QuestionMy aesthetician career is about to start in the desert that is Las Vegas, NV. In school in the northwest we learned humectants were not good to use in a dry climate because instead of attracting moisture to the skin, it attracts moisture FROM the skin, and therefore, should not recommend them. Can you please elaborate on this? I've read in up-scale beauty magazines about this powerful ingredient but nothing about the environment to use it in. I don't want to give my clients something that's actually bad for their skin, but it's become so popular the last few years, I'd hate to miss out if it's not that bad.
Thank you so much for your time,
Cheryl
AnswerDear Cheryl~
Indeed, you are correct. Topical hyaluronic acid (HA) in the form of gels, serums and so forth is widely available but its usefulness is limited. HA can provide effective skin surface moisturizing, either alone or in combination with other moisturizing ingredients. However, there is a controversy whether concentrated HA formulas should be used as a moisturizer in dry climates. When air humidity is very low, HA may pull water from the skin rather than from the air, thus producing the opposite effect. The optimal use of HA as a moisturizer needs further research. It is a very good choice in more humid climates.
Best,
Linda Gearke
Strictly Personal - The Personal Care Marketing Experts
