Hyaluronic Acid – The Master Hydrator
By Wander Beauty | Mar 14, 2023
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is the latest buzzword in skincare, and for good reason. This water-loving molecule gives your skin an instant boost in hydration while deeply nourishing it over time. Think dewy, radiant, plump skin with just the swipe of a serum.
One of the easiest ways to add HA to your routine is by opting for a foundation that already contains it. Both our liquid – Nude Illusion Liquid Foundation – and powder – Wanderlust Powder Foundation – formulas contain sodium hyaluronate, along with other skin-loving ingredients to hydrate, nourish and protect your skin throughout the day.<product>1,2</product>
Sound good? Find out more.
What does hyaluronic acid do?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies – a type of sugar molecule with a gel-like consistency. It is known for its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, drawing H20 from the environment and pulling it into the skin, eyes, joints, and connective tissue. Like all naturally occurring substances, our body’s production of HA diminishes with age, which contributes to skin becoming dryer, more dull, and less bouncy as the years go by. This moisture magnet – known as a humectant – binds to and retains moisture, keeping the skin soft, plump, and hydrated.
Unlike other acids, topical hyaluronic acid is safe for everyday use and has been found to be beneficial for every skin type (everyone’s body produces it, after all). It is gentle, has no side effects, and is one of the few skincare ingredients recommended by almost all skincare experts.
Hyaluronic acid benefits
Deeply hydrating
Is hyaluronic acid good for dry skin? The answer, most definitely! No matter what your skin type is – dry, normal, or oily – keeping your skin well-hydrated and retaining its moisture barrier is absolutely essential. Dehydrated skin not only feels uncomfortable, with symptoms like dryness, redness, and inflammation, but it also highlights fine lines and wrinkles and appears dull and sunken. HA combats this by drawing moisture from the environment and feeding it into your skin.
Boasts anti-aging properties
HA visibly improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while enhancing skin firmness and elasticity. It gently tightens the skin and improves overall texture. Skin is kept hydrated, and the development of age-related skin signs is reduced.
Promotes skin healing and regeneration
HA is naturally present during all phases of wound healing, which means that the topical application is particularly helpful when it comes to acne breakouts and inflammation. The gel-like lubrication helps nourish and protect any broken or damaged skin, lending to faster recovery and less scarring. It has also been shown to contain antibacterial properties and antioxidant benefits, targeting free radicals and protecting skin cells from further damage.
Boosts radiance
Hydrated, dewy skin is more desired than ever, and HA is leading the way to that natural glow. How? First, by hydrating the skin, leading to a smoother, plumper appearance. Next, HA helps balance sebum production, which limits excess oils that cause clogged pores and breakouts while allowing the skin to breathe effectively. Finally, HA has been shown to reduce the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation while preventing further damage from sun exposure and environmental pollutants.
How to choose a hyaluronic acid product
Whether you've been catching up on your favorite skincare blogs or simply checking the labels on your cosmetics, you may have come across the terms hyaluron, hyaluronic acid, and hyaluronan. All these describe the same thing. What's important to know is that HA comes in different molecular sizes, all of which your skin absorbs differently.
Long-chain or high-molecular HA creates a hydrating film on the skin but does not penetrate it. This has an anti-inflammatory effect and makes the skin appear more elastic. This film will wash away with your cleanser, so its effects are short-lived. Short-chain or low-molecular HA penetrates deep into the skin and stores moisture in the connective tissue. This has a greater long-term effect, making skin appear firmer and visibly reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Because both types are beneficial, when choosing a HA serum or cream, it's best to opt for a product that contains various molecular weights.
Expert Tip: HA, while safe for use in combination with other skincare ingredients, is especially beneficial when used in combination with vitamin C. Effective alone but so very powerful together, HA and vitamin C work in tandem to hydrate, protect, and repair skin. The best part? We’ve saved you a step by combining seven molecular weights of hyaluronic acid with a vitamin C punch in our Sight C-er Vitamin C Concentrate.<product>3</product>
How to apply hyaluronic acid
As mentioned, HA can be found in a number of makeup and skincare products, such as our award-winning Baggage Claim™ Eye Masks! If you've chosen skin-loving cosmetics that already contain this hydrating wonder, then you can go ahead with your skincare and makeup routine as usual. If, however, you're using a HA-specific serum or cream, consider the following:
- HA is best used immediately after cleansing and toning and before moisturizing. Because it absorbs water from the environment, you want your skin to be damp when you apply your serum or cream. This gives it something to draw from and prevents it from pulling hydration from the deeper layers of your skin to the surface.
- HA should always be followed up by an emollient, which is a soothing moisturizer. Humectants like HA pull water in, but they are unable to hold that moisture. Emollients like plant oils, glycerin, or fatty acids will create a moisture barrier, which will lock the hydration in and prevent it from evaporating into the air.
- How often to use hyaluronic acid? That's up to you, but we recommend adding it as a staple to your morning and evening skincare routine.
<product>4</product>
Discover the secrets of beautiful skin with Wander Beauty
Discover more of the best skincare ingredients when you shop Wander Beauty face makeup and skincare. Designed to work as hard as you do, our expert formulas take care of your skin so you can take on the world.
Hyaluronic Acid – The Master Hydrator
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is the latest buzzword in skincare, and for good reason. This water-loving molecule gives your skin an instant boost in hydration while deeply nourishing it over time. Think dewy, radiant, plump skin with just the swipe of a serum.
One of the easiest ways to add HA to your routine is by opting for a foundation that already contains it. Both our liquid – Nude Illusion Liquid Foundation – and powder – Wanderlust Powder Foundation – formulas contain sodium hyaluronate, along with other skin-loving ingredients to hydrate, nourish and protect your skin throughout the day.<product>1,2</product>
Sound good? Find out more.
What does hyaluronic acid do?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies – a type of sugar molecule with a gel-like consistency. It is known for its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, drawing H20 from the environment and pulling it into the skin, eyes, joints, and connective tissue. Like all naturally occurring substances, our body’s production of HA diminishes with age, which contributes to skin becoming dryer, more dull, and less bouncy as the years go by. This moisture magnet – known as a humectant – binds to and retains moisture, keeping the skin soft, plump, and hydrated.
Unlike other acids, topical hyaluronic acid is safe for everyday use and has been found to be beneficial for every skin type (everyone’s body produces it, after all). It is gentle, has no side effects, and is one of the few skincare ingredients recommended by almost all skincare experts.
Hyaluronic acid benefits
Deeply hydrating
Is hyaluronic acid good for dry skin? The answer, most definitely! No matter what your skin type is – dry, normal, or oily – keeping your skin well-hydrated and retaining its moisture barrier is absolutely essential. Dehydrated skin not only feels uncomfortable, with symptoms like dryness, redness, and inflammation, but it also highlights fine lines and wrinkles and appears dull and sunken. HA combats this by drawing moisture from the environment and feeding it into your skin.
Boasts anti-aging properties
HA visibly improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while enhancing skin firmness and elasticity. It gently tightens the skin and improves overall texture. Skin is kept hydrated, and the development of age-related skin signs is reduced.
Promotes skin healing and regeneration
HA is naturally present during all phases of wound healing, which means that the topical application is particularly helpful when it comes to acne breakouts and inflammation. The gel-like lubrication helps nourish and protect any broken or damaged skin, lending to faster recovery and less scarring. It has also been shown to contain antibacterial properties and antioxidant benefits, targeting free radicals and protecting skin cells from further damage.
Boosts radiance
Hydrated, dewy skin is more desired than ever, and HA is leading the way to that natural glow. How? First, by hydrating the skin, leading to a smoother, plumper appearance. Next, HA helps balance sebum production, which limits excess oils that cause clogged pores and breakouts while allowing the skin to breathe effectively. Finally, HA has been shown to reduce the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation while preventing further damage from sun exposure and environmental pollutants.
How to choose a hyaluronic acid product
Whether you've been catching up on your favorite skincare blogs or simply checking the labels on your cosmetics, you may have come across the terms hyaluron, hyaluronic acid, and hyaluronan. All these describe the same thing. What's important to know is that HA comes in different molecular sizes, all of which your skin absorbs differently.
Long-chain or high-molecular HA creates a hydrating film on the skin but does not penetrate it. This has an anti-inflammatory effect and makes the skin appear more elastic. This film will wash away with your cleanser, so its effects are short-lived. Short-chain or low-molecular HA penetrates deep into the skin and stores moisture in the connective tissue. This has a greater long-term effect, making skin appear firmer and visibly reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Because both types are beneficial, when choosing a HA serum or cream, it's best to opt for a product that contains various molecular weights.
Expert Tip: HA, while safe for use in combination with other skincare ingredients, is especially beneficial when used in combination with vitamin C. Effective alone but so very powerful together, HA and vitamin C work in tandem to hydrate, protect, and repair skin. The best part? We’ve saved you a step by combining seven molecular weights of hyaluronic acid with a vitamin C punch in our Sight C-er Vitamin C Concentrate.<product>3</product>
How to apply hyaluronic acid
As mentioned, HA can be found in a number of makeup and skincare products, such as our award-winning Baggage Claim™ Eye Masks! If you've chosen skin-loving cosmetics that already contain this hydrating wonder, then you can go ahead with your skincare and makeup routine as usual. If, however, you're using a HA-specific serum or cream, consider the following:
- HA is best used immediately after cleansing and toning and before moisturizing. Because it absorbs water from the environment, you want your skin to be damp when you apply your serum or cream. This gives it something to draw from and prevents it from pulling hydration from the deeper layers of your skin to the surface.
- HA should always be followed up by an emollient, which is a soothing moisturizer. Humectants like HA pull water in, but they are unable to hold that moisture. Emollients like plant oils, glycerin, or fatty acids will create a moisture barrier, which will lock the hydration in and prevent it from evaporating into the air.
- How often to use hyaluronic acid? That's up to you, but we recommend adding it as a staple to your morning and evening skincare routine.
<product>4</product>
Discover the secrets of beautiful skin with Wander Beauty
Discover more of the best skincare ingredients when you shop Wander Beauty face makeup and skincare. Designed to work as hard as you do, our expert formulas take care of your skin so you can take on the world.
