What Comes To Mind When You Hear The Word “Acid?”

You’re probably thinking gross, that’s something corrosive and harmful! And we don’t blame you! Most of the time when something acidic is in play, it’s never a good thing. Especially when your skin is concerned...right? 

Well, you should know, the hyaluronic acid in skincare is a whole different ballgame. When it comes to the health, appearance, and hydration of your skin, certain acids can be of major benefit. If you’re not familiar, allow us to make the introduction - meet hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid or HA as you might sometimes hear it referred to is a pretty buzzy ingredient in the beauty and skincare game right now. Even though it has acid in the name, it’s one of the gentlest, skin-smoothing moisturizers you can put on your skin.

What Is Hyaluronic Acid Exactly?

In simple terms, it’s an acidic compound that occurs naturally throughout the body, mostly on the surface of your skin and your eyes. And what does it do? Also simple: the molecules are attracted to water. So attracted in fact, that each holds many, many times its weight in water.

When hyaluronic acid melts into your skin through a product like a serum, moisturizer or some sort of cosmetics, it plumps it up with water cells in the air like a sponge. Which in turn, plumps up your skin cells. It can help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in an overall smoother and more youthful complexion. Plus, it leaves your skin moisturized for much longer, so it’s a really great ingredient to use during the chilly winter months or when you’re traveling (Dry airplane cabins anyone?).

Scientific studies have also shown that hyaluronic acid has a number of skincare benefits beyond just hydration. The compound can help rev up the production of collagen, thereby increasing your skin’s elasticity. It also works as a potent antioxidant that fights free radicals and harmful environmental effects - think UV sunlight damage and air pollution, two things that are decidedly not great for your skin. It even has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it can help heal acne, blemishes and other redness-causing irritations with continued use.

Dermatologists can even inject concentrated hyaluronic acid to enhance the look of your lips or under-eye area - but that’s something to take up with a professional if you choose to go that route.

As You Can See, Hyaluronic Acid Is An Incredibly Powerful Skincare Ingredient.

Here at Emani, we like adding it to our makeup too (Who doesn’t like a little extra boost?). It’s actually the hero ingredient in our HydraWear Foundation + Niacinamide

One of our top sellers, this foundation is designed for a smooth, dewy finish that (yes, it’s true) lasts a full 12 hours and beyond. It hydrates like a moisturizer, so skin feels radiant and plump all day - minus any cakey dryness. Since it’s formulated with hyaluronic acid - and therefore really hydrating - a little goes a long way. Our favorite artists like applying it with your basic foundation brush in gentle strokes. Since it blends so nicely, you can even massage it in with clean fingers or a makeup sponge.

So, is hyaluronic acid for you? The answer is...probably! Since it occurs naturally throughout your body, it’s safe to use on pretty much every skin type. If you have especially dry skin, then you will definitely reap the most benefits!

Having grasped the wonders of hyaluronic acid, we look forward to your feedback after giving it a try! Does it improve your skin hydration and complexion? Let us know in the comments below!