EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HYALURONIC ACID

The word acid might bring to mind science labs and test tubes – but don’t let that throw you off. Hyaluronic acid is actually a substance produced naturally by our skin cells, but it doesn’t hurt to give it a little top-up every now and then. The levels your body produces can be influenced by a variety of factors such as ageing and environmental stresses, which is why many beauty products include hyaluronic acid to help give your skin a boost. 

What does hyaluronic acid do?

So, you might have heard of hyaluronic acid and even seen it on a bunch of beauty product labels, but what does hyaluronic acid actually do? It works by helping to hold water in the skin, giving you a healthy, hydrated, and radiant glow. 

Hyaluronic acid benefits for skin

Hyaluronic acid is perfect for when your skin is feeling dehydrated, as it helps to hold moisture in your skin cells. It is able to hold a thousand times its weight in water and increased water levels plump up your skin which then helps to smooth out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps give your skin that healthy glow and can make it feel ultra-soft to the touch. Hyaluronic acid is suitable for all skin types and won't aggravate sensitive skin or blemish-prone skin types. It is great for dry skin, but all skin types including oily skin can become dehydrated as this is water loss rather than a lack of oil in the skin. Hyaluronic acid will bring moisture back to dehydrated skin, and as it is found naturally within skin it is well tolerated by all skin types. 

Hyaluronic acid serums and hyaluronic acid moisturisers 

When you’re deciding which form of hyaluronic acid is best for your skin type, it’s important to first understand the difference between a serum and a moisturiser. A hyaluronic acid serum will feel light and is designed to penetrate the skin to work at a deeper level. On the other hand, a hyaluronic acid moisturiser typically targets the surface of your skin and helps to bind cells together to create effective protection. You can combine the two for double the effect – especially if you particularly struggle with keeping your skin hydrated. Both will help to plump skin and you'll get all the hydrating benefits of hyaluronic acid, so choose both if you have dry skin or feel very dehydrated. 

How to use hyaluronic acid

It’s not just serums and moisturisers that go together – hyaluronic acid works well as an addition to your regular skincare routine. If you already have products that you love, simply add a hyaluronic acid-rich item to your normal ritual to make sure your skin stays plump and moisturised. Some options that might work for your skin include: