Technological revolution has had many effects on our everyday life in various ways, one of which is making us conscious of the way we look. A well hydrated (AKA reflective) skin is a sign of confidence which is much required in this era of online communication and social media. it would be impolite to list all skin care ingredients yet leave out one of the most over rated and underrated one I.e Hyaluronic acid. Due to the new ’online culture’, this ingredient has been a key SEO (search engine optimisation) since a long time rendering companies to manufacture products including some concentrations of it to build their SEO. 

What exactly is it you ask? How can an acid be safe for skin?

Well, Hyaluronic acid is a non-sulphated glucose amino glycan (GAG) which acts as a ‘humectant’ due to its hydrophilic properties.

In simple terms, Hyaluronic acid loves water and it acts like a bridge allowing the water molecules in air to enter our skin leaving it hydrated or rather “a glass skin effect” 

One unsung additive effect of this ingredient would be its ability to clear out black heads or open comedone but the effects are temporary and in dry air with less humid conditions. Although, it is named as an acid, a notable point would be the normal pH of our skin which is anywhere between 5 to 5.5 (slightly acidic) making a few acids good if used in right composition. 

Another ingredient which has come into lime light recently is ‘Petroleum jelly’ or ‘Vaseline’ as we know it. Been in the market, this product is a boon for dry skin types. 

A term called ‘slugging‘ which has been revolving all across social media which involves basting Vaseline all over the face at night to prevent the Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) I.e water lost from the skin surface. It turns out to be one of the most affordable and most effective ingredient to prevent TEWL. The effects basically work on the water molecules already available in the epidermis leaving the atmospheric molecules null and void. 

An interesting fact missed out by many is the effect skin would have if these two ingredients were to be used in combination due to synergistic properties which will give a natural ‘plump’ look and at just below $10. 

How to do that? 

  • Pick up any Hyaluronic acid serum. Almost every brand out there includes a Hyaluronic acid product in their portfolio. 
  • Post face wash at night (with a cleanser for oily skin and with water for sensitive or dry skin types) apply a few drops (2 to 4) of Hyaluronic acid on face, neck, around the eyes, lips, back of hands or any region that needs hydration or sheen. 
  • Allow it to dry out for 10 to 15 seconds and lock in that moisture by slapping a good amount of Vaseline over the same areas (Petroleum jelly) 
  • Have a good nights sleep and wake up to a well hydrated face to last entire day. 

How does this exactly work? 

Our skin tends to loose more water at night, application of Hyaluronic acid sucks in moisture from the air inside the skin and as there is petroleum jelly present in topmost coat, the moisture gets trapped under the skin preventing TEWL which is maximum at night. This lmakes the skin look well hydrated or ‘reflective’. 

A few points of precaution, 

  • Oily skin types need to use lesser amount of both products Or switch to glycerin instead of Hyaluronic acid. 
  • For people who are prone to acne, may notice a small flare up for a day or two which is nothing but the skin adapting to new products. 
  • Check for allergies to both before going ahead with anything. 

If this does not get you hooked to your mirrors every morning, I don’t know what  will.