Hyaluronic Acid - The Elixir for Hydrated, Supple Skin

Hyaluronic Acid is an ingredient that you probably have heard of in Korean skincare products, especially those that provide your skin with deep hydration. Did you know that the hyaluronic acid molecule is able to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water? Known for its amazing water retention properties, it is definitely a must-have in your summer skincare routine to keep your skin well hydrated, supple and smooth. Despite its name, hyaluronic acid is not actually an acid. In fact, it is a naturally occurring sugar which we can find in our body parts that require constant lubrication and hydration like our joints, skin and eyes.

However, the levels of hyaluronic acid present in our skin decreases as we age or when our skin is exposed to external environmental stressors, therefore it is crucial that we supplement our skin with hyaluronic acid to prevent dehydration and moisture loss, as well as premature aging of the skin. What's most interesting about hyaluronic acid is that is benefits all skin types, including oily and blemish-prone skin! Remarkable isn't it?

You may be asking yourself, if hyaluronic acid is naturally present in our bodies already, why do we need to incorporate it into our skincare routines, how does it benefit my skin and how can I incorporate this widely raved ingredient into my skincare routine? To help you get started, here is a step by step skincare routine on how to incorporate this skin-boosting ingredient!

 

A Hydrating and Soothing Cleanser to Begin Your Routine

Start your skincare routine with a rich, foaming cleanser like KLAIRS Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera extracts, tea tree oil and houttuynia cordata, it removes impurities without stripping moisture from the skin which makes it suitable for all skin types. Pump out the cleanser onto the palm of your hands and apply all over your face in circular motions before rinsing and lightly patting it dry with a clean towel. Your skin will be left hydrated, clear and refreshed!

 

Awaken Your Skin with Lightweight, yet Effective Toner

Hydrated skin gives the liveliest vibes! ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Toner Plus is the perfect toner to replenish your skin's moisture and hydration levels. With 5 different types of hyaluronic acid molecules and 7 botanical extracts to penetrate deep into the skin layers, this slightly viscous toner helps retain the skin's moisture balance for hydrated, soft and supple appearance. it is also enriched with centella asiatica, aloe vera and panthenol to deliver instant soothing and cooling sensation on the skin, prevent irritation and dryness. These ingredients work together with hyaluronic acid to awaken your skin with fresh, long-lasting hydration.

6 ingredients is all you need for plumper, silky-smooth and fresh skin with ONE THING Hyaluronic Acid Complex. The high concentration of hyaluronic acid in this essence toner absorbs quickly into your skin to relieve dehydration, improve the appearance of fine lines for firmer-looking skin. Without the addition of artificial colouring, fragrances or parabens this ONE THING Hyaluronic Acid Complex is safe to be used on all skin types.

After cleansing your face, dispense an adequate amount of toner on a cotton pad and apply it all over your face. Your skin will be left with a soothing, cool and hydrated sensation without the feeling of greasiness or stickiness.

 

A Drop of the Ocean for an Explosion of Hydration

 

Who else hears a constant calling of the ocean in summer? Here's an entire ocean of hydration in a drop, made just for you! AROMATICA Aloe Hy-ffective Serum 40% Hyaluronic sol. + 1% B5 is a skin-quenching serum filled with organic aloe and hyaluronic acid that gives your skin a burst of hydration with a refreshing and cooling finish. The lighweight moisturising serum strengthens the skin's barriers. It also contains Vitamin B5 to effective to calm down the skin and retain the skins moisture levels to give the skin firmness and increase the elasticity for a dewy and supple complexion.  

The Only Hydrating Ampoules You Need

Will ampoules be too rich for my skin in summer? Well not this one! MIZON Hyaluronic Acid 100 is a weightless, fast absorbing ampoule packed with 50% hyaluronic acid which penetrates into the skin layers to deliver a boost of hydration, while keeping the top layer of the skin well moisturised. Apart from hyaluronic acid, this multitasking ampoule helps maintain the skin's barrier and diminish the appearance of fine lines thanks to ceramide and adenosine present in it.

On the other hand, if your skin is on the oilier side, you need COSRX Hydrium Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule! This lightweight, watery ampoule is packed with a hefty dose of hydration from 42% Centella asiatica and Panthenol for deep, long lasting hydration. With its gentle, skin-friendly formula that is non-comedogenic, this ampoule works well for oily, sensitive and acne-prone skin.

 

Don't Let All the Skin-Benefiting Hydration and Moisture Escape

Seal in all the hydration with a moisturiser like COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream. Enriched with hyaluronic acid for deep hydration and sea buckthorn extract which nourishes the skin and reduces inflammation and acne-causing bacteria at the same time which makes it suitable for oily, acne-prone skin.

If you have sensitive skin or eczema-prone skin, we recommend THE FACE SHOP Dr Belmeur Advanced Cica Hydro Cream. This lightweight, hypoallergenic cream is made with hyaluronic acid to give the skin a burst of hydration and moisture, centella asiatica to soothe and calm irritated, damaged skin and beta glucan to help strengthen skin barrier. This cream leaves a refreshing and cool finish, making it ideal for dry, sensitive, irritated or damaged skin.

Dehydrated, dry skin making your skin texture somewhat... uneven? Or making your fine lines more prominent (oops!)? Don't you worry because hyaluronic acid is coming to save the day! LANEIGE Water Bank Hydro Cream and LANEIGE Water Bank Moisture Cream are made with deeply hydrating formulation containing hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration into your skin without leaving any greasy residue. Their fast absorbing textures wrap around your skin to supple and retain adequate moisture for supple, smooth and bouncy skin. These creams also work perfectly underneath your daily makeup without clumping, or as a night time moisturiser to retain hydration while you take your beauty sleep!

As a final step of your skincare routine, dispense an adequate amount of cream and apply a generous layer all over your face, then lightly pat for maximum absorption. Your skin will be left with long-lasting moisture, improved elasticity and visibly improved complexion. Say hello to dewy, soft and bouncy skin!

 

A Shot of Hydration to Keep Your Skin Happy

Let your skin drink up DR JART Dermask Shaking Rubber Hydro Shot! This rubbery mask pack contains hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B5 Panthenol and DR JART's expert moist complex to give your skin a surge of hydration and moisture, while keeping it cool and fresh.

We are all young at hearts aren't we? This mask pack comes in a fun and easy DIY packaging that brings out your inner child. Start by mixing the booster powder and ampoule in the cup provided, next close the lid and shake well until the products are combined into a thick paste. Using a spatula, apply a layer of the mask pack onto your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before carefully peeling it off or using a damp cloth. Your skin will be left feeling refreshed, supple and velvety smooth.

 

A Mask Sheet for a Perfect Relaxation Time

Tell us a better way to spend a relaxing summer afternoon than to just kickback and put on DR. JART Cryo Rubber with Moisturizing Hyaluronic Acid Mask. This 2-step mask sheet comes with a hyaluronic acid ampoule which helps provide hydration to relieve dry, dehydrated and tight skin. The rubber mask adheres easily onto the skin for effective delivery of hydration and nutrients.

Don't Forget the Skin Around Your Eyes

MIZON Hyaluronic Acid Eye Gel Patch is a jelly-like eye patch that instantly hydrates and moisturises the delicate skin around your eyes to help prevent and improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles. It is formulated with triple hyaluronic acid ampoule, kelp and sea mustard extracts to awaken dehydrated, dull skin. After cleansing your face, place an eye gel patch underneath each eye and leave it on for 15-20 minutes for a one-step method to relieve tired-looking eyes and rehydrate the skin around your eyes for plumper and youthful-looking skin.

With a multitude of benefits offered by this superstar ingredient, hyaluronic acid is definitely a perfect addition to your summer skincare routine. Its unique ability to retain and increase the skin's hydration, moisture and improving skin barrier while also helps the skin heal and repair makes it a distinguished ingredient in the realm of K-beauty.