THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO IALUSET

It's French pharmacy gold for dehydrated skin and fine lines.

Ialuset was one of the first products stocked on Kanvas Beauty. This innocuous, clinical-looking tube had long been a favourite of ours, for its near-magic ability to plump out the skin and restore hydration. It's the kind of product that fixes a number of skin problems in a "Jesus, take the wheel" kinda way: you can notice a difference overnight, which can't be said about a lot of hyaluronic acid products out there on the market. But there's a way to make Ialuset work to its best potential. Simply applying it on the skin won't necessarily produce the results raved about by many of its fans. So, here's your definitive guide to Ialuset, and how to get the most out of it.

Firstly, what is Ialuset exactly?

• In short, the major ingredient in Ialuset is 100% pure, pharmacy-grade hyaluronic acid. It is sold over-the-counter in France, meaning a prescription isn't required to purchase it. The other ingredients are mainly formula stabilizes and texture enhancers.
• Ialuset is not a cosmetic skincare product. In fact, it was made to treat uninfected wounds, burns and mild ulcers. French woman soon realized however, that it also did an incredible job at ridding fine lines.
• The pharmaceutical manufacturer of Ialuset is Genevrier Laboratoires, which also makes a number of other products to treat inflammaton and promote wound repair.
• The texture is like a thick, creamy serum or lotion. While Ialuset is thick, it's easily spreadable with a milky lotion feel. One tube will last you forever if you're using it just for your face and neck. You can use it on your body too, especially on the dry, ashy bits (elbows and knees).
• Ialuset's full ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate), Cetearyl Glucoside, Oleic Acid Decylester, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Glycerol, Liquid Sorbitol, ​Methylal, Propyl Parahydroxybenzoate, Trisodium Citrate Dihydrate, Water.

Is hyaluronic acid really that good?

The short answer is yes.

• Hyaluronic acid ('HA') is quite an incredible humectant. HA is actually naturally occuring in our own bodies. It's found throughout our connective tissues, as well as our skin and eyes. It basically keeps the machine that is the human body well lubricated. It also helps treat inflammation around wounds and abraisions. Hence, you can also find it in eyedrops, acne scar creams and wound repair creams.
• Because our bodies produce less HA as we age, it contributes to that 'crepey' look our skin takes on.Less HA means we become less efficient at retaining moisture. That's why dermal fillers (designed to "plump out" the skin) and a lot of anti-ageing products contain HA.
• And here's another fun fact: apart from the natural ageing process, pollution, nicotine and UV radiation will also decrease our natural HA levels. That's why it's so important to use a good SPF, cleanse your face properly at the end of the day, and, if you can, avoid smoking (and vaping too).

How do you use Ialuset correctly?

Ialuset is basically pure hyaluronic acid. HA thrives in certain conditions - but can actually leave your skin feeling drier in others. Here's how to get the most of your Ialuset.

• Firstly, Ialuset is NOT a moisturizer: Despite what you've heard, and despite that TikTok you saw, Ialuset is not a moisturizer and is not meant to be used as one. Keep in mind it is a wound treatment, and not a cosmetic in the first place. Where does Ialuset belong in your routine? Basically, after cleansing, toning, and any essences. After applying Ialuset, you can finish with your moisturizer.
• Why is a moisturizer required after Ialuset? Unless you live in very humid conditions, Ialuset needs an occlusive to "seal it in", and one that is rich in emollients will be especially beneficial for skin on the dry side. 
• Really? I thought Ialuset is pure HA - shouldn't that be enough to hydrate my skin? Hyaluronic acid works by drawing moisture from the atmosphere. When you apply a HA serum to your skin, it will draw moisture from its surrounds and bind it to your skin. If your skin is dry and you (like most of us) live in in a dry or air conditioned environment, the HA will pull all the moisture from your skin instead. If you read reviews on Ialuset, they're mainly phenomenal - but occassionally you'll see some that complain it left their skin dry. That's why it's so critical that you apply HA to damp skin, finish off with a mist and seal it in with a moisturizer. This might be less of an issue if you have ultra-oily skin and live in a rainforest, but most of us don't.
• Sandwich your Ialuset between layers of hydrating toner and/or mists. Given how HA works, applying a couple of layers of hydrating toner after cleansing and before Ialuset is a crucial step in getting that plumping effect. 
• ALWAYS apply Ialuset on very damp skin.You only need a pea-sized amount for the entire face and neck. Using your index finger, spread it across your face. Because your skin is wet, it'll appear visible. Don't want until your skin is completely dry before applying your mist on top, or another layer of toner if that's what you prefer. Lastly, gently pat your moisturizer on. 
• We recommend applying Ialuset at night and using it sparingly. Because Ialuset is actually a wound repair treatment, we wouldn't recommend it for every day use. Overuse can lead to irritation. You can apply it during the day as well, but during the night is when your skin cells are primed for healing and restoring. High-concentration HA will do its best work overnight.

Some of our favourite toners to combine with Ialuset are:

• For redness-prone skin: TIA'M's My Signature Vita B5 Toner
• For very dry skin: Frudia's Avocado Relief Essence Toner
• For acne-prone skin: SKIN&LAB's Tricicabarrier Soothing Toner
• For combination skin: Isntree's Green Tea Fresh Toner.
• For mature skin: Acwell's Phyto Active Balancing Toner
• For hyperpigmented skin: Some By Mi's Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Toner

TIP: Try applying multiple layers of Toners before you apply Ialuset for extra juicy skin - it's called the "7 skin method" and you can read more about it here. Yes, it is time consuming, but oh-so-worth-it!

Some of our favourite mists to finish your Ialuset treatment include:

• For redness-prone skin: Pyunkang Yul's Mist Toner
• For very dry skin: Laneige's Cream Skin Refiner Mist
• For acne-prone skin: Klairs - Fundamental Ampule Mist
• For mature skin: Mary & May's Rose Collagen Mist Serum
• For hyperpigmented skin: TIA'M's Vita B3 Mist Toner

Other ways to use Ialuset

Even if you don't use it for its skin plumping goodness, Ialuset is a handy addition to your bathroom cabinet! Here are some great uses for Ialuset:

1. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: After your pimple has popped and the wound has closed, dab a little Ialuset on it until it completely heals, to lessen the appearance of scars. 
2. Non-infected burns and ulcers: Clean the area with saline solution, then apply Ialuset on top in a thick, 2-3mm layer. Do this once daily, until the area is healed.
3. Mild sunburn: Apply hydrating toner and aloe to the sunburn, then apply Ialuset. Finish off with an occlusive moisturizer for faster healing.

FAQs on Ialuset

Can I use Ialuset with vitamin C, acid exfoliants and other active products? You can use Ialuset with active skincare ingredients without issue. Hyaluronc acid is a very compatible ingredient. Ialuset can even help your skin heal after exfoliation faster, while restoring some of the hydration that exfoliation can sometimes takeaway. Apply your acid exfoliant first, wash-off if required, and then follow through with your usual toner - Ialuset - toner/mist layers.

What are the side effects of hyaluronic acid? Because HA is a natural substance in our bodies, there's very little irritation associated with this ingredient. Because it can cause dryness if incorrectly used, it can indirectly lead to irritation and redness. There's also a small number of us that are sensitive to hyaluronic acid. It's rare, but if that is you, stick to low concentrations of HA where it's the supporting ingredient in a product rather than the main star, and opt for other humectants like polyglutamic acid and beta glucan.

Where does Ialuset come from? Ialuset is shipped directly from our supplier in France. For a full list of ingredients and instructions in English, refer to this blog post or the product page.

Where can I find Ialuset online in Australia and New Zealand? You can shop Ialuset as well as our recommended Toners and Mists right here on Kanvas Beauty. We ship Australia-wide, including all the major cities (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Darwin, Adelaide and Canberra). Enjoy free standard shipping with any purchase over $49, and free express shipping with any order over $99. If you’re new to Kanvas Beauty, take an additional $20 off your first order with us (use code WELCOME20 at checkout). 

Happy shopping! If you have further questions on Ialuset or are looking to buy skincare online and don't know where to start, drop us a line on chat or on email: hello@kanvasbeauty.com.au.