What is Hyaluronic Acid? Hyaluronic Acid, also known as Hyaluronan, is a naturally occurring substance in the human body. Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant that can hold 1000 times its weight in water. It is typically found in the eyes, skin, and joints of humans, but it can also be found in the cells of other connective, neuronal, and epithelial tissues. Its role is to keep moisture in place and lubricate the places where it is found. Because the levels of Hyaluronic Acid in the skin decline with age, using Hyaluronic Acid externally may have anti-aging benefits. Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for skin

• It may have anti-aging properties.

• It is a potent humectant.

• It hydrates the skin deeply.

• It may help in healing wounds.

• It smoothes out the skin.
• It may aid in reducing redness and itching.
• It can help soothe irritated skin.

Forms of Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic Acid comes in three major forms-

• Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid- This is the kind of Hyaluronic Acid that’s been broken into small units. It doesn’t penetrate as deep into the skin and mainly hydrates the skin on surface level. It’s best suited for those with oily skin.

• Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate- Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate is more hydrating in comparison to the Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, it provides hydration and improves skin’s elasticity. This is best suited for those with normal to combination skin types.

• Sodium Hyaluronate- Sodium Hyaluronate is the most hydrating form of Hyaluronic Acid. Due to a smaller molecular weight, it penetrates deeper into the skin and provides intensive hydration for longer periods of time which makes it the perfect choice to treat dry skin.

These forms of Hyaluronic Acid come in the form of multiple skin products. They’re most commonly formulated as-

• Serums- One of the most common and efficient ways of incorporating Hyaluronic Acid into your routine, serums with Hyaluronic Acid can provide deep hydration, they can also be used in combination with other ingredients for enhanced results. Apply Hyaluronic Acid on clean, damp skin for best results.

• Moisturisers- Moisturisers containing Hyaluronic Acid often consist of other ingredients like Niacinamide and Glycerin. These work to attract the moisture on to the skin and hydrate the skin effectively.
• Under eye creams- As Hyaluronic Acid is an ingredient with minimal side effects, many under eye creams consist of Hyaluronic Acid to gently moisturise the under eye area. You can use under eye creams every day after in your morning and night routine.

How to use Hyaluronic Acid? Hyaluronic Acid is an ingredient with minimal side effects, which makes it safe for use by all skin types. It can be used in your morning as well as night routine. Hyaluronic Acid is available in the form of serums, which could be added to your skincare routine to give you that extra punch of hydration, but the best part about Hyaluronic Acid is that it can safely be combined with other ingredients to achieve a much better result. Always remember to follow up with a moisture after using a humectant such as Hyaluronic Acid to seal the hydration in. How to use Hyaluronic Acid for eyes? Hyaluronic Acid is a hydrating ingredient which holds moisture. As it also has anti-aging properties, it can prevent dryness, fine lines, dullness and result in plump, hydrated skin around the eyes. As with any other ingredient, the best way to apply Hyaluronic Acid around the eyes is through an eye cream. Eye creams are generally formulated specifically for the eye area and are gentle enough to be applied to that delicate skin, reducing the risk of any irritation. You can find many eye creams formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and other moisturizing ingredients like Niacinamide. Alternatively, as Hyaluronic Acid is relatively safe, you may also apply your Hyaluronic Acid Serum around your eyes. But ensure that it does not contain any other irritating ingredient and is just a hyaluronic acid serum, an exception may be made in the case of Niacinamide. Also remember to moisturise after applying Hyaluronic Acid to seal the moisture in and avoid dryness. What to mix with Hyaluronic Acid? Now here’s where Hyaluronic Acid shines best, it can safely be used in combination with most other ingredients. Yes, you read that right! It can even pair well with ingredients like AHAs, BHAs and retinol. It can be included in most formulations to improve hydration factor and prevent skin dryness. Here’s how some of the ingredient combinations with Hyaluronic Acid can benefit you-

• Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide- We all know of the barrier repairing ingredient Niacinamide, combined with Hyaluronic Acid, it can improve the retention of moisture and provide healthier and hydrated skin.

• Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C- This duo can simultaneously brighten and firm while deeply hydrating resulting in plump, radiant skin.

• Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol- Retinol is a popular anti-aging ingredient which has the potential to dry your skin out. Using Hyaluronic Acid in combination with Retinol can allow you to enjoy all the benefits Retinol has to offer whilst eliminating the risk of dryness. Make sure to use a moisturiser whenever you use this combination.
• Hyaluronic Acid and AHAs/BHAs- AHAs and BHAs are chemical exfoliators which work on the skin by removing a layer of dead skin cells and penetrating deep into the pores to clear out any dirt, sebum or acne causing bacteria. Even though chemical exfoliation is a safer alternative to physical exfoliation, any form of exfoliation puts you at risk for dryness and irritation. Using Hyaluronic Acid provides hydration and it may also help soothe the skin after exfoliation.

Side effects of Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic Acid is a relatively safe ingredient with no major side effects. When used in high concentration, Hyaluronic Acid may cause flushing and irritation. Most skincare products use a percentage of 1%-2%, which are safe for use. Deconstruct’s range of Hyaluronic Acid products Deconstruct Hydrating serum with 2 % Hyaluronic Acid and 1% Niacinamide brings to you a one-of-a-kind product containing three different molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid, which provides deep hydration, as well as the benefits of Niacinamide. It moisturises the skin making it look plump and healthy. Hyaluronic Acid hydrates the skin, while Niacinamide improves texture, repairs the epidermal barrier, and soothes the skin. Conclusion Hyaluronic Acid is a deeply hydrating ingredient, which can without a doubt, be included in your skincare routine regardless of your skin type and other ingredients that you use. Not only can Hyaluronic Acid boost the efficacy of other ingredients, it provides intense hydration as well. Does it get better than that? FAQs

• How often should you use Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic Acid is an excellent hydrating ingredient with minimal side effects. It can safely be used every day. It is also photo stable, which means it can be used in the daytime as well.

• Can Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid be used together?

Absolutely yes! You can use Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid together. The two are a perfect couple, using them together can help you get a better result as they boost each other’s effectiveness.

• How to use Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic Acid can be used twice a day. It’s best to apply Hyaluronic Acid to damp skin so it holds the water, and make sure to apply a moisturiser to seal the moisture in.

• Can Hyaluronic Acid be used alone?

While it can be used alone, it’s important to keep in mind that Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant. It attracts and holds on to moisture. If the atmosphere does not contain any moisture, it will absorb the moisture from your skin which can lead to dryness. So, it’s best to apply it to damp skin and use a moisturiser while using Hyaluronic Acid.