The benefits of hyaluronic acid for the skin are no longer a skin care industry secret. With almost instant visible hydration, minimal risk of skin irritation and some serious scientific backing, hyaluronic acid has wide appeal. Whether you have dry, dehydrated or oily skin, every skin type and condition can benefit from an added dose of hydration. Read on to discover a step-by-step skin care routine designed to plump and hydrate.

Why You Need HA | How To Use HA Successfully | It’s An Acid … Will HA Sting? | What Is Eminence’s Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex? | 8 Step Skin Care Routine 

Why You Need Hyaluronic Acid In Your Skin Care Routine

What is hyaluronic acid (HA) and why is it essential for a glowy, dewy look? HA is a sugar that naturally occurs in the skin and helps the skin retain moisture, keeping the complexion hydrated and slowing the signs of aging. 

HA is also a humectant, capable of holding over one thousand times its weight in water. Put simply by EverydayHealth.com, HA “works to attract and bind to water molecules and increase the water content of the skin,” which is how your skin almost instantly looks plump after just one application. 

Hyaluronic acid’s hydration capabilities are its number one draw; when the surface of the skin is dry, it’s more likely to develop into wrinkly skin that shows the signs of aging. Dry, dehydrated skin is also a sign that the skin barrier has been compromised, which can make your skin more sensitive, or vulnerable to breakouts or irritation. By adding HA to your skin care routine,this substance transforms your complexion in the following ways:

• Plumps the skin to give the appearance of smoother-looking skin
• Reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles
• Improves dry or dehydrated skin
• Keeps the skin barrier intact 

You can also watch Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar demonstrate a hydrating HA-packed skin care routine for thirsty skin: 

 

 

 

 

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How To Use Hyaluronic Acid Successfully

When adding HA to your skin care routine, it is important to remember that this ingredient pulls any moisture it can find into the surface of the skin. It’s not selective about the source and can even pull moisture from the deeper layers of the skin itself. So, to avoid drying out your skin, applying a hyaluronic acid product to a wet face is key. For best results, make sure you apply almost immediately after you’ve cleansed, showered or dampened your face. This ensures the product will pull water from outside in to the top layers of skin, instead of pulling moisture from within the skin itself. Then, enjoy maximum hydration and visibly healthy, glowing skin!

It’s An Acid … Will Hyaluronic Acid Sting Or Tingle? 

Absolutely not! While you may associate the word “acid” with an exfoliation process or an enzymatic skin care product that breaks down skin cells, HA is an extremely gentle substance that occurs naturally in the skin, eyes and joints. 

On application, HA shouldn’t tingle or burn like other “acids” in the skin care game and is suitable and beneficial for all skin types and concerns — from oily to sensitive to breakout-prone. Although we’d always recommend patch testing a new product to see if it works for your skin, according to Harvard Health, HA is also less likely to prompt an allergic reaction.

What Is Eminence’s Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex?

The unique Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex is composed of two parts, a multi-molecular weight hyaluronic acid and marshmallow root extract. The complex works to target and boost hydration at both the surface level, and within the skin thanks to its: 

• Low molecular weight HA, which absorbs into the skin and delivers deep hydration
• Medium molecular weight HA, which hydrates the surface and locks moisture in
• Marshmallow root which helps preserve moisture in the skin by having a preventative effect on the hyaluronidase enzyme responsible for HA degradation.

An 8 Step Hydration Packed Skin Care Routine 

Step 1: Cleanse

Gently cleanse with a hydrating cleanser and some warm water. We love the Stone Crop Gel Wash because of its ability to gently wash away impurities without drying out the skin. The botanical extracts in the cleanser also help even skin tone and minimize the appearance of blemishes to leave a healthy complexion. 

Step 2: Exfoliate

Use the Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant to lightly exfoliate with lactic acid, gently smoothing the skin and break down dead skin cells. Dispense a dime sized amount of dry Dermafoliant to the palm of the hand, adding a half teaspoon of water. Rub hands together to create a creamy paste and apply to the face using circular motions, careful to avoid the delicate areas around the eye. Leave for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with water to remove. 

Step 3: Tone

Quench the thirst of dry skin with a hydrating toner. Softly spray the Stone Crop Hydrating Mist once or twice onto face and neck or apply with a cotton pad, avoiding the eye area and leave on. Infused with hydrating stone crop juice, softening aloe and brightening bearberry, a spritz of this toner is a refreshing boost of hydration for the skin.

Step 4: Mask

Apply the hyaluronic acid-rich Strawberry Rhubarb Masque around the face and décolleté, emulsifying with a few drops of water, to calm and plump the skin. Leave the mask on for at least five minutes (or longer if you like). Actor Busy Phillips said this one “smells like a strawberry milkshake,” and we absolutely agree. After sitting on the skin for a while, use a soft, lukewarm face cloth to gently remove the product, moving in circular motions. Finish with a rinse.