Tag Archives: skincare

Hyaluronic Acid – The New Skincare Regime

Hyaluronic Acid, a viscoelastic and highly hydrated macromolecule, is being praised by researchers of the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) for its wide range of applications towards tissue healing and regeneration.

Not just by doctors and dermatologists, HA products become recognized and favoured by users all over the world nowadays.

In the science community, Hyaluronic acid(HA) has been around for quite a while. However, it only recently gain general public’s attention through extraordinary performance in the beauty industry.

Trended since 2021, the period when skincare users had lots of time to do our own research. Because of quarantine, a lot of us discovered our skin type, hence what was right for our skin. And us beauty gurus comes to love HA for its affordability, great benefits, importantly, its suitability toward dry, oily, and even sensitive skin.

What is Hyaluronic acid?

HA is commonly present in our household in the form of beauty products, eyedrops, topical medications, and more.

HA is a glycosaminoglycan that is nonsulfated and non-protein, which can be found in our skin, eyes, joints… Specifically, one HA molecule contains 2 unit of sugars, glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-glucosamine, connecting to another HA molecule creating a polymer.

HA serum from The Ordinary (Toronto-based) receives more than 32,000 reviews on Google, winning media attention for its low price, basic ingredients, and outstanding hydrating effect. Credit: DECIEM.

Why HA?

The nice thing about HA is its viscosity and elasticity, these two properties make HA a great lubricant, also, give it the ability to retain moisture and water.

In our daily life, HA’s moisture retention proves to be beneficial. One can build his or her skincare regime based on Hyaluronic Acid, from facial cleanser, exfoliator, to acne treatment such as toner (AHA/BHA), moisturizer and serum. The benefits of HA are unlimited, from skincare to hair products like shampoo and hair serum, supplements, and more.

In the medical field, HA is widely recommended by doctors and dermatologists for its great ability to heal tissues and regenerate new skin. According to scientists, HA is a highly promising material to explore the process of tissue engineering such as cardiac and cartilage repair.

Soy Sauce in Skin Care: The Rise of Kojic Acid

Soy sauce, sake, and skincare all have one thing in common — Kojic Acid. 

Kojic acid, a by-product of soy sauce and sake production, is currently a debated skincare ingredient. 

Due to various beauty influencers on platforms like Tiktok, Instagram, and Youtube celebrating kojic acid as a miracle whitening product, it is important to understand the true abilities and downfalls of this ingredient. 

This ingredient is highly sought after due to its skin-whitening properties. Particularly, the acid is being used to spot treat hyperpigmentation from sun spots and acne scars. 

Kojic acid’s skin whitening features are derived from its ability to inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme needed to produce the skin pigment melanin. While kojic acid should not be used to lighten overall skin complexion, its “mild antioxidant, antimicrobial, and exfoliating properties,” according to Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Jennifer MacGregor, makes it suitable for small-scale skin lightening. 

Chemical Structure of Kojic Acid (Credit: Fuzzform, Wikipedia)

Despite its generally mild properties, kojic acid should still be used with caution. Prolonged use may cause increased sensitivity to sun exposure and dermatitis for those with sensitive skin. These side effects are exacerbated when kojic acid concentration exceeds 1%. 

Popular skincare brands are saturating the market with kojic acid. The compound can be combined with other well-known ingredients, such as vitamin C, glycolic acid, niacinamide, and hydroquinone.

Depending on the additional ingredients, kojic acid can be diluted to be tolerable for sensitive skin or compounded to accelerate whitening abilities. 

Kojic acid can currently be found in various forms to suit consumer preferences. Currently, the most sought-after forms of kojic acid are

SkinCeuticals’ Discoloration Defense serum, Koji White’s Kojic Acid Skin Brightening Soap, and Versed Skin’s Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Facial Toner.

SkinCeuticals’ Discoloration Defense serum (Credit: SkinCeuticals’)

Koji White’s Kojic Acid Skin Brightening Soap (Credit: Amazon) 

– Carissa Chua

Hyaluronic Acid – The new skincare regime

Hyaluronic acid(HA) has been around in the science community for quite a while, however, only recently gain recognition from the general public through its extraordinary performance in the beauty industry. Hyaluronic acid became trending in 2021, in the period where, because of Covid, skincare users have lots of time do our own research, thus learn about our skin type and what is right for our skin. Us beauty gurus comes to love HA for its affordability, great benefits, importantly, its suitability toward dry, oily, and even sensitive skin.

What is Hyaluronic acid (HA)? Commonly present in our household in the form of beauty products, eyedrops, topical medications, and more. HA is a glycosaminoglycan that is nonsulfated and non-protein, which can be found in our skin, eyes, joints… (1) Specifically, one HA molecule contains 2 unit of sugars, glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-glucosamine, connecting to another HA molecule creating a polymer. (3)

 

The nice thing about HA is its viscosity and elasticity, these two properties make HA a great lubricant, also, give it the ability to retain moisture and water. (2) In our daily life, HA’s moisture retention proves to be beneficial. Products such as moisturizers, skin/hair serum, toner (AHA/BHA), exfoliator, shampoo,… are various forms of hydrating treatments. In the medical field, HA is widely recommended by doctors and dermatologist for its great ability to heal tissues and regenerate new skin.