Sensitive skin is a common skin condition that affects millions of people around the world. People with sensitive skin often experience redness, irritation, and dryness, which can be caused by various factors such as environmental pollutants, harsh ingredients in skincare products, and even genetics.
Hyaluronic acid is a popular skincare ingredient that is known for its hydrating properties. But for people with sensitive skin, using hyaluronic acid can be a bit tricky. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at sensitive skin and hyaluronic acid and everything you need to know about using it.
The Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid on Sensitive Skin
Using a new ingredient can make sensitive skin types nervous. Will it irritate sensitive skin further? Should sensitive skin types use Hyaluronic Acid? We take a look at some of the benefits of including Hyaluronic Acid in a sensitive skincare routine below.
Hydration
One of the main benefits of using hyaluronic acid on sensitive skin is its ability to hydrate the skin. Sensitive skin is often prone to dryness, which can lead to flakiness, itching, and irritation. Hyaluronic acid helps to attract and hold onto water molecules, which helps to hydrate the skin and improve the overall skin barrier health.
Reduces Inflammation
Sensitive skin is often prone to inflammation, which can cause redness, itching, and irritation. Hyaluronic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe and calm the skin. This makes it an excellent ingredient for people with sensitive skin who are looking to reduce inflammation and improve the overall health of their skin.
Non-Irritating
One of the biggest concerns for people with sensitive skin is finding products that are non-irritating. Hyaluronic acid is a gentle ingredient that is well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin. It is advised to look out for a fragrance free option as sometimes the biggest aggressor on sensitive skin can be fragrances.
Improves Skin Texture
Hyaluronic acid can also help to improve the texture of the skin. It works by hydrating the skin and promoting the production of collagen, which helps to improve the elasticity and firmness of the skin. This can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve the overall texture and tone of the skin.
Boosts Skincare Efficacy
Using hyaluronic acid in combination with other skincare ingredients can help to boost their efficacy. Hyaluronic acid can help to increase the absorption of other skincare ingredients, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin and provide more significant benefits.
Step-By-Step Guide to Using Hyaluronic Acid With Sensitive Skin
Step 1: Cleanse Skin
Choose a gentle cleanser, such as one with a milky consistency that is super gentle to apply and remove, using a damp cloth or cotton disks if water irritates your sensitive skin. We recommend our Revitalising Cleanser, formulated with soothing Chamomile to calm skin and reduce redness.
Step 2: Apply a Toner
Sensitive Skin Types really benefit from using a spray toner on their skin. Toner can help to hydrate, reduce inflammation and soothe sensitivity leaving skin calm and replenished. We formulated our Revitalising Toner with cooling Cucumber which is a hero ingredient when soothing irritated skin.
Step 3: Choose the Right Hyaluronic Acid Product
Not all hyaluronic acid products are created equal, and some may be too harsh for sensitive skin. Look for products that contain a lower concentration of hyaluronic acid, such as 0.5% to 1%. Also, opt for products that are free of fragrance and other irritants that can exacerbate sensitivity.
Before applying hyaluronic acid to your face, it's essential to patch test the product. Apply a small amount of the product to your inner forearm or behind your ear, and wait 24 hours to see if any redness, itching, or irritation occurs. If you experience any adverse reactions, discontinue use of the product.
Step 4: Apply Hyaluronic Acid to Damp Skin
Hyaluronic acid works best when applied to damp skin, as it helps to lock in moisture. After cleansing your face, apply your toner leaving your skin damp. Then, apply a small amount of hyaluronic acid to your face and neck, using gentle, upward motions.
Step 5: Follow with a Moisturiser
After applying hyaluronic acid, it's essential to follow up with a moisturiser to seal in the hydration. Look for a moisturiser that is gentle and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores. Apply the moisturiser in the same gentle, upward motions.
Step 6: Use Sun Protection in the AM
Hyaluronic acid can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it's essential to use sun protection daily. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it to your face and neck every morning, even on cloudy days. Check out our Revitalising Day Moisturiser which has been formulated to hydrate and soothe sensitive skin whilst also protect skin with an SPF30.
The Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum For Sensitive Skin
When looking for a Hyaluronic Serum for sensitive skin, looking out for a formula with different weights of hyaluronic acid molecules would be extremely beneficial.
The three most common weights of Hyaluronic Acid are:
Sodium Hyaluronate (Medium Molecular Weight)
This wonder ingredient is said to be the most effective weight of Hyaluronic Acid as it is proven to increase skin hydration by 25% in two hours. It is not absorbed following application, instead it forms a thin, light, protective surface film that boosts moisture on the surface on the skin, in turn helping skin to retain moisture. Particularly great for those with sensitive skin as it helps to not only hydrate skin but leaves an invisible barrier on the skin helping to ensure environmental aggressors don’t irritate skin any further.
Hydrolysed Hyaluronic Acid (Lower Molecular Weight)
This weight of HA has been broken down into elements small enough to penetrate the skin giving long term hydration and it has been proven to stimulate the production of HA within 24 hours for incredible skin hydration whilst plumping wrinkles from the lower levels in just 4 weeks.
Hyaluronic Spheres (Higher Molecular Weight)
Unique cross-linked polysaccharide made from fermentation-derived Hyaluronic acid. It contributes instantly to the reduction of facial fine lines and wrinkles as well as increasing the elasticity of the skin. This type of HA has super hydrating properties proven to increase skin hydration, reduce skin toughness and wrinkle depth. This type of HA has been known to support skin barrier function which is great for sensitive skin types as it helps to soothe and support a healthier barrier function.
Hyaluronic acid is a powerful ingredient that can provide many benefits for people with sensitive skin. It helps to hydrate, reduce inflammation, improve skin texture, and boost the efficacy of other skincare ingredients. If you have sensitive skin, incorporating hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine can be an excellent way to improve the overall health and appearance of your skin.
For more articles on Hyaluronic Acid, read:
- Dos and Don'ts of Hyaluronic Acid
- Hyaluronic Acid 101
- Rosacea and Hyaluronic Acid: Everything You Need to Know
