Hyaluronic acid is everywhere in the beauty world — and with good reason. But if you haven’t really looked into the science behind your skincare, you might be wondering how it works. And especially, how can an acid be hydrating?
Not to worry, though – we’re digging into what hyaluronic acid is, how to use it, and why it’s earned its spot in the skincare ingredient Hall of Fame.
Let’s get started.
THE BASICS
HYALURONIC ACID (HA)WHAT IT IS: Hydrator
WHAT IT DOES: This moisturizing agent boosts elasticity, supports collagen and elastin, and helps repair skin damage.
WHO IT'S FOR: Hyaluronic acid is gentle enough for all skin types, but it’s especially beneficial for those with dry skin.
HOW TO USE IT: Topical hyaluronic acid can be used in eye creams, serums, and moisturizers both morning and evening on clean, dry skin.
GOES WELL WITH: Vitamin C, peptides, retinoids, glycolic acid
DON’T MIX WITH: Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the skin and isn't known for causing reactions with other cosmetic ingredients.
TRY IT IN: Hyaluronic Eyes, Hyaluronic Concentrate, Hyaluronic Moisture and more
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a molecule that is naturally found in our joints, connective tissue, and skin. Depending on where it’s found in the body, it has different functions:
- Inside the joints: it helps to keep the space between your bones comfortable.
- In connective tissue: it cushions the cells of living tissue and helps to keep them hydrated.
- In the skin: it acts as a hydrating agent and helps to give skin elasticity, keeping it looking healthy.
Thanks to its natural ability to bind to and retain water molecules, hyaluronic acid plays a major role in our body’s functions, particularly in the skin and tissues. And this points to its recent popularity in skincare products.
What can hyaluronic acid do for my skin?
Aside from its capacity as a natural moisturizer, hyaluronic acid also boasts other impressive qualities. First up? It plays a role in helping to repair skin and combat the visible signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.
And although it’s an acid, its mild nature makes it very different from peeling ingredients like glycolic acid. This hydrating acid boasts a high water retention capacity, acting almost like a natural water reservoir in our skin. It also contributes to skin elasticity.
But as we age, the hyaluronic acid content in the skin decreases. A natural decrease in the production of hyaluronic acid happens as we get older. In short, your skin becomes drier and feels thinner over the years.
Applying hyaluronic acid topically can help return some of that hydration to the skin. Plus, it offers rejuvenating effects and:
- Helps restore plumpness to the face
- Minimizes the look of fine lines and wrinkles
- Promotes elasticity and bounce
- Supports natural collagen and elastin levels in the skin
- Helps retain water in the skin and maintain all-around hydration
Who should use hyaluronic acid?
It’s not just those with dry skin who can benefit from hyaluronic acid – this superstar ingredient makes a great addition to any skincare routine for its plumping and youth-boosting benefits. And generally, it’s tolerable for all skin types, even sensitive or oily skin.
What about mixing it with other skincare ingredients?
Hyaluronic acid + retinoids
Hyaluronic acid and retinoids make a stellar team. In fact, hyaluronic acid can help make any drying or irritating effects of retinoids less noticeable. But make sure to use the correct application of retinoid according to your skin type and needs.
Hyaluronic acid + vitamin C
Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid make a gentle yet powerful skincare combo. The benefits of both ingredients complement each other to create a rejuvenating duo. Hyaluronic acid offers intense hydration, while vitamin C works to brighten and even tone over time. You can find this dream team in Flavo-C Ultraglican.
Any mixtures to avoid?
Good news: hyaluronic acid pretty much always plays nice with others. There aren’t any notable ingredient interactions to worry about.
But when in doubt, test it out. Apply your skincare products onto a less-sensitive and visible area of skin (like the side of your neck or inner forearm) to see if it reacts. Once 24 hours have passed with no reaction, you should be ready to give it a real go.
How to use hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine, step by step:
1. Start with a clean slate
Overall, an oil cleanser is your best bet for a deep cleanse that doesn’t strip the skin. Oil attracts oil, making it ideal for gently removing impurities like excess sebum, waterproof makeup, or water-resistant sunscreen.
2. Add in an eye gel with hyaluronic acid
After cleansing, reach for an ultra-hydrating solution for your eyes. Hyaluronic acid can offer a firming effect and protect skin from moisture loss, leaving the eye area feeling smoother and visibly more energized.
What to look for in a formula? A gel-sorbet texture can help decongest and combat fatigue. Bonus points if it has an extra cooling effect and can be stored in the fridge or freezer before use.
3. Apply a soothing hyaluronic acid serum
Smooth on a hydrating serum both morning and evening. This simple act of self-care can help to replenish and boost your skin’s moisture levels, leaving skin looking radiant. The deep hydration from serums containing hyaluronic acid can also work to add the appearance of volume to the skin, while softening the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
4. Wrap skin in moisture with an HA cream
Hyaluronic acid can be used in moisturizer formulas to help retain hydration, acting as the layer that seals moisture into the skin. Moisturizers with hyaluronic acid help to maintain water levels, providing sustained moisture throughout the day. The end result? Skin that looks and feels smooth, hydrated, and refreshed.
5. Last but not least, sunscreen!
Every day, every weather – the final step of your morning skincare routine should always be high SPF, broad spectrum sunscreen. Layer it on after your moisturizer to help protect skin against the damaging effects of the sun.
Did you know hyaluronic acid can also help strengthen and moisturize nails and cuticles? And there’s one type called cationic hyaluronic acid — think of it as an enhanced version of our hydration hero, working to moisturize the nail plate and cuticle. Reach for nail care solutions designed with cationic hyaluronic acid for visible results.
Just the FAQs
Is hyaluronic acid safe?
Don’t let the word ‘acid’ give you pause: hyaluronic acid is widely considered a safe choice for all skin types. Since it’s found naturally in the body, adverse reactions to this ingredient aren’t common.
Can I use hyaluronic acid under eyes?
Yes! Hyaluronic acid formulas made specifically for the eye contour area can be both essential and effective. Thanks to its ability to bind to water, this hydrating ingredient can help restore elasticity and moisture levels around the eyes as well. Try it in Hyaluronic Eyes and K-Ox Eyes.
How often should I use it? Every day?
You can add hyaluronic acid to both your morning and evening routine every day.
Visible effects of hydration may show up quickly, but any rejuvenating effects typically take at least 30 days to appear. So, make sure to give any new skincare product at least a month of consistent use before making a final judgment.
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Sources and references:
Garre A et al. Antiaging effects of a novel facial serum containing L-ascorbic acid, proteoglycans, and proteoglycan-stimulating tripeptide: ex vivo skin explant studies and in vivo clinical studies in women. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:253-263
https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S161352 Oe et al. Oral hyaluronan relieves knee pain: a review. In Nutrition Journal (2016); 15: 11.
Sridevi et al. A Review on Hyaluronic Acid. In International Journal of Research in Chemistry and Environment (2012) Vol. 2 Issue 4; 6-11.
Papakonstantinou E., Roth M., Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. In Dermatoendocrinology (2012); 4(3): 253-258.
Pavicic et al. Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment. In Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (2011), 10(9):990-1000.
Amy is a content strategist who turned a part-time obsession with skincare into a full-time passion. Her experience as a creative storyteller includes a range of lifestyle and technology topics across Washington D.C. and Barcelona. What’s in her travel bag? Eye contour cream and sunscreen, always.
Medical Communication Manager
In addition to ten years as a primary care doctor, Aurora has over 23 years of experience developing and communicating healthcare products, most recently in dermo-cosmetics. She has co-authored many publications in dermatological journals and spoken at international health & beauty conferences. Ref: Colegio de Medicos de Madrid numero 282840102
