Benefits of adding Hyaluronic acid to your skincare regime and a list of products that work

Hyaluronic acid, also known as sodium hyaluronate, is a golden anti-ageing ingredient. A longtime staple throughout the skincare industry, hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring in the skin and topical application reinforces its natural benefits. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it pulls moisture to itself. Hyaluronic acid is used in many anti-ageing products to hydrate dry skin, prevent fine lines and wrinkles, and combat dark circles.

What is Hyaluronic Acid ?

Though it sounds scary – and acid near our face? No thank you – hyaluronic acid is a super gentle molecule that helps your skin retain water. It’s produced naturally by your skin cells and acts like a sponge that soaks up and locks in skin moisture. It’s a tall glass of water for your skin – one molecule can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water.* Pretty cool, huh?

By adding hyaluronic acid to beauty products, we can enhance the hydration process and give our skin a moisture boost.

What Are the Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid?

BOOSTS SKIN’S MOISTURE

Hyaluronic acid is renowned for its unique ability to retain water moisture and deeply hydrate the skin. By adding hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine, you’re helping that hydration process, giving your skin even more valuable, rejuvenating moisture. And it works on all skin types – even oily – as hyaluronic acid brings balance to skin’s water-oil levels.

HELPS FORM A PROTECTIVE BARRIER

As we age, our skin’s natural protective barrier weakens and leaves our skin vulnerable to pollution and other environmental factors. But with the help of hyaluronic acid, we can slow down this process. Hyaluronic acid is known for helping boost the skin’s hydration content which, in turn, slows down the deterioration process and gives your skin a more youthful-looking appearance.

REDUCES APPEARANCE OF FINE LINES

Hydration is key when it comes to reducing the appearance of fine lines and help tighten skin’s texture. Not only does hyaluronic acid absorb moisture that’s physically put onto your skin, but it absorbs moisture from the air too. As your skin retains extra moisture, it’s left looking plumper and firmer. Any signs of fatigue don’t stand a chance against a fresh, hydrated complexion.

SOFTENS & SMOOTHS

And, of course, hyaluronic acid leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth. Working in the same way as it does help to tighten your skin’s texture, it ensures your skin is full of fresh moisture which results in a silky finish. (Your foundation is going to glide onto your skin wonderfully).

What products should you consider?

While most hyaluronic acid products are suitable for all skin types, some are formulated with specific concerns in mind.

Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum is a good option for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

Allawh recommends it, saying it “boosts skin hydration, improving the elasticity and cohesion of the skin barrier.” Crucially, it doesn’t leave behind “an unwanted greasy or oily residue.”

If your skin is particularly dry, look to The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. According to the brand, it contains hyaluronic acid in low, medium, and high molecular weights together with vitamin B5 for intense hydration.

And people with combination skin should try Cetaphil’s Daily Hydration Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid. A lightweight formula, this moisturizer will work to relieve dry areas without adding extra oil to the skin.

SkinCeuticals’ Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier is a highly-rated serum that aims to improve skin’s texture, while The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid 5% + HA will gently exfoliate the skin to help reduce hyperpigmentation.

There are plenty of products that work to reduce the appearance of fine lines, too.

Try L’Oreal Paris’ Revitalift Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum or Paula’s Choice’s Hyaluronic Acid Booster for firmer and plumper skin.