We all aspire and dream to have plump, juicy skin that glows. Maybe that dewy look is what’s missing from your complexion, along with cultivating a baby-soft complexion. It’s turned into a skincare staple, but do you actually know what it is and how it benefits your skin? So let’s break down what you need to know about hyaluronic acid, including its benefits and how you should be using it in your routine.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Natural term Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally produced by the body, and is used to cushion and lubricate skin, eyes, and joints. It’s a glycosaminoglycan (GAG), which is really just a fancy word for molecules that draw water in and hold on to it. In the skin, its function is akin to a sponge, soaking up moisture and helping to keep the skin cells hydrated, plump, and smooth.
The benefit of hyaluronic acid is that it can absorb up to 1,000 times its weight in water, and is thus a superpower hydrator. But what makes hyaluronic acid particularly enticing is that it’s a molecule small enough to penetrate the skin, so it doesn’t just sit on top like some other ingredients-it goes to work deep in your skin to hydrate and revitalize.
What Can You Mix Hyaluronic Acid With?
The good news, though, is that hyaluronic acid is highly adaptable. It plays nicely with nearly any other ingredient, so it’s relatively easy to mix into whatever you’re already using. In reality, when combined with other good-for-your-skin ingredients such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid can actually help make them more effective-and get you even better results.
Below, some of the best ingredients to pair with hyaluronic acid.
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Vitamin C: Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C can be a hydration and brightening dynamo. As hyaluronic acid attracts and locks in moisture, vitamin C helps even skin tone, brighten dark spots, and protect against environmental aggressors.
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Retinol: Retinol and hyaluronic acid complement each other for a powerful formula. “Retinol can be drying, so hyaluronic acid can help mitigate that by hydrating — to ensure your skin doesn’t become irritated,” says Robbins.
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Peptides: Peptide support with skin barrier and hyaluronic acid gives deep hydration. The combination is a skin-strengthening one-two punch that powers up your skin’s “bounce-back” ability – the definition of youthful-looking skin.
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Niacinamide: Hyaluronic acid plays well with niacinamide, a calming ingredient that’s generous and good for your skin. Niacinamide also works to calm redness and irritation, and hyaluronic acid ensures that the skin stays adequately moisturized.
Using Hyaluronic Acid on the Skin: Benefits
As we are more equipped to understand what hyaluronic acid is and how it functions, let’s discuss the ways in which it benefits the skin. It’s a reason why it’s such a holy grail ingredient in so many skin care products!
Hydration Powerhouse
Most importantly, hyaluronic acid can moisturize really well. If you’re plagued with skin that’s dry, flaky, or lackluster, hyaluronic acid is equivalent to a tall glass of water for your face. By drawing moisture into the skin and sealing it there, it keeps the skin feeling soft, smooth and plump.
Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles
The fact is, when your skin is hydrated, it will look younger anyway. Hyaluronic acid plumps the skin and works to hydrate, reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The better your skin is hydrated, the less visible those annoying fine lines are.
Improves Skin Elasticity
“The hyaluronic acid preserves skin elasticity, which is essential for a tight and smooth formation. Our skin loses its elasticity as we age, but by making hyaluronic acid a regular part of your beauty routine, you can help your skin stay plump and firm.
Boosts Skin Repair
Hyaluronic acid aids in the skin’s natural healing process. It encourages collagen production and repairs the skin barrier, something that is essential for good skin health. This makes hyaluronic acid not just a wonderful hydration ingredient, but also an excellent protector of skin from environmental assailants.
Ingredient Deep Dive: Benefits of Using Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, so it draws moisture from the air into your skin. But what goes on once it gets in?
Hyaluronic acid holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water within your skin cells, making certain that your skin remains moisturized throughout the day. This wetness results in a more supple, elastic texture and an improved skin appearance. The thing people love so much about hyaluronic acid in skincare is that it doesn’t just hydrate the surface; it works its way into the deeper layers to provide lasting hydration.
One reason is that its molecular structure is particularly well-suited to the task. The molecules of hyaluronic acid are small enough to be absorbed by the skin’s upper layers; some of the heavier molecules remain on the surface, forming an additional barrier to moisture loss. This also keeps it perfect for sensitive skin types as it fights on the surface and deep within the epidermal layer.
What is the Benefit of Hyaluronic Acid in Skincare?
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Moisturize skin by pulling moisture into the skin.
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We plump and even out the skin’s surface.
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Skin elasticity and hydration trials offer the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
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Enhance skin texture by way of smoother, softer skin.
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You can help it be its best line of defense by maintaining moisture in and environmental aggressors out.
What Type of Skin Can Use Hyaluronic Acid?
Among the reasons hyaluronic acid is so widely beloved is its compatibility with nearly every skin type. This is how it breaks down by skin type:
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Dry Skin: If you have dry skin, hyaluronic acid is a savior that hydrates the heck out of it and helps lock in moisture, too. It helps restore moisture to leave your skin soft and plump.
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Oily Skin: Hyaluronic acid is for all skin types, even oily! It hydrates, but does not leave a greasy feeling. It’s light as air and absorbs well, no clogged pores in sight.”
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Hydrate: Sensitive Skin: Known for being extraordinarily bland and non-irritating, hyaluronic acid is the perfect skin moisturizer for sensitive skin. It hydrates without irritating and can even help calm redness and inflammation.
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Aging Skin: Hyaluronic acid is great for mature skin; it provides hydration and elasticity while plumping the skin. And it has the added bonus of softening fine lines and wrinkles, too.
The Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid (And Why You Should Apply It to Damp Skin)
You might have heard that hyaluronic acid works best when applied to damp skin. Here’s why: when your skin is damp, hyaluronic acid can draw moisture from the surface and lock it in, keeping your skin hydrated. If you apply it to dry skin, hyaluronic acid might actually pull moisture from the deeper layers of your skin, which could make your skin feel dry instead of hydrated.
So, for the best results, apply your hyaluronic acid serum to freshly cleansed skin that’s still a little damp. This will help it attract moisture from both the environment and the layers beneath your skin.
How to Use Hyaluronic Acid in Your Skincare Regimen?
Incorporating hyaluronic acid into your current skincare routine couldn’t be simpler. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
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Cleanse: The first step is to cleanse your face thoroughly with a mild facial cleaner to eliminate dirt, oils, and makeup.
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Tone: If you have a toner, apply it after cleansing to neutralize your skin’s pH.
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Hyaluronic Acid: While your skin is still moist, smooth about a few drops of hyaluronic acid serum over this and massage it into the surface.
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Moisturise: Ensure the hydration stays in place by using a moisturiser to keep skin soft and supple.
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Sunscreen: If it’s daytime, lather on some sunscreen to prevent sun damage to your skin.
How Frequent Should You Be Using Hyaluronic Acid?
Two cents: You can apply hyaluronic acid in your morning and nighttime skin care routine. It’s mild enough for use every day, too, and using it repeatedly in your routine can have lasting benefits for your skin.
Ready to give your skin a hydration boost? Check out this top‑rated option trusted by skincare lovers across Australia: Hyaluronic Acid Serum Australia.
FAQ
Are you allowed to use hyaluronic acid serum with retinol?
Yes! In fact, hydrating your skin with hyaluronic acid and retinol is an excellent way to prevent dryness while experiencing the more intense anti-aging properties of retinol. Retinol can be drying, so hyaluronic acid moisturizes over that.
Is it okay to combine hyaluronic acid with vitamin C?
Absolutely. This is because Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid can complement each other well. Vitamin C brightens the skin, and hyaluronic acid hydrates. Just remember to use vitamin C first, then hyaluronic acid.
Can hyaluronic acid cause breakouts?
Hyaluronic acid is typically non-comedogenic, so in theory, it shouldn’t cause breakouts. But if you have extremely sensitive skin or are acne-prone, patch test first.
References:
The hype on hyaluronic acid
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-hype-on-hyaluronic-acid-2020012318653
PubMed Central (PMC)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9450287/
Disclaimer:
The information shared in this article is general in nature and is intended for educational purposes only. It does not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance on your individual needs and circumstances. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have an existing medical condition, or are taking prescription medication, seek guidance before making changes to your health routine or using supplements. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. For our full Health Disclaimer & Liability Notice, visit this page.
