Why Is Everyone So Obsessed with Hyaluronic Acid?
What do Kerry Washington, Gal Godot and Scarlett Johansson have in common? The answer is, of course, “being badass,” but it’s also “hyaluronic acid.” You can’t turn a channel or a page today without seeing someone talking about the magic skin-plumping ingredient, but what’s the fuss really about?
Here’s everything you need to know about hyaluronic acid.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid, or HA, is a substance that exists naturally in your body. It’s most often as a cushion and lubricant in joints and tissues. It does all kinds of cool stuff for your skin, too, including helping it heal and replenishing its moisture levels.
Why are Beauty Experts Obsessed with Hyaluronic Acid?
Thanks to aging, dehydration and the environment, our natural hyaluronic acid levels aren’t always what they could be. Applying extra HA to skin corrects that balance, helping skin hang onto as much moisture as possible so it looks firm, hydrated and healthy.
How does hyaluronic acid work?
The science behind hyaluronic acid is pretty freaking cool. One gram can hold more than 6 quarts — or 25 whole cups — of water. Most people’s skin don’t need that much, of course, which brings us to Cool Point #2: Hyaluronic acid knows how to regulate moisture on its own, so your skin will never absorb more than it needs.
Is hyaluronic acid safe?
Yep. If the word “acid” has you concerned that HA will leave you looking like a Batman villain, don’t be; It’s not that kind of acid.
While other acids (salicylic, for example) are used to exfoliate, hyaluronic acid does just the opposite, providing moisture gently only where you need it. Science has shown that hyaluronic acid is safe to use topically — so much so, in fact, that doctors use it to boost the body’s healing properties after injury or surgery.
Who should use hyaluronic acid?
Honestly? Everyone. Hyaluronic acid works for any skin type, from sensitive to oily to acne-prone, so there’s no need to worry it will dry you up or break you out.
What problems can hyaluronic acid fix?
Aging
As we age, our body doesn’t produce as many new skin cells or hyaluronic acid. That makes it easier for lines, wrinkles and rough patches to rear their ugly heads. Applying hyaluronic acid helps your skin fight back, plumping skin and diminishing the appearance of wrinkles, lines and sun damage.
Dehydration
Everyone’s skin gets dehydrated from time to time. You can tell that your skin is thirsty if it feels rough or tight, if lines and wrinkles look more pronounced, and if your complexion overall looks a little dull. Using hyaluronic acid daily solves that problem, bringing your skin back to a bouncy, youthful radiance.
Environment
“Free Radicals” sounds like a dope band name from the 70s, but the reality is far less cool. Free radicals are actually unstable molecules — often created by the sun or pollution such as smog or cigarette smoke — that damage skin cells. Essentially they try to steal the molecules they’re missing from our skin. So yeah, they literally suck. The good news is hyaluronic acid has antioxidant properties that can fight them off.
How do you add hyaluronic acid to your routine?
Simple: Make sure you’re using a product every day that contains the magic ingredient.
As always, we aim to make your life easier, so we made sure hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient in both our BOUNCE Airbrush Liquid Whip Concealer and our Bounce Foundation. If you want an added boost, you can always supplement that with a moisturizer that uses HA, but honestly, those two products have you covered — in every way. Using makeup with HA helps prevent that dry cakey look so you get a natural finish that looks like well, skin.
Check out more moisture-boosting brilliance:
Dry Skin In Winter? We've Got You Covered
