Hyaluronic acid is a game-changer for skin, especially when it comes to warding off the signs of ageing. From your 30s, your skin slowly starts to lose its natural moisture. This is when fine lines start to form. Your skin may start getting drier. This is when your skin needs an added hydration boost.
Enter hyaluronic acid - an ingredient found in serums and other products. This ingredient is a humectant, which means that it bonds to the skin and seals moisture into the skin. It is found naturally within your body’s tissue, giving your skin a plump, smooth feel.
What is it?
As we mentioned above, hyaluronic acid, also known as HA, is produced naturally within the body. Much like collagen and elastin, the production of this acid begins to decrease as we age. This results in the skin losing hydration, plumpness and volume. Skin begins to thin, which leads to fine lines and wrinkles. Other issues such as sensitivity, dull skin tone and a rougher texture also become par for the course.
Although HA is most commonly found in serums and moisturisers, it is also included in cleansers and other products designed to treat dry and ageing skin.
Want to know a little more science behind it?
In an interview published on Allure, board-certified dermatologist Tsippora Shainhouse, M.D explains how HA works.
"Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in the skin, [and] it helps to bind water to collagen, trapping it in the skin, so that skin can appear plumper, dewier, and more hydrated. The collagen in our dermis forms the structure of the skin," says Dr Shainhouse says.
She adds, "Natural hyaluronic acid is bound to collagen on one side and links to water molecules on the other, giving skin its plumpness."
How does it help your skin?
ELLE Beauty Directory Katy Young sums it up perfectly: 'Hyaluronic isn’t the stripping stuff we associate with "acids", but a bouncy fluid that occurs naturally in our body to lubricate joints, as well as holding onto moisture in our skin matrix.”
With the help of HA-enriched products, your skin will continue to produce its own hydration, stimulating moisture, reducing those fine lines, evening out your skin tone, improving complexion, and even warding off environmental damage.
This ingredient is typically ideal for normal, dry and mature skin types, but it can also be used if you have sensitive skin.
WHERE IT’S FOUND: Synthetically and naturally it is produced by plant and wheat fermentation
BENEFITS: Reduces visible signs of ageing, including fine lines and wrinkles, retaining moisture and plumping up the skin
SHOP PRODUCT: Active Brightening Facial Cream, Alpha Arbutin Serum, Retinol Renew Serum, Glow Turmeric Mask, Niacinamide Cleansing Gel
Sources
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/hyaluronic-acid
https://www.allure.com/story/what-is-hyaluronic-acid-skin-care
https://www.elle.com/uk/beauty/skin/a35378/what-is-hyaluronic-acid-and-how-does-it-work/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-hype-on-hyaluronic-acid-2020012318653
FAQs and Answers
1. What does hyaluronic acid do for your skin?
Hyaluronic acid helps your skin retain moisture by binding water to the skin’s surface. This improves hydration levels, making skin look plumper, smoother and more radiant. It can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and support a healthier skin barrier.
2. Is hyaluronic acid good for ageing skin?
Yes, hyaluronic acid is especially beneficial for ageing skin. As natural production declines with age, skin loses volume and moisture. Applying hyaluronic acid topically helps restore hydration, soften fine lines and improve overall skin texture.
3. Can hyaluronic acid be used on sensitive skin?
Hyaluronic acid is generally suitable for sensitive skin because it is naturally found in the body and is not harsh or exfoliating. It helps calm dryness and strengthen the skin barrier. However, it is always best to patch test new products.
4. At what age should you start using hyaluronic acid?
You can begin using hyaluronic acid in your twenties as a preventative skincare step. It becomes particularly beneficial from your thirties onwards when natural moisture levels begin to decline.
5. How often should you use hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid can be used daily, both morning and evening. It works best when applied to slightly damp skin and followed with a moisturiser to help lock in hydration.
6. Is hyaluronic acid safe to use with other skincare ingredients?
Yes, hyaluronic acid pairs well with most skincare ingredients including retinol, niacinamide and vitamin C. It can even help reduce dryness caused by stronger active ingredients.
7. Does hyaluronic acid help with wrinkles?
Hyaluronic acid does not permanently remove wrinkles, but it helps reduce their appearance by improving skin hydration and plumpness. Well hydrated skin appears smoother and more youthful.
8. Where is hyaluronic acid found in skincare products?
Hyaluronic acid is commonly found in serums and moisturisers, but it can also be included in cleansers, masks and targeted treatment products designed for dry or mature skin.
