Can You use Pure 100 Percent Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a favourite of many, and with good reason. It’s ultra-hydrating traits and ability to be used on all skin types with various skincare ingredients demonstrates how impressive it is, and how every skincare routine would benefit from this hydrating addition. There is a dedicated blog post about the skin benefits and how it works on the skin over on The Beauty Insiders, so do check that out to find out more.
The focus of today’s blog post however, is understanding whether you can use pure 100% hyaluronic acid? Is it that much better than the other concentrates available? This is exactly what we will be finding out, so let’s dive right in and find out more.
Can you use 100% hyaluronic acid?
Yes, you certainly can! You’ll find that 100% hyaluronic acid formulas have a watery consistency that is light weight and easily absorbed into the skin. Suitable for all skin types you can introduce this clean ingredient into your daily routine with the peace of mind that you will avoid any flare-up of skin irritation or reaction.
You’ll find that the humectant properties of hyaluronic acid ensure it is able to draw moisture into the skin from the area surrounding the face and locking it into the surface. This will not only help other products penetrate rapidly into the lower layers but will also ensure the protective skin barrier contains the correct levels of water leaving it strengthened. This allows the skin barrier to ward off any skin damage caused from exposure to free radicals, such as pollution, UV rays, and other environmental aggressors.
What is the best percentage of hyaluronic acid to use?
Now, I may have just described how effective 100% pure hyaluronic acid can be for the skin, but believe it or not, you can have too much of a good thing. By this I mean that the humectant traits of hyaluronic acid are so potent that if you apply too much of the acid to the face, it will in fact begin to draw water up from the lower layers of the skin. This will then lead to the skin begin to feel dry, tight, and uncomfortable rendering hyaluronic acid completely ineffective to perform its benefits on the skin.
Can I use only hyaluronic acid?
You can use it on its own, but there are some other ways you’ll find it will work more effectively and deliver quicker results. Many find that during the winter months their skin becomes excessively dry, tight, and uncomfortable. By applying hyaluronic acid daily, you are able to lock moisture in keeping the complexion plumped, hydrated, and in its healthiest state. As effective as hyaluronic acid is at keeping the skin barrier moisturised there are some ways of using it in your daily routine that will give the humectant a super charged boost. Here are three top tips of how to apply hyaluronic acid to the skin and the benefits you can expect to see when using it in your daily regime.
Always ensure you apply hyaluronic acid to skin that is still slightly damp. This gives the humectant a springboard approach to locking as much water into the skin surface as possible. Once it has absorbed all the water from the face it will move onto the water in the atmosphere surrounding. This will ensure you avoid the hyaluronic acid drawing water up from the lower layers and begin a vicious cycle of dryness and irritation.
With the plethora of skin benefits hyaluronic acid can deliver to the skin, there is one that is often forgotten about and that is how the humectant keeps the skin at its most absorbent state. Imagine it as though your skin is a wet sponge, and anything applied soaks in rapidly. Serums enriched with active ingredients can be layered with hyaluronic acid meaning the potent formula can penetrate deeper into the most effective areas of the skin.
Finally, you can help your hyaluronic acid deliver even more results by applying a face oil or moisturise that is packed with nourishing ingredients such as vitamin E or squalene. This will not only form a physical barrier on the outer surface but will also provide extra water for the HA to draw into the skin.
There is some information about using hyaluronic acid in your daily skincare routine, but if you needed a little more help about how to layer hyaluronic acid serum there is a full dedicated blog post so do check it out when you can.
How do I use pure hyaluronic acid?
You can use pure hyaluronic acid the same way you apply any skincare product containing the clever humectant. The general skincare rule when it comes to application of your products is starting with the thinnest consistency and building up the thickest. Here is an example of the steps needed for a simple, everyday skincare routine.
Makeup removing micellar water/cleanser
Face wash
Exfoliating toner
Serum
Face oil
Moisturiser
SPF (AM only)
You’ll often find hyaluronic acid makes its way into different types of product formulas. This is because of how easily HA can work with other ingredients and blend seamlessly into potent skincare products. Having said that, the percentage of the acid is often higher in products such as serums, face oils and moisturisers so if it’s fast results you are after then it’s best to opt for using these daily. As for pure hyaluronic acid, this usually comes in serum form but as I have mentioned previously too much HA can have the reverse effects so always ensure you consult with a doctor or dermatologist to find the best formula to work for you and your skin.
So, there you have it, a little more knowledge about 100% pure hyaluronic acid and how it works on the skin. Don’t forget if you have any questions you can follow us on Instagram, you’ll find me in the direct messages!
