Hero Ingredients Revealed: How to Use Hyaluronic Acid
Time to put your problem skin on blast. Petunia Skincare is mobilizing the troops.
We’re calling up hero ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinol, vitamin C, salicylic, and glycolic acid and sending them off to battle.
Look out: fine lines, wrinkles, acne, dehydration, and hyperpigmentation — your days are numbered. Skin conditions like these don’t stand a chance against our natural skincare products. This army of vegan, safe, pure acids and peptides put up a fight in your honor.
Wondering what makes these ingredients so special? Want to know the best way to incorporate them into your routine? Curious exactly how to use hyaluronic acid?
We thought you might be.
Welcome to our Skincare Heroes series where we give you the buzz on the buzziest skincare ingredients on the market. We explain how and why they work so you can feel confident about your skincare choices. We’re launching our Skincare Hero series with the most popular kid on the block… hyaluronic acid.
Say “Hi Ya” to Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid, or HA, is a sugar molecule that plays a vital role in keeping your complexion youthful, supple, hydrated, and glowing. Hyaluronic acid binds water to collagen to retain the skin’s natural fullness and volume.
Frankly, if we found ourselves stranded on a deserted island, this is the one skincare product we’d bring with us. (Ok, maybe it should be sunscreen. But if you’re leaving us on the beach with no SPF, that’s just wrong.)
Here’s why hyaluronic acid is a skincare superstar:
The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, is supported by the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. While the epidermis is impacted by external elements, like weather, wind, sun, and environmental factors — the inner dermis and subcutaneous tissue also impact our skin’s appearance, especially when it comes to aging.
The dermis lives just below the epidermis, and it is comprised of a complex network of nerves and blood vessels that nourish the skin, whisk away toxins, and fight infections.
Beneath the dermis is subcutaneous tissue, think of it as the “trenches” of the skin. The subcutaneous tissue houses collagen and elastin — two crucial proteins that support the cushiony rebound of younger-looking skin. The sebaceous glands that produce oil or sebum are lodged as well in the subcutaneous tissue.
Think of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid as the skin’s essential underpinnings that keep it young, healthy, and touchable. Collagen and elastin are the reason a baby’s skin is, well, baby-soft. Hyaluronic acid pulls moisture from the lower layers of the skin to “water” collagen. As we age, our stores of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin begin to diminish. As our reserve of these proteins and molecules deplete, skin becomes dehydrated and prone to fine lines and wrinkles.
So HA, sounds pretty great, huh? Here’s how to use hyaluronic acid...
Applying topical hyaluronic acid plumps the skin’s surface, rehydrates, and adds luster while smoothing out signs of aging. Hyaluronic acid is never oily or greasy and works on all skin types. Feel free to call it the fountain of youth — we do.
Wait... A Skin Soothing Acid?
Ok. We know what you’re thinking. If hyaluronic acid is soothing, calming, and hydrating to the skin, why is it an acid?
We generally associate the word “acid” with burning or stinging. But hyaluronic acid is a molecule with a very low pH; the low pH rather than acidic properties categorize it as an acid.
How Does Hyaluronic Acid Work?
Hyaluron is a large molecule that cannot pass through the skin barrier. So how the heck do we get it into our skin?
The most effective way to add volume to the skin with hyaluronic acid is to inject it directly with a needle. The skin will plump immediately. But don’t try this at home! Only medical professionals may inject hyaluron. This minimally invasive procedure is commonly known as injectables or fillers.
Hyaluronic acid may also be infused into creams and serums in different strengths and applied to the epidermis. This takes the guesswork out of learning how to use hyaluronic acid at home.
Hyaluronic acid will hydrate the surface level of the skin and is a superb foot soldier in the battle against the appearance of aging. It is an excellent moisturizer, non-irritating, and does not block pores.
Its hydrating capabilities unfurl and address the appearance of lines and wrinkles, leaving the skin radiant and rejuvenated. Some skincare pros believe that hyaluronic acid repairs and encourages the growth of new skin cells too.
Which Type of Hyaluronic Acid Is Best for You?
There are a few different types of hyaluronic acid available. So which one is right for you?
Some hyaluronic acid is extracted from rooster combs — which vegans and animal lovers will want to avoid.
Synthetic hyaluronic acid is produced in a lab from fermented bacteria.
There is also botanical hyaluronic acid like in our Hyaluronic Serum. Our botanical hyaluronic acid is extracted from the Cassia Angustifolia seed and mimics the properties of HA with its abundant content of polysaccharides which helps skin retain moisture and elasticity.
HA Puts the AH Into Your Natural Skincare Routine
Ok, one problem solved… we picked the origin of our superhero ingredient.
Next challenge, how do we maximize hyaluronic acid’s potential? It’s not hard to do. Look for ingredients that complement hyaluronic acid and avoid those that don’t.
Alcohol will dry out skin, but antioxidants will protect it—so many choices too little time. The best results with hyaluronic acid occur when it is combined with other active ingredients.
Think of an army. The ground forces work best when backed up by the air force. You want to pick products with active ingredients, like vitamin C or glycolic acid. If it isn’t on the front label, how do we know what else is in the product?
We check the ingredient deck.
The ingredient deck tells a story about how a product is designed. The label lists each element from highest to lowest concentration. While you’re examining your skincare products, check out the little open jar in the corner for the effective date.
HA Serum or HA Moisturizer?
So, what’s better… a hyaluronic acid serum or a hyaluronic acid moisturizer?
Serums contain a higher concentration of active ingredients than moisturizers. A serum is also better for oily skin. While a moisturizer is excellent at locking in hyaluronic acid, it can also trigger acne. Mature skin that requires both hydration and moisturization may find a moisturizer to be a better choice for their skin.
Whatever type of hyaluronic acid you select, it’s a good choice for most skin types. Its unparalleled hydration capabilities relieve discomfort and dryness and soothe irritated skin.
How to Use Hyaluronic Acid in Your Natural Skincare Routine
Always begin by cleansing your skin thoroughly and gently patting it dry. No pulling or tugging!
If you choose to tone your skin, apply the product of your choice. We love our Skin Brightening Vitamin C Face Toner for an extra pop of antioxidant protection. Allow your toner to sink in, then tap on the hyaluronic acid. Follow up with a moisturizer if desired.
Adding hyaluronic acid to your routine is easy-breezy! Just follow the same routine 2 times a day. And don’t forget that all-important SPF in the morning!
Hyaluronic acid is genuinely a hero and plays well with most other skincare ninjas. As there are no interactions with hyaluronic acid, you can always tweak your regimen to accommodate different products with ingredients like peptides, antioxidants, and salicylics as needed.
Shop our customer-favorite, top-rated Hyaluronic Acid Serum now.