Never has my skin taken so well to an ingredient. The word “acid” seems alarming at first, but I love what Hyaluronic Acid does for my face and the health of my skin. As you may have read or heard, Hyaluronic Acid (which looks like a pure, clear jelly) is a molecule that can hold up to 1,000x its weight in water. Our body produces this magic gel naturally to keep itself hydrated, but as we age it makes less and less (sigh, like most good things). The reason why you see an instant change in your skin when you use a moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid is that you’re giving skin something it knows and can use, easily. According to Debbie D’Aquino, Head of Care Skincare Product Innovation, this fact makes all the difference for skincare that is really going to move the needle.
So what’s in a name? Hyaluronic Acid is indeed classified as an acid, but it’s not an exfoliant (like Salicylic Acid). Instead its job is the opposite: cushion, plump, soothe and hydrate.
That brings us to a few other moisturizer myths that we’d love to address:
A moisturizer has to be heavy to be effective.
As a matter of fact, a lightweight gel-cream with Hyaluronic Acid will be more powerful in terms of hydrating your skin than many traditionally dense creams (or as I call them, frosting – because they just sit on top).
Oily skins don’t need moisturizer.
It’s important to hydrate all skins, and oily ones benefit from the same light yet ultra hydrating moisture to slow down overproduction of oil.
Only apply moisturizer when your skin is dry.
Better to prevent than repair, as most dermatologists say. Skin is over 90% water, so without hydration and a strong moisture barrier (your skin’s first line of defense), your complexion is prone to dryness, patchiness, redness and irritation. With a good daily moisturizer, you’ll avoid damage caused by dry, dehydrated skin.
Glowing skin comes from exfoliation.
Not exactly true. Cell turnover aids in brightening and renewing skin, but the real glow comes from hydration – ensuring your skin has the moisture it needs to look healthy, plumped and bright.
Hyaluronic Acid is only for moisturizers.
Every Care Skincare formula contains Hyaluronic Acid (from cleanser + toner, to serum. It all goes back to maintaining that strong moisture barrier: no matter how much your product is de-aging, anti-aging, toning or cleansing, it has a duty to keep your skin hydrated.
With Thanks & Care,
Michelle
Photos by Karim Ghantous, Giorgio Trovato
Bio: Michelle is a former beauty executive and contributing writer who loves being part of the Care Skincare Team. She’s married with two small children who have more energy than all the drinks on a Starbucks menu.