Hyaluronic Acid: Benefits and how to use

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.

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. 

Hyaluronic Acid soaks up to 1,000 times its own weight in water to plump up your skin, which is why you’ll find it in serums and creams. It also slows down the rate of water evaporation from the skin’s surface, keeping your complexion well-hydrated.

As you might imagine, hyaluronic acid is the star ingredient in formulations targeting dry skin. But it’s also useful for anti-ageing treatments, thanks to its ability to fill in wrinkles and fine lines. Hydrated skin appears smoother and more youthful, with any lines you might have becoming less noticeable.

At the same time, Hyaluronic Acid plays a role in improving skin elasticity. Over time, skin loses its natural bounce or ability to snap back into shape. This can lead to sagging. By delivering a mega-dose of water molecules, Hyaluronic Acid restores that elastic bounce.

As we age, our natural Hyaluronic Acid levels drop. Skin can feel thinner, drier, and more wrinkle-prone without replenishing these levels.

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. That and its compatibility with most skin types means there’s an ideal hyaluronic acid product out there for you. But what’s the optimal moment to apply it?

Can you use hyaluronic acid every day?

Remember that despite its acidic name, hyaluronic acid is a gentle, naturally-occuring skincare ingredient. It’s perfectly safe to use every day, as long as you’ve found a product that suits your skin and you’re not having any adverse reactions!

It should fit in neatly with your existing skincare routine: if you’re using a hyaluronic acid moisturiser, apply it twice a day after your usual cleansing and exfoliation. 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.

You can also safely combine this ingredient with products containing retinol, vitamin C or collagen.

Should you use hyaluronic acid in the morning or at night?

Hyaluronic acid’s versatility doesn’t just stretch to the skin types it works with or its vast-ranging benefits – it’s also suitable for morning or nocturnal application! In fact, you could even double up and apply hyaluronic acid during both your morning and evening skincare routines.

Although hyaluronic acid is super versatile, you can still tailor your product choices to your specific preferences and routines. For example, when you choose to apply hyaluronic acid might affect the products you use at each stage.

Applying hyaluronic acid in the morning – along with SPF

We all know that no morning skincare routine is complete without a good SPF. So why not get yourself a product that does double duty, offering a dose of hyaluronic acid along with the all-important sun protection?

Hyaluronic acid night creams

Plumping, hydrating, and restoring elasticity – there are so many reasons why Hyaluronic Acid is good for your skin. One of the easiest ways to try it out is with a daily moisturiser. Start by applying it once a day before working up to a more complicated routine.

Ready to give it a try? The L'Oréal  Paris Revitalift Filler + Hyaluronic Acid range includes serums, creams, masks and treatments designed to deliver an intense dose of hydration. Choose from lightweight formulas designed to lock in moisture fast, for visible results in short order.

* Clinical testing of 60 women