Let’s talk over-40 skincare. It really isn’t all that different from under-40 or under-any-other-age skincare, with a few notable exceptions. You’ll still need a cleanser, makeup remover, moisturizer, and — the absolute deal breaker: sunscreen. But If your concerns have shifted a little over time to include exceptional dryness and fine lines — aka the natural, normal signs of aging that nearly everyone on planet Earth experiences — then it’s a great idea to incorporate a few good serums into your routine.
This is where things get complicated. A trip to Sephora, Ulta, or the neighborhood drugstore will reveal literal shelves upon shelves of serums and oils. So many products make amazing claims. And if you start to believe all of them, your wallet will feel it. The key to building a great anti-aging skincare routine is to know your effective ingredients well and only select products that contain the highest content of them. All of those serums that are filled with nice-sounding additives may make the product feel or smell good on your skin, but you’re paying a premium for something that doesn’t make a difference in your skin’s actual texture.
Hyaluronic acid is one of the gold standards in skincare ingredients. If you’ve heard this word thrown around dozens of times, but aren’t sure what it is exactly or why it could prove an incredible ally in your skincare goals, we spoke with experts who outlined the anti-aging benefits of using hyaluronic acid over 40, with tips on what you need to know to make the most of this stellar ingredient.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
First thing: what exactly is hyaluronic acid anyway?
“Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the body, mostly in the skin,” said Connie Elder, founder of PEAK 10 SKIN. “It is also found in your eyes and joints. Its primary job is to provide moisture. As we age, the level of hyaluronic acid in our skin decreases, which leads to dehydrated skin and wrinkles. Applying topically a high quality hyaluronic acid serum is a great natural way to supplement the moisture loss and reduce signs of aging.”
Hyaluronic acid has the unique ability to hold 1000 times its weight in water. It is a humectant and helps to attract moisture and hold on to it in the skin, according to Elder. “This aids in giving your skin a fuller, plumper and more youthful look,” Elder says. “By creating this more hydrated environment, it facilitates the skins ability to naturally repair and regenerate damaged skin cells.”
And because hyaluronic acid helps the skin stay more hydrated, it can prevent oil glands from over producing oil and causing breakouts. So, in short: it’s a bit magical — an ingredient that has the ability to hydrate parched skin AND keep oil production under control to prevent acne.
What Are The Best Sources Of Hyaluronic Acid?
There are a number a hyaluronic acid serums and oils on the market, in addition to day and night creams that list it as one of its ingredients. One of the keys to choosing the best one, no matter what your budget is, comes down to its placement on the ingredient list. So definitely read the list before you make your purchase.
“When selecting a hyaluronic serum, we believe it is best to have the ingredient high on the list,” Elder says. “Hyaluronic has become very popular in the skincare space. Lot’s of companies put a little in the product, just for marketing purposes. If you purchase a serum, read the ingredients list. Make sure the hyaluronic (Hyaluronate) is near the top on the list to achieve the greatest benefits.”
Hyaluronic Application Tips
Applying hyaluronic acid is a pretty effortless step in your routine, but it always helps to know the best way in which to order your product application so that each serum, toner, or moisturizer can properly do its job.
“When using a hyaluronic acid serum, apply it first to clean skin,” Elder says. “This allows the product to penetrate directly into the skin. You may layer a moisturizer on top of the serum. A pure hyaluronic serum can be used all over the entire face and tight around the thin eye area to help maintain more moisture in your skin.”
So if you’re looking for ways to boost your skincare game, consider adding a quality hyaluronic acid (that contains either 100 percent of the ingredient or lists it way high up on its ingredients list). Your glowing skin will thank you for it.
