SkINCARE INGREDIENTS SHOULD YOU INCLUDE IN YOUR HAIRCARE ROUTINE

Milina

9 Oct, 2021

Caring for your skin extends beyond the face. Sure, you've probably heard this from the dermatologists you follow for skin care advice on TikTok and Instagram. You may have also read articles on websites like these about the best skin care products to use on your neck and chest. However, the scalp is another area of the body that requires special attention.

Because you have a full head of hair covering your scalp, it's difficult to see, but it's still skin, which is why you'll find common skin care ingredients in scalp care and even hair care products. Take, for example, hyaluronic acid. It's a common ingredient that attracts moisture to the skin, giving it a thicker, smoother appearance. And it has similar effects when applied to your head.

"Hyaluronic acid is an excellent moisturizer that works wonders for anyone who has dry skin or a dry scalp," says Kerry Yates, trichologist and Color Collective founder.

What Are the Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for the Scalp and Hair?

Hyaluronic acid, like your face, can draw moisture to the scalp to increase hydration. According to Yates, humectants can help keep the scalp balanced, which is important because "a healthy scalp supports proper follicle fitness, keeps each strand supple and soft, and aids in the prevention of dandruff.

It can also help with common hair issues such as dryness, which contributes to frizz. "It's frequently used in haircare products to improve frizzy, dry strands without weighing hair down

Hyaluronic Acid Good for Any Hair Type?

Absolutely! Hyaluronic acid is a universal ingredient, but how you use it depends on the type and texture of your hair.

Fine/straight hair should use HA once or twice a week, according to Yates. "Overuse of Hyaluronic Acid combined with excessive sebum production can weigh hair down, making it appear flat and lifeless," she warns.

Yates says the sky's the limit for those with medium straight/wavy/curly to coarse straight/wavy/curly hair, especially if it's dry. Yates recommends using hyaluronic acid as a weekly treatment on the mid-lengths to ends of fine/medium coily hair. "Because of the number of bends within the hair, this hair type is extremely fragile.

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Is it possible to simply apply your favorite hyaluronic acid serum to your scalp and hair?

While using hyaluronic acid on your scalp and hair poses no real risks or potential side effects, it's best to proceed with caution before applying your favorite facial serum to your head, as it may contain active ingredients that irritate the scalp. "Although facial hyaluronic acid products can often be used for the scalp and hair," Dr. Nazarian says, "I would not recommend this unless the hyaluronic acid is gentle and without too many additives." "Many face products, especially hyaluronic acids combined with retinols or AHA aci, can weigh down the scalp and hair, or even worsen or irritate the area, causing hair brittleness and breakage.

When it comes to products for the scalp and hair, leave-on options will deliver the best results. "Wash-off products, such as shampoos and conditioners, may also provide benefits," Dr. Nazarian explains, "but HA works better when left on the hair/scalp and skin.

Hyaluronic acid, according to Yates, is an excellent supporting ingredient. "While hyaluronic acid is a more effective humectant, glycerin, for example, is a great humectant/hydrator and is commonly used in hair care products," she explains. "Hyaluronic acid is an excellent supporting ingredient for scalp treatments."