It might seem strange to some that acid occurs naturally in our bodies, but it does, and it plays a very important role in skin health.
Found in your skin, connective tissues and eyes, hyaluronic acid is a hydrating substance that acts as a natural lubricant, with powerful moisturising and anti-ageing benefits,
Because of its ability to improve our skin’s appearance and texture, hyaluronic acid has gained widespread popularity in the beauty industry as a topical application.
But what exactly does it do for skin? How do you use it effectively? And what are the best products containing hyaluronic acid? In this article, we’ll answer those questions and more.
What does hyaluronic acid do for skin?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural substance that is present in the skin and other tissues in the body. In the skin, HA is primarily found in the dermis and plays an important role in maintaining the skin's hydration and elasticity.
When applied topically to the skin, HA can help to:
- Hydrate: HA has the ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it an excellent humectant. This means that it can help to draw moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated and plump
- Improve texture and tone: By hydrating the skin and promoting cell turnover, HA can help to improve the overall texture and tone of the skin, making it look smoother and more even
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: As we age, our skin produces less HA, which can lead to the development of fine lines and wrinkles. By replenishing the skin's HA levels, topical or injectable HA can help to reduce the appearance of these signs of ageing
- Soothe and calm: HA has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe and calm irritated or inflamed skin
How to use hyaluronic acid
If you want to successfully incorporate HA into your skincare routine, follow these tips to get the best results:
- Choose the right product: Look for skincare products that contain HA as one of the main ingredients. HA can be found in a variety of products, including serums, moisturisers, and masks
- Apply it to clean skin: For best results, apply HA to clean skin after cleansing and toning
- Use it before your moisturiser: HA should be applied before your moisturiser to help lock in the hydration. After applying HA, wait a few minutes before applying your moisturiser
- Use it consistently: To see the best results, use HA consistently as part of your daily skincare routine
- Adjust the amount based on your skin type: If you have dry skin, you may want to use more HA to help hydrate your skin. If you have oily skin, you may want to use less HA or choose a product with a lighter texture
- Don't forget your sunscreen: HA does not provide sun protection, so be sure to apply sunscreen on top of your HA-containing products during the day.
Best hyaluronic acid products
Skin & Tonic Plump Up Serum
Skin & Tonic’s powerful Plump Up Serum does just what it says on the tin. The HA plumps and boosts while smoothing your skin’s external layers to leave you looking radiant, while minimising fine lines and uneven tone. It also contains phytoglycogen and prebiotic inulin, which energise skin cells and reduce the growth of bad bacteria.
Haeckels Algae Plump
Algae Plump is a hydrating serum that combines marine-derived polysaccharides with hyaluronic acid to moisturise the skin more effectively than hyaluronic solutions on their own. It also contains Vitamin B3, a powerful antioxidant that stimulates the production of ceramides and HA.
Olixa Mushroom Facial Mist
Featuring Reishi and Shiitake mushrooms, Olixa Mushroom Facial Mist protects and renews the skin, while evening out skin tone, refining skin texture and providing antioxidant protection. It also contains Holy Basil, Ashwagandha and Ginseng, which help your skin adapt to stress and build resilience.
Kalahari Melon Facial Emulsion
Another brilliant Olixa product, Kalahari Melon Facial Emulsion is a moisturising emulsion that supports the skin barrier’s function and repair. It’s also blended with Baobab, Marula, Paracress and Hyaluronic Acid to leave skin feeling deeply hydrated, soothed, firmer, plumper and brighter.
Orgaid Anti-Aging & Moisturising Organic Sheet
All Orgaid’s sheet masks are all green, natural, non-toxic, and great for your skin. The Anti-Ageing & Moisturising sheet mask contains a blend of HA, aloe vera, witch hazel and willow bark, which fight the effects of ageing, irritation, and dryness, to leave skin supple, moisturised, and replenished.
Hyaluronic acid FAQs
Can I use hyaluronic acid with retinol?
Yes, hyaluronic acid (HA) and retinol can be used together in a skincare routine. In fact, using both ingredients can provide complementary benefits for the skin.
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that can help to stimulate cell turnover and collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture, and even out skin tone. However, retinol can also be drying and irritating to the skin, especially when first starting to use it.
HA, on the other hand, is a hydrating ingredient that can help to plump and hydrate the skin, which can counteract the dryness and irritation that may occur with retinol use.
Is hyaluronic acid good for acne?
HA can be good for acne-prone skin, but it is not a treatment for acne itself. As a humectant, HA can help to draw water into the skin and keep it hydrated. This can be beneficial for acne-prone skin, as dehydration can lead to increased oil production, which can contribute to the development of acne.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to calm and soothe irritated skin, which can be particularly helpful for those who experience redness and inflammation associated with acne. Finally, HA is non-comedogenic, which means that it does not clog pores or contribute to the formation of acne.
Is it okay to use hyaluronic acid everyday?
Yes, it is generally safe to use hyaluronic acid (HA) every day as part of your skincare routine. Since HA is a gentle and non-irritating ingredient, it is suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. However, if you have any concerns about how your skin may react to HA, it's always a good idea to do a patch test before using it all over your face.
