What is hyaluronic acid and what are the benefits?
Naturally produced by your body, hyaluronic acid may hold the key to smooth, glowy, hydrated skin. But don’t let the “acid” part of that sentence scare you! It’s actually a water-holding molecule that helps to replenish your skin and keep it looking fresh and healthy. We’ve got the lowdown on hyaluronic acid skincare, so read on to find out a little more.
Hyaluronic acid explained
Put simply, hyaluronic acid is a sugar (technically, it’s a glycosaminoglycan) that is found naturally in our skin. It holds up to a thousand times its own weight in moisture and keeps all your tissues healthy and well lubricated. In short, it’s a magnet for all things moist, helping to make your skin look and feel plump and hydrated. In fact, a single gram (0.03 oz.) of hyaluronic acid can hold up to six litres of water, which means that it’s a must-have for anyone suffering from dry or dehydrated skin.
But why do you need to add hyaluronic acid to your skincare routine if it’s already naturally produced by your body? Great question! But there’s a simple answer. Most people’s bodies contain around 15 grams of hyaluronic acid, but around 1/3 of that gets synthesised or degraded every day. Moreover – like elastin and collagen – our bodies produce less and less of it as we get older, which is why it’s so important to find other ways of getting this humectant (a substance that reduces the loss of water) into your skincare regimen.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways of doing just that! If you check the labels of your favourite skincare products, there’s a decent chance that hyaluronic acid is already in there, especially if you’re using any anti-ageing creams or serum. You can find it in pretty much everything, from sheet masks to serums, as well as a broad range of Garnier products!
Garnier’s hyaluronic acid skincare products
Here at Garnier, we’ve got a range of skincare products centred around hyaluronic acid, so you can mix and match until you find a combination that works for you!
A ‘DIY’ mix-it-yourself sheet mask, the Garnier Fresh-Mix Face Sheet Shot Mask With Hyaluronic Acid can help make your skin feel smoother and bouncier. Alternatively, Garnier has a couple of other sheet mask products that you can try. For example, the Garnier Eye Sheet Mask Hyaluronic Acid And Coconut Water can leave your skin looking firmer and help reduce the appearance of eyebags.
For those seeking a night-time option, the Moisture Bomb Night-Time Face Tissue Mask – enriched with hyaluronic acid and deep-sea water – could be ideal. It’s super-hydrating and helps to repair your skin barrier and soothe tired skin before sleep. Simply use it 15 minutes before you go to bed to leave your skin feeling refreshed and hydrated.
Want a simple option? Garnier Moisture Bomb Pomegranate Hydrating Face Sheet Mask Dehydrated Skin 32g could be just what you’re looking for.
How to incorporate hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine
On the whole, hyaluronic acid goes well with other ingredients, and you can pair it with vitamins, peels, retinols, and other acids relatively easily. But it’s worth remembering that there are a few exceptions. Acids with low pH levels, such as glycolic acid, may degrade hyaluronic acid and make it ineffective, so it’s probably best to steer clear of those sorts of products when you’re planning your routine.
What time of day should I use hyaluronic acid cream or other products?
Once you’ve identified the hyaluronic acid cream or sheet mask that works for you, it’s important to use it properly. There are many different day and night creams or sheet masks that include hyaluronic acid, and you can use it at any time of the day or night, depending on your preference. However, hydrating products are often a good option for morning skincare. If possible, using the product earlier in the day may be beneficial.
Interested in seeing these hyaluronic acid benefits for yourself? Take a look at Garnier’s full range of products containing hyaluronic acid, right here.
