Hyaluronic Acid - the super hydrator, its benefits and how to use it effectively within our normal skincare routine.
- Louisa
- Feb 4
- 6 min read
Hyaluronic acid might sound like it’s a harsh ingredient or have similar properties to the other skincare acids such as BHA’s, AHA’s and glycolic which work by exfoliating the skin and increasing cell renewal, but hyaluronic acid is completely different.
It works by attracting water helping to maintain hydration, soothe the skin and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is non irritating and easily tolerated by all skin types and concerns.
Hyaluronic acid is of course not actually an acid at all. It is a humectant (ingredient that pulls moisture from the air into the skin). Hyaluronic acid can hold a huge amount of water, up to 1000x its own weight. Making it a super hydrator and something that most of us, whatever our skin type can benefit from. Hyaluronic acid is a very gentle ingredient and can be used by everyone including those of us with sensitive or eczema prone skin.
Our bodies already contain hyaluronic acid, with about 50% of this occurring in our skin. Meaning that when we introduce hyaluronic acid into our skincare routines it is naturally synthesised and accepted by the skin.
The naturally occurring hyaluronic acid found within our skin works to speed up tissue repair by boosting cell metabolism and forming a gelatinous layer around our skin cells.
However, as we age, our natural reserves of hyaluronic acid depreciated often by up to 50% by the time we hit the age of 50. Which is one of the reasons our skin becomes drier and duller looking as we get older. As new skin cells are not being produced as quickly as they were in our youth. Using external sources of hyaluronic acid to topically top up our natural resources can help restore a more youthful plumper looking complexion as well as help to reduce the visible signs of ageing, dry and dehydrated skin such as fine lines and wrinkles.
If hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the body, does that mean that skincare containing hyaluronic acid is not suitable for vegans and vegetarians?
We use plant based hyaluronic acid in all of our products, but it is important to double check the origin of the hyaluronic acid in any skincare products you use. Traditionally commercially used hyaluronic acid is sourced from poultry (rooster combs). The hyaluronic acid we use is an enzyme based hyaluronic acid created from a bio-fermentation process. Our hyaluronic acid is vegan and also soil association approved.
The fountain of youth?
Hyaluronic acid has become one of the most highly prized skincare ingredients and is often referred to as the fountain of youth, but what exactly are the key benefits of introducing this specific ingredient into your everyday skincare routine?
Key Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid within skincare
· Super hydrator attracts moisture from around us and holds up to 1000x its molecular weight in water
· Easily accepted and synthesised by the body, meaning it is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive or eczema prone skin.
· Can help to protect skin from UVB radiation which in turn prevents sunspots, wrinkles and skin damage
· Molecular weight – different molecular weights have different effects on the layers of the skin. A higher molecular weight will help attract, plump and hydrate the surface layers of the skin, whilst a lower molecular weight sinks in to the deeper layers of the skin helping to also draw hydration and active ingredients from your skincare, down to these lower layers as well for longer term benefits.
· Hyaluronic acid forms a protective layer on the skin and helps battle free radicals caused by UV light. Helping to maintain calmer, clearer skin with less imperfections.
· Aids collagen production which helps to maintain skin elasticity and more youthful appearance.
· Significantly improves the appearance of visible signs of ageing including fine lines, wrinkles, texture and tone.
Skin types and concerns that benefit for hyaluronic acid.
As we have seen hyaluronic acid is a gentle ingredient that is non-reactive and easily received by the skin. Making it suitable for use on all skin types.
Oily and Blemish Prone Skin
Hyaluronic acid helps regulate how much moisture the skin needs and won’t over-saturate oilier skin types. It can help reduce over production of oil by re-balancing the skin’s need for hydration. Hyaluronic acid also has natural calming properties, which may help to soothe the skin from breakouts and redness.
Sensitive and Eczema prone skin types
Hyaluronic acid is non-reactive and can help to soothe and calm dry and itchy skin as well as helping to maintain hydration levels. Helping the skin feel and look more comfortable.
Dry and Dehydrated skin
Hyaluronic acid attracts and holds up to 1000x its molecular weight in water, making it one of the most effective ingredients to combat dry and dehydrated skin. Studies have shown that 8 weeks of topical use of hyaluronic acid every day increased skin hydration by up to 96% and a 2016 study showed that hyaluronic acid was effective in helping the skin maintain moisture and even reduce inflammation and soreness in dry skin by supporting the skin’s natural healing process.
Mature and Ageing Skin
Various studies have shown that the tropical application of hyaluronic acid has a significant effect on improving the appearance of mature skin. A 2014 study saw two groups of participants with one applying hyaluronic acid topically twice a day for 8 weeks and the other group not. The group that applied hyaluronic acid twice daily saw a 40% decrease in wrinkle depth and 55% increase in skin firmness and elasticity.
How to use hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine:
Remember it is a hydrator – NOT a moisturiser
It is important to remember that hyaluronic acid is a hydrator. It attracts water, it does not add moisture to your skin. You need to use something else with hyaluronic acid to help lock in the hydration and moisturise the skin - like a facial oil or daily moisturiser suited to your main skin concerns or type. It is also beneficial when using a hyaluronic acid serum to pair it with a quality facial mist or toner with additional added skincare benefits, such as our Organic Rose Damask Illuminating Facial Tonic which is infused with hyaluronic acid as well as a Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit extract, which helps to illuminate dull and lifeless skin and improve firmness and texture.
Hyaluronic acid serums must be followed with a moisturiser and /or facial oil. These products contain lipids that help to repair the skin barrier and seal in hydration and stop water from evaporating from the skin – which is commonly referred to as TWEL or Transepidermal water loss in skincare circles.
Serum: apply after cleansing and toning and before moisturising twice daily
Hyaluronic acid infused moisturiser: apply after cleansing and after serum if using one, use twice daily
Seal in hydration: if using hyaluronic acid as a serum it is important to follow with a moisturiser or facial oil to lock in hydration and prevent evaporation from the skin.
How long should I use hyaluronic acid for
Hyaluronic acid provides instant and long-term results, but it does need to be used every day, ideally twice a day. Once you stop using it the results will wear off. So it is a long term staple ingredient that should be in everyone’s skincare routine.
Have more questions? Not sure if hyaluronic acid is right for you or your skin?
Book in for a personalised skincare consultation or facial with Louisa for more expert advise.
Sources and references:
*hyaluronic acid in inflammation and tissue regeneration by Malgorzata Litwiniuk, Alicja Krejner, Tomasz Grzela (2016)
*Rejuvenation influence of a stabilized hyaluronic acid-based gel of nonanimal origin on facial aging. Martina Kerscher, Julia Bayrhammer, Tilmann Reuther (2008)
*Efficacy of a new topical nano-hyaluronic acid in humans: S Manjula Jegasothy, Valentina Zabolotniaia, Stephan Bielfedt (2014)
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