Today, we are going to spill the tea on why Cassandra is no longer using hyaluronic acid in her routine. Hyaluronic acid is a wonderful molecule that everyone speaks about being hydrating and nourishing the skin, and Cassandra has some hyaluronic acid products like Isntree that are truly her favorite. But, this past summer, she stopped using them in her routine, and in this blog, we're going to talk about why.
Myth #1 Hyaluronic acid can hold 100 times its water weight.
Photocred: Harpar's Bazaar
A lot of cosmetic companies like to tout hyaluronic acid as this miracle molecule that holds up to 1000 times its weight in water. While this can be true under very controlled circumstances, it's not always true. Usually, hyaluronic acid holds anywhere from 50 to maybe 100 times its weight in water, and that also depends on how big the HA molecule is. There are different weights and sizes of hyaluronic acid molecules, and some penetrate deeply while others don't. Larger HA molecules normally provide more surface hydration
Myth #2 Hyaluronic is a cure-all for dry skin.
Photocred: Women's Health
Here's the catch, hyaluronic acid doesn't always hydrate. For example, if you're in an arid, dry climate with little to no humidity, hyaluronic acid on the skin is going to suck moisture from the closest thing (i.e moisture from the lower layers of your skin.) The closer moisture is to the surface of your skin, the more likely it will be absorbed into the atmosphere around you.
On the other hand, if you live in a humid, tropical environment, or have a humidifier in your bedroom, this is when hyaluronic acid will work best. Hyaluronic acid also works best when it is used along with an occlusive product. When used with hyaluronic acid, an occlusive product will prevent moisture from escaping as much. So for example, if you are in a humid environment, you would put on a toner or an essence with hyaluronic acid. Then, you’d seal it in with something like Vaseline or petroleum jelly. This may prevent moisture loss from being pulled from the skin and into the environment.
However, because of Cassandra’s oily skin, having to use an occlusive barrier was the primary reason that she stopped using it. She loves occlusive moisturizers in the evening, but during the summer days, it was a little bit too much for her.
#3 You have to specifically buy “a hyaluronic acid” product.
Photocred: Today show
Hyaluronic acid is a sugary molecule, and it’s created by our own bodies. HA is within our joints, connective tissue, and our skin. It's an essential part of wound healing, which is why it’s helpful to use on an open wound like a picked pimple,
Hyaluronic acid plays very well with almost anything in a skincare routine, and you can use it at night with an occlusive to get the best out of it. But, it’s not something you don’t need a dedicated step for in your skincare routine. Hyaluronic acid is in almost every skincare product.
When you turn and learn your ingredients, you're probably going to see hyaluronic acid or a form of it. It may be labeled as sodium hyaluronate hyaluronic acid or hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is in a lot of different things like green tea essence toners, exfoliating serums, peptide night moisturizers, and night recovery masks. There’s a good amount of it that's already blended in and formulated into the other steps of your routine. So, you don’t specifically have to buy an “HA” product.
Hyaluronic acid can enhance, diminish fine lines and wrinkles, and smooth the skin. For that reason, you might want to keep using it. But for Cassandra’s routine, she decided to take out a dedicated hyaluronic acid step.