Can you use 100% pure hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is popular with many, and for good reason. Its ultra-hydrating properties and ability to be used with a variety of skincare ingredients to suit all skin types shows just how impressive it is and how any skincare routine will benefit from this hydrating supplement. Beauty Insiders has a dedicated blog post about its benefits and what it does to the skin, so check that out for more information.
However, the focus of today’s blog post is to find out if you can use pure 100% hyaluronic acid. Is it better than other available concentrates? That’s exactly what we’re going to find out, so let’s dive right in for more information.
Can you use 100% hyaluronic acid?
Yes, you absolutely can! You’ll find that formulas containing 100% hyaluronic acid have a watery consistency, are lightweight, and are easily absorbed by the skin. Suitable for all skin types, you can incorporate this clean ingredient into your daily routine with peace of mind that you’ll avoid any skin irritation or reactions.
You’ll find that the hydrating properties of hyaluronic acid mean that it can draw moisture into the skin in the facial area and bind it to the surface. Not only does this help other products penetrate the underlying layers quickly, it also ensures that the skin’s protective barrier contains the right amount of moisture and is strengthened. This allows the skin barrier to defend against free radical damage to the skin caused by pollution, UV rays, and other environmental factors.
What percentage of hyaluronic acid is best?
Now, I may have just described the benefits of 100% pure hyaluronic acid for the skin, but believe it or not, you can have too much of a good thing. What I mean by this is that the hydrating properties of hyaluronic acid are so powerful that if you apply too much to your face, it actually starts to draw water from the underlying layers of the skin. This can cause the skin to feel dry, tight, and uncomfortable, completely negating the benefits of hyaluronic acid for the skin.
Can I use hyaluronic acid alone?
You can use it alone, but there are other ways that work more effectively and provide results faster. Many people find that their skin becomes too dry, tight, and uncomfortable during the winter months. By applying hyaluronic acid daily, you can lock in moisture and keep your complexion plump, hydrated, and at its healthiest. Hyaluronic acid is very effective at moisturizing the skin barrier, and there are several ways to incorporate it into your daily routine to give your moisturizer a huge boost. Here are three top tips for applying hyaluronic acid to your skin, and the benefits you can expect from using it in your daily skincare routine.
Always make sure to apply hyaluronic acid to still-damp skin. This gives the moisturizer a chance to bind as much water as possible on the surface of the skin. Once it absorbs all the moisture on your face, it transfers it to water in the surrounding atmosphere. This will prevent the hyaluronic acid from absorbing moisture from below and starting a vicious cycle of dryness and irritation.
Hyaluronic acid can provide many benefits to the skin, but there is one that is often forgotten: how moisturizers keep the skin in optimal absorption condition. Imagine your skin is a wet sponge, and anything you apply will be absorbed quickly. Serums infused with active ingredients can be layered with hyaluronic acid, allowing the powerful formula to penetrate deeper into the areas of the skin where it will be most effective.
Finally, you can make hyaluronic acid work even better by using a facial oil or moisturizer that is enriched with nourishing ingredients like vitamin E or squalene. This not only creates a physical barrier on the outer surface, but also provides additional moisture for the hyaluronic acid to absorb into the skin.
There is some information on using hyaluronic acid in your daily skincare routine, but if you need more help with using hyaluronic acid serums, there is a detailed blog post that you should check out if you have the time.
How to Use Pure Hyaluronic Acid?
You can use pure hyaluronic acid just like you would any other skincare product with a clever moisturizer. The general skincare rule when using products is to start with the thinnest consistency and work up to the thickest. Here is an example of the steps needed for a simple skincare routine.
Micellar Water/Cleanser for Makeup Removal
Face Cleanser
Exfoliating Toner
Serum
Facial Oil
Moisturizer
SPF (Mornings Only)
Hyaluronic acid is often found in a variety of product formulas. This is because hyaluronic acid easily coordinates with other ingredients and blends seamlessly into effective skincare products. However, products like serums, face oils, and moisturizers are often higher in the acid content. Therefore, it is best to use it daily if you want quick results. Pure hyaluronic acid is often available in serum form, but as I mentioned before, too much hyaluronic acid can have the opposite effect. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist to find the formula that works best for you and your skin.
That’s it, more about 100% pure hyaluronic acid and its effects on your skin. If you have any questions, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram. You can reach me via DM!
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.