Whether you’re living @theestallion’s Hot Girl Summer or just surviving a regular hot summer–you know hydration is key. For your body there’s ice water, fruits and veggies, and lots of moisturizing SPF–but what about the face? It’s easy for the skin to become dehydrated in extreme heat or during extremely contrasting weather conditions–hence tightness, dryness, and overproduction of oil. Enter hyaluronic acid–a natural hyaluronate and skin savior.
Hyaluronic acid is a compound produced naturally in the body that is found primarily in connective tissues. It’s used by our bodies to generate cell turnover, hold cells together, and to absorb water–which this acid does easily due to its physically large molecule size and its natural pH level. Cutting short the sophomore year chemistry refresher: it’s a hydrator. Widely used today in Western medicine from surgeries to skincare, it’s now our little miracle in a bottle.
Benefits of hyaluronic acid for topical use include increased hydration, quicker cell turnover, smoother skin texture, and a more absorbent base for the rest of skincare–but this list could go on. You can find hyaluronic acid as an ingredient in most cleansers and toners due to its hydrating factors and properties as a bonding compound. If you’re skeptical of the ingredient (yes, “acid” can make it sound harsh) this is a good way to introduce it to your routine. If you’re looking for something more graduated, a serum is the way to go.
A hyaluronic acid serum is a direct and pure way to feed HA to the skin. After cleansing and toning, use an HA serum and let your skin drink it up. This will benefit the skin while making it a more receptive canvas for the rest of your actives and products.
Hyaluronic acid could be the little miracle savior your skin–and your summer–need. Stay hydrated and hyaluronate(d)!
