The Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for Skin

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a beauty product today that doesn’t contain Hyaluronic Acid. This skincare saviour is a go-to for dermatologists and the key to a plump, dewy complexion. But what is hyaluronic acid exactly and what makes it so special? Here’s a rundown of the benefits.

Maintaining fresh and youthful skin is something many of us strive for, but is hyaluronic acid serum the key? A tolerance molecule reported to bring back volume and maintain plumpness, hyaluronic acid is a critical ingredient in many makeup products. So, is hyaluronic acid good for skin? And what does hyaluronic acid do anyway? Find out everything you need to know with our handy guide to this super-soaking skincare ingredient.

Found naturally in our skin, hyaluronic acid is a water-holding molecule (specifically, a glycosaminoglycan) that helps to keep your tissues lubricated and healthy. In fact, hyaluronic acid is reported to have many benefits, which is why this Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) is a crucial ingredient in so many makeup and skincare products. It might be an acid, but it’s far from harsh. Hyaluronic Acid is a molecule produced naturally in the body. To get slightly technical, it’s a polysaccharide with humectant properties, giving it the ability to bind and retain water molecules.

According to the NCBI, your body puts Hyaluronic Acid to good use in maintaining general health, from lubricating joints to hydrating tissues and even forming blood vessels. 

It retains water molecules, slows down evaporation, and plumps up skin cells with hydration. These are just a few of the reasons why hyaluronic acid is so good for your skin.

Hyaluronic Acid can be beneficial for all skin types:

• It retains moisture to combat dry skin by locking in hydration
• It provides balance to oily skin, being a lightweight moisturising ingredient that won’t clog pores
• It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, as it’s hydrating without irritating
• It replenishes lost moisture and skin elasticity for mature skin types, reducing the appearance of fine lines

As a topical treatment, Hyaluronic Acid is fast-absorbing and versatile. Its ability to retain moisture makes it a tried-and-true way to restore the skin’s barrier, improving health overall.

While we’ve mentioned the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid in topical treatments, it also works well as a filler. This compound is naturally produced in the body, and because it’s similar to existing substances it’s unlikely to cause irritation when injected into lips or cheeks. Hyaluronic Acid adds volume to areas that might naturally deflate over time. It also dissolves naturally, making it less invasive than other filler ingredients.

Wondering when to use hyaluronic acid as part of your everyday routine? You’ll find this ingredient in multiple skincare products, including serums, moisturisers, and masks. The good news is that Hyaluronic Acid is gentle enough to use day and night, so you can double up on products for an extra hit of hydration. You can also safely combine this ingredient with products containing retinol, vitamin C or collagen.

When using a Hyaluronic Acid moisturiser, apply it twice a day after your usual cleansing and exfoliating routine.

A good rule of thumb when it comes to applying products is to go from thin to thick consistencies. So, if you’re using a lightweight Hyaluronic Acid serum, apply this first and gently pat it into your skin before locking it in with a rich moisturiser or overnight cream.