. Another option is to apply it in combination with a lotion such as a homemade facial moisturizer. You can either apply this underneath the moisturizer or mix them together and apply as a lotion. 

The right way to use HA is to be applied on clean, bare and ideally damp skin as the first step in your skincare regimen. The dampness will help it trapped and locked in the moisture.  You can either apply right after having washed your face or right after spritzing on a toner. This is when your skin is already damp, therefore the benefits of HA are advanced because it actually has water to bind to.

As a first step of your skincare routine, do apply hyaluronic serums after cleansing or toning.  Deep hydration from serums containing hyaluronic acid will help to add volume to the skin and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Moisturizers go over the top as it seals moisture into the skin and provide sustained moisture throughout the day. In the daytime, your sunblock is essential and will be your last skincare step.  Both moisturizers and sunblock can have HA added to them.

One of the best things about HA is its ability to be used with a wide variety of products. This makes it a great addition to both your morning and night time skincare routines! To reap all the hydrating benefits of HA, preferably to use it both morning and night!

GREEN HERBOLOGY – HYALURONIC ACID HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT 1% SOLUTION

Hyaluronic acid 1% solution is sold at an affordable price at Green Herbology.  Packing comes in 100g, 500g and 1kg and it appears as viscous liquid solution which is soluble in water and can mix to formula consisting of liquid and cream. HA High Molecular Weight 1% solution is non-reactive when paired with other ingredients and goes well with almost everything.

Though Hyaluronic Acid 1% solution consists of larger molecules that only penetrate the epidermis layers of skin cells but the good thing is they remain in the upper layers of the epidermis to provide an excellent barrier and attracting moisture from the atmosphere to keep skin’s surface hydrated. However, this does not mean it is not a valuable ingredient to use in our skincare. High molecular form has a better hydrating effect.  They even have the ability to form a moisture binding film on the skin’s surface, where they have conditioning and anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, they leave skin looking plumper and suppler and provide evident improvement of fine lines and wrinkles.

Green Herbology Hyaluronic Acid works well with other skincare ingredients of anti-aging properties without adverse effects such as Vitamin C, Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E as they complement each other with their individual benefits. The only ingredient to be cautious is low pH acids additives such as alpha and beta hydroxy as they might reduce the effectiveness of HA. 

Green Herbology Hyaluronic Acid High Molecular Form 1% solution can be kept for 24 months with proper storage and is pure and free of fragrances and colorants. Suggested typical concentration used for formulation is at 0.1 to 5.0% by adding to water phase or at cool down. Hyaluronic Acid High Molecular Form has high water binding capacity, and helps to form a film on the skin’s surface, reducing surface dehydration while increasing the moisturizing effect. This in turn will comfort and relieve tightness of the skin and volumize sunken areas on your face.  Do use in your formulas for its superb hydrating ability and skin plumping actions. You will see noticeable improvements quickly and for a longer term.

SIMPLE FORMULATION- ANTI AGING ROSE HYALURONIC SERUM

If you have been buying skincare with hyaluronic acid as an added ingredient, you may want to stop now as we have here a DIY hyaluronic acid serum which is so easy to make and far less expensive.  The equipment you need for making natural skincare products are all at home!

Fight aging skin naturally with this easy DIY hyaluronic acid serum! With just a few ingredients – Rose Hydrosol, Glycerine and Hyaluronic Acid 1% solution – you can help your skin to appear more youthful and radiant !  Creating your own serum is really exciting and enjoyable.  You are in control over the ingredients and you will only put in the best for yourself. 

Ingredients:

Tools:

🌼 Glass Beaker

🌼 Glass Rod

Direction:

🌼 Firstly, pour in the Rose Hydrosol into your glass beaker.

🌼 Next, add in the Hyaluronic Acid Solution. Stir well and add in the Glycerin.

🌼 Then, add 2-3 drops of Liquid Germall Plus (preservative) into the mixture.

🌼 Stir well together, to make sure all the ingredients are fully mixed. Do not fear! It will dissolve fully.

🌼 Spray your empty jar with ethanol alcohol to clean the glass container.  And then pour the serum into the container.

🌼 Finally, refrigerate your serum while you wait for it to be completely blended and slightly thickened -about 4 hours.

🌼 Your serum is now ready to use !

How to use your Rose Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum:

🌼 Having waited for 4 hours or overnight, apply a small amount of your serum to your damp face after cleansing.  Allow the serum to be absorbed into your skin.

🌼 Finally, apply your face cream.  This will help to lock in moisture and prevent your skin from drying out.

🌼 Keep your serum in the fridge.  It actually feels really refreshing on your face cold from the fridge in the morning!

You may follow this link for the full ingredients. 👇👇

https://greenherbology.com/product/diy-set-anti-aging-rose-hyaluronic-acid-serum/

In addition, we have a simple video here to assist you with the above formulation. Not only the method is easy to follow, but the ingredients can all be found at Green Herbology website, Lazada or Shopee.

THE BOTTOM LINE……..

Hyaluronic acid is one of the latest ageless beauty trends and is such a popular ingredient in almost everything, from anti-aging creams, serums, toners, masks, cleansers, sunscreen and more. Do add HA into your skincare because it is such a great moisturizing and hydrating ingredient and works well for all skin. Its ability to deliver visible improvements by hydrating and stimulating your skin cells is enticing.

We know that it’s important to maintain plump, healthy and youthful skin, but slowly it will disappear over time and that environmental factors and sun damage accelerate that process. Preventing HA loss and replacing HA is key and as proper hydration is the goal of any good skin-care routine, hyaluronic acid definitely deserves a place in your skincare regimen.

We believe that we may never entirely get back to the smooth, baby soft skin we were born with, but products with hyaluronic acid can certainly help to improve the visible signs of aging by keeping skin looking radiant and plump with hydration and enhance the overall look and feel of your complexion……  the best way possible to make sure it always looks its best……….