Hyaluronic, what? Isn’t natural skincare meant to be… natural?
The world of skincare can sometimes feel like decoding a science project, especially when chemically-sounding words appear on the ingredients list of your favourite products.
Long names that sound more like something you’d find in a lab creating explosions than something you’d actually want to put on your skin.
So it’s no surprise that ‘hyaluronic acid’ might sound scary to many people, especially given it’s a popular inclusion in many skincare formulations.
In fact, you’ve probably seen it popping up so much recently that it’s got you questioning "Is hyaluronic acid natural or synthetic?"
Well, the good news is, yes! Hyaluronic acid is natural!
While it might have a name that belies its origins, hyaluronic acid is in fact a naturally-occurring substance.
And it’s so popular because it’s actually a powerhouse when it comes to skincare - which is why it features heavily in so many products.
So let’s find out more about this incredible - naturally-occurring - substance (and how you can make it work for you).
What is hyaluronic acid?
While it might sound like a synthetic chemical-type thing, it’s actually not!
Despite its scientific name, Hyaluronic (pronounced hi-ah-lew-ron-ic) acid - also known as hyaluronan or hyaluronate - is actually a natural substance made by the human body, found in many areas but mostly in the fluids in the eyes and joints where it acts as a lubricant.
So it's a major structural component of our skin.
Think of it as nature’s moisturiser, crucial for maintaining elasticity and hydration in our bodies.
Plus, as we age, naturally produced hyaluronic acid levels decrease. This leads to the appearance of wrinkles, sagginess and fine lines in our skin. In actual fact, by the time we turn fifty, we only have half as much hyaluronic acid in our bodies as we did in our twenties!
So it’s super important to consider how we can reintroduce it back into our skin if we want to help fight the ageing process.
What does hyaluronic acid actually do for your skin? What are its benefits?
If we had to pick one skincare ingredient that will make the most significant difference to our skin, it’s hyaluronic acid.
Why? Because it’s the ultimate hydration enabler, capable of holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water. In fact, just ¼ teaspoon of hyaluronic acid can hold the equivalent of over 5.5 litres of water!
Which is why you’ll find hyaluronic acid listed as the active ingredient in so many skincare products, including serums, cleansers and moisturisers.
It’s remarkable ability to attract and retain moisture makes it an invaluable ally against dryness, fine lines, ageing and overall dullness. Here are just some of its benefits:
Deep hydration: It penetrates the skin's surface to deliver deep hydration, quenching your skin from the inside out. Which is why it benefits all skin types, and is great for any age - whether you’re twenty-one or seventy-eight!
Smooths texture: Due to its moisture-locking superpowers, hyaluronic acid plumps up the skin to help smooth out wrinkles, texture and fine lines. This gives skin a softer, more youthful appearance and results in a more vibrant complexion.
Enhances elasticity: Regular use helps maintain skin elasticity, preventing the sagging and droopiness associated with aging skin.
Healing properties: Its moisture-binding properties support the skin's natural healing process, speeding up recovery from scars and blemishes, including those caused by acne.
Balances oily skin: Surprisingly, hyaluronic acid is excellent for oily and acne-prone skin types too. While the thought of introducing extra hydration may seem at odds with this, when oily skin is dehydrated, it actually overcompensates by producing more oil. So by ensuring proper moisture balance in the skin with hyaluronic acid, it can prevent oil over-production that clogs pores and causes acne.
Boosts natural barriers: Hyaluronic acid helps strengthen the skin’s natural barrier by locking in moisture and keeping the outer layers of our skin healthy. And given our skin is our biggest defense against pollutants and environmental stressors, this is an incredibly important role.
Promotes skin regeneration: When our skin is protected, healthy and hydrated, it is able to regenerate efficiently. And when skin regenerates, increased cell production means that things like visible age spots and pigmentation are dramatically reduced.
OK, we now know how good hyaluronic acid is. How can I get the most benefit from using it in my skincare routine?
So we’ve established that hyaluronic acid is a game-changer for your skin.
But to make sure you're getting all its benefits, it requires more than just slathering it on whenever you remember. It needs to be applied correctly, consistently and in the right order.
So how can we leverage its full potential?
First things first, always put hyaluronic acid on your skin when it's damp. This might sound odd, but there's a good reason for it. Hyaluronic acid loves water, so when your skin is damp, it grabs onto that moisture and draws it in, making your skin feel super soft and plump.
Next, the order you use your skincare products in really matters.
You should always use hyaluronic acid after cleansing, but before your moisturiser.
Why? Because if you put hyaluronic acid on top of a sunscreen or a moisturiser, it’s not going to be able to reach the top layer of your skin to do its job.
Think of hyaluronic acid as laying down a hydration base, then your moisturiser as a cover that’s going to keep it all locked in.
The place you’re in can make a difference, too.
Humid environments work well, as hyaluronic acid pulls moisture from the air into your skin.
If you’re in a drier setting, it’s important to give it a water source to draw moisture from. The easiest way? Make sure your skin is damp before applying. Straight after a shower or in a steamy bathroom is perfect.
But the thing to remember is that hyaluronic acid isn't a one-stop-shop. It's an incredible natural ingredient, but it does its best work when used in combination with other products.
To really get the best out of it, keep your skin damp when applying, use it before your moisturiser and make sure it's part of your overall skincare plan.
That way you're not just giving your skin a quick fix, but keeping it hydrated and happy over time.
What’s the best routine I can use to get the most benefit from Hyaluronic Acid?
To start your day off right, here’s a quick morning routine you can use - and the order in which we recommend using our all-natural Everything Olive skincare products - that will make sure you get the most from hyaluronic acid:
Cleanse – to remove all the built up nasties from overnight. Our Hydrating Cream Cleanser, made with 84% organic ingredients, is perfect for nourishing and refreshing your skin, and making sure it’s ready to absorb the hyaluronic acid for maximum benefit. How to use it: Apply a five cent piece amount all over face, neck and decolletage with a little bit of water. Clean off with a wet face washer - as warm as you can handle. Repeat if necessary. Sometimes we even steam our face a couple of times with the face washer to create a little at-home spa experience.
Apply the Serum – to boost all that beautiful moisture, the next step is our Intense Hydration Gel Serum with Hyaluronic Acid. Containing over 87% organic ingredients, it’s the ultimate hydration-boosting product that’s gentle enough for everyday use. How to use it: While the skin is damp, apply a small amount all over face, neck and decolletage. Wait a few seconds for it to absorb. The dampness of your skin will enhance the serum's absorption and efficacy.
Seal It In – all-natural and containing 83% organic ingredients, our Intense Hydration Facial Cream is deeply hydrating and perfect for all skin types, especially under-nourished and hardworking skin that needs a little extra TLC. It’s also the perfect base for applying makeup, ensuring a flawless and dewy finish every time. How to use it: Apply small amount all over face, neck and decolletage. Use more or less as you feel is necessary.
Don’t Forget Your Eyes – While a general moisturiser is perfect for a quick once-over, if you want to specifically target the fine lines and wrinkles around your delicate eye area, you may want to use an eye cream too. Our Intense Hydration Eye Cream is super nourishing with added anti-ageing benefits. Containing all-natural ingredients (including 87% organic) it helps to firm, tighten and plump the skin around the eyes thanks to its key ingredient, Bakuchiol – which is touted as the new natural alternative to retinol. How to use it: apply a tiny dot under eyes and all around. A little bit goes a very long way.
Protect Your Skin – Finally, always top off your morning skincare routine with a good, natural broad-spectrum sunscreen. This protects your now-hydrated, supple skin from UV damage. Our dermatologically tested, Natural SPF 50+ Sunscreen contains ZERO chemical filters, preservatives or unnatural fragrance, as well as being eco-friendly and reef safe. A super gentle formulation, it’s also perfect for children and the most sensitive of skins. How to use it: Use as much as you like of this one. Face, neck and decolletage areas are all very important. It soaks in within seconds, so won’t leave you feeling greasy - and it smells divine!
Incorporating hyaluronic acid into your daily skincare routine isn’t just about adding another product; it's about understanding its role and giving your skin what it naturally needs.
By understanding its benefits, applying it correctly and creating a complementary daily skincare routine, you're not just hydrating your skin; you're investing in its long-term health.
Remember, beautiful skin starts with the right ingredients, and – whether you’re dealing with dryness, ageing or a lacklustre complexion - hyaluronic acid truly is the game-changer you’ve been looking for!
Want to try out our all-natural skincare products to see how they can benefit your skin?
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Everything Natural. Everything Skincare. Everything Olive.
100% Australian made and owned, Everything Olive crafts a range of natural, affordable and eco-conscious olive oil-based skincare that's nurturing, affordable and effective.
From soothing balms and facial care, to cleansers, sunscreen and body treatments that offer a touch of everyday luxury, each carefully handcrafted product contains the healing and soothing properties of extra virgin olive oil, meticulously blended with the finest natural and organic ingredients.
Providing real solutions to everyday needs, discover the secret of radiant, nourished skin with Everything Olive.
Because everyone’s skin deserves genuine care, and you deserve to feel naturally beautiful every day.