What is Hyaluronic Acid and why do I need it?

There is one step in my skincare regime that I wouldn’t be without and that is Hyaluronic Acid.  Despite it’s misleading and slightly scary name, it isn’t a harsh acid that strips, peels or exfoliates. In fact, HA does quite the opposite. I like to think of it as a super strength moisturiser that keeps my skin plump and hydrated. Okay, here comes the science, which I will try and keep fairly simple…Hyaluronic Acid is a polysaccharide (carbohydrate) that occurs naturally  in connective tissue throughout our bodies, with 50 percent of it being found in our skin. We are born with as much HA as our bodies will ever produce, which is why babies have such plump and dewy skin. Unfortunately the amount of HA that occurs in our skin diminishes as we age, most significantly after 40, which is why it’s really important to try and put some HA back into the skin using a serum or a moisturiser that contains the plumping potion. And because it’s naturally occurring, it is one ingredient that everyone will benefit from, regardless of your skin type.

The HA’s I have tried…

My skin is always very dehydrated, so I tend to use HA in the morning and evening.  I do have a few favourites that I have been using for a while, so I will start with the least expensive product and the first one that I used.

1. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 – £5.90

The Ordinary HA – £5.90

I have checked a few different sites and everywhere I look this product is out of stock. It must be popular! I found it ever so slightly sticky in comparison with the other products I have tried, but if you are on a budget, this would be an excellent product to get your hands on at £5.90. Keep a check on the Victoria Health Website for stock.

2. Vichy Mineral 89 Serum- £25

Vichy Mineral 89 Serum – £25

This is a firm favourite in terms of feel and price. I use it liberally as I find it so cooling and soothing on my skin after cleansing. A great mid range product.

3. Dr Sebagh Hyaluronic Acid Repair Serum – £69 

This product is expensive but I absolutely love it. It came in the Liberty calendar my husband gave me for Christmas and I had to replace it after I finished the bottle. It tightens and plumps and sinks into my skin really quickly with no sticky residue.

Dr Sebagh Serum Repair – £69

4. Skinceuticals H.A Intensifier – £85

Skinceuticals – £85

I really liked this product, but if I was going to spend the money I would probably opt for the Dr Sebagh serum repair. That’s not to say this one isn’t good, it’s just a personal brand preference, I think. They both feel like they are doing the same job.

5. Balance Me Hyaluronic Plumping Mist – £16

I have one of these in my handbag and a little one in the fridge. Great for refreshing your makeup during the day or for cooling your face in hot weather. I do find there is a very slight stickiness for a couple of minutes after I spray it but it soon disappears and then my skin feels better.

When do I use it?

If I am using an HA serum in the morning, I cleanse, then apply my Vitamin C serum, then HA serum, then moisturiser followed by sunscreen as the final step.

If I am using it in my evening routine, I double cleanse (a must if you are wearing sunscreen, moisturiser and makeup) then apply my retinol (I only use this 2/3 times a week) then HA serum, then moisturiser, followed by a facial oil as my final step.

I imagine that whatever your preferred beauty brand, they will have HA in their range, these are just the ones that I have tried.

I hope this has been helpful, remember I am a beauty junkie, not an expert, but I have definitely found that my skin feels better since introducing HA into my skincare.

Thanks for reading.

Love

Chloe

*Products were bought myself unless otherwise disclosed. Some links used in this post may be created with an affiliate tag meaning I will receive a small % of any purchases made as a result of clicking on them. This does not make any price difference for you, the consumer.*