Can I use hyaluronic acid on my arms and legs?
Ever since the day hyaluronic acid made its way into our daily skincare routine, we’ve been obsessed with it! This ingenious ingredient occurs naturally in the body and is derived from sugar cane. It has a variety of benefits and abilities to moisturize the skin’s protective barrier and ensure that it is well protected from environmental impacts. Not to mention, it also fights signs of dehydration and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. These are just some of the benefits you can expect when you use hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine. Now you understand our obsession a little better, right?
The magic of hyaluronic acid isn’t limited to skincare benefits, but when you use it on your body, you can also expect impressive hydration. So this made me wonder if you can use hyaluronic acid on your arms and legs. Let’s dig in to find out more.
Can hyaluronic acid be applied on the body?
You actually can. Many skincare experts rave about the effects of hyaluronic acid-enriched body gels, lotions, and creams. They can rejuvenate tired-looking skin on the body, especially on areas like arms, elbows, legs, and knees that can get really dry. If you get sunburned or overexposed to the sun, you will really notice a difference and improvement in your overall skin health. This can often leave the skin on your body and face feeling tight, dry and uncomfortable. On any tropical and warm holiday, be sure to take a body gel with you containing hyaluronic acid to keep your skin healthy, hydrated and in tip-top shape.
Which skin types are best suited for hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is great for almost all skin types, as all skin types are susceptible to dehydration. Due to hyaluronic acid’s hydrating properties, you may find that it attracts moisture around your face and even binds moisture in skincare formulas. The result is plump, hydrated, and youthful looking skin. The best results are achieved by skin types that are dry and prone to rashes from certain conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and even daily exposure to dryness from central heating and harsh climates, to name just a few environmental factors. If you have oily skin, you’ll also find that it’s suffering from dehydration, which not only weakens the skin barrier, making it more susceptible to possible damage, but can also cause signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, to become more noticeable.
Can hyaluronic acid be applied to hands?
Absolutely! Using a hand cream with hyaluronic acid and SPF every day ensures your hand skin is well protected from damage, fights fine lines and dry patches, and boosts collagen production for a refreshed, youthful-looking skin.
When it comes to self-care, our hands are often the last thing on our minds. But because they are constantly exposed to free radicals from UV rays and harsh weather every day, they are one of the first areas of the body to show signs of aging, starting with fine lines and dark pigmentation spots (also known as age spots).
What happens if you use too much hyaluronic acid?
Unfortunately, you can have too much of a good thing. In fact, you can use too much hyaluronic acid and its powerful hydrating properties can make your skin even thirstier. This is because hyaluronic acid is constantly absorbing moisture from the air around your face and from other skincare products. When HA (hyaluronic acid) senses that there isn’t enough moisture in the air or in a product’s formula, it starts to draw moisture from the underlying layers of the skin, inadvertently preventing your skin from performing at its best.
Can hyaluronic acid be used every day?
Yes, you absolutely can! In fact, using products rich in hyaluronic acid twice a day is highly recommended. To get the most out of it, use it in your morning and evening routine, applying it to freshly cleansed skin, preferably still slightly damp, to activate the hydrating properties of hyaluronic acid. You’ll find that using a serum rich in hyaluronic acid will keep your skin barrier plump and hydrated, making all the other products you apply to your face absorb quickly and see results soon.
As with all skincare ingredients, it’s important to make sure they’re the best fit for you and your skin. Therefore, I recommend consulting a doctor or dermatologist and performing a 24-hour patch test on your skin to avoid any adverse reactions.
Are there any side effects to hyaluronic acid?
The short answer is: not really, as hyaluronic acid is generally considered very safe for almost all skin types. There are very few reports of side effects from using hyaluronic acid in your daily skin care routine. However, as mentioned before, it’s important to make sure you and your skin benefit from this powerful ingredient in your daily life.
Should I apply hyaluronic acid on wet skin?
Yes, because hyaluronic acid has a magnetic attraction to water, it works when applied to wet skin. Of course, remember that the skin shouldn’t be too wet, as this will prevent skincare formulas from absorbing into the skin’s surface. Generally, when applying skincare, it’s best to work from the thinnest formula to the thickest. This is ideal so that you can enjoy the benefits of a hyaluronic acid-infused serum that is applied after cleansing and exfoliating tonics, but before thicker moisturizers.
Okay, hopefully I’ve answered some of your questions about using hyaluronic acid on your arms and legs. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram if you have any additional questions. You can reach me in the DMs.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
