Hyaluronic Acid 101: Definition, Benefits and Who It's For

Hyaluronic acid (HA) has become a go-to product in the skincare world for its amazing skin-plumping and hydrating properties. It’s an ingredient that can be used by all skin types causing little to no irritation, even in the most sensitive skin types. In this blog, we'll explore the many skin benefits of hyaluronic acid, who should use it, and why.

In this article:

• What is Hyaluronic Acid?
• The Three Types Types of Hyaluronic Acid
• Skin benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
• Hyaluronic Acid Skincare Products
• Who Hyaluronic Acid Is Best For
• Things to Consider Before Using Hyaluronic Acid
• Hyaluronic Acid FAQs

As we age, our body's production of hyaluronic acid decreases, which can lead to dry skin, wrinkles, and joint pain. This is why many people turn to hyaluronic acid skincare products or supplements to help replenish their levels.

Within the skincare world, hyaluronic acid is prized for its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This means that it can help to plump and hydrate the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is also non-comedogenic, which means that it is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts.

The Three Types Types of Hyaluronic Acid

Sodium Hyaluronate (Medium Molecular Weight)

Sodium Hyaluronate is one of the most popular types of HA to use in products as it is has been proven to increase skin hydration by up to 25% in just two hours. This type of HA forms a thin protective barrier on the skin’s surface to help the skin lock in moisture.

Hydrolysed Hyaluronic Acid (Lower Molecular Weight)

Hydrolysed Hyaluronic Acid helps penetrate lower levels on the skin and helps to stimulate the skin’s natural production of HA in just 24 hours. This gives the skin ultimate hydration, plumping fine lines and wrinkles in only four weeks. As it helps to penetrate the lower levels of the dermis, it not only adds hydration but can help soothe any inflammation and add hydration at the lowest levels.

Hyaluronic Spheres (Higher Molecular Weight)​

Hyaluronic Spheres help to provide instant wrinkle filling, similar to dermal fillers, in the skin. This type of HA not only contributes to the reduction of facial wrinkles and fine lines but also helps increase elasticity in the skin. 

SKINICIAN Hyaluronic Elixir contains all three forms of Hyaluronic Acid for maximum results:

Skin benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

The primary benefit of hyaluronic acid is its ability to hydrate the skin. HA has an incredible capacity to hold water, which can help to improve the skin's moisture levels. When applied topically, hyaluronic acid can help to lock in moisture and plump the skin, leaving it feeling firmer and hydrated.

Let’s take a look and see how Hyaluronic Acid targets specific skin concerns and the benefits it has when included in your skincare routine.

Fine Lines & Wrinkles

Even though our bodies naturally produce Hyaluronic Acid, about one third of it gets degraded on a daily basis. As we age, our bodies produce less Hyaluronic Acid, unfortunately at the time our skin needs it the most. That’s why it is crucial to include Hyaluronic Acid in your skincare routine, especially if you are concerned with ageing skin. 

The good news is, applying Hyaluronic Acid on the face topically can help rebuild those depleted stores, giving skin a much needed hydration boost by plumping out those fine lines and wrinkles.

It’s important to remember that whilst Hyaluronic Acid can help plump fine lines and wrinkles, it cannot stimulate elastin or collagen production, you will still need other serums such as a Retinol serum or Vitamin C Serum for this. Hyaluronic Acid can help to smooth complexions by giving fine lines and wrinkles the hydration boost they need.

Hydration

Think of Hyaluronic Acid as a big drink of water for your skin. It can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, penetrating the skin and binding to skin cells to deliver long lasting hydration.

One of the primary benefits of using a hyaluronic acid serum on the face is its ability to hydrate the skin. HA is a humectant which means it can draw moisture in from its surrounding environment with its incredible capacity to hold water, this not only gives skin an instant hydration boost, but also long lasting hydration for the skin.

Hyaluronic Acid Skincare Products

Check out some of our products where we have included hyaluronic acid in the ingredients:

Ageless Peptide Eye Complex

This product has been formulated with Hyaluronic Spherical Technology and it works to increase skin hydration, soaking up moisture like a sponge to diminish the appearance of fine lines and crow’s feet for a plump and smooth appearance. This product has been clinically proven to increase firmness by *25% and decrease wrinkles by *12%.

Advanced Time Delay Day Cream

Our award-winning day cream contains a multitude of skin loving ingredients for those concerned with the signs of ageing, and it of course includes Hyaluronic Acid to help lock it into the skin to keep it smooth and radiant, with a reduction in appearance of fine lines in four weeks. 

Hyaluronic Acid for Ageing Skin

Hyaluronic Acid is a wonder ingredient for those concerned with the signs of ageing. Hyaluronic Acid is known for its hydrating properties which not only locks in moisture to the skin with its humectant properties but also hydrates skin. HA can help to plump fine lines and wrinkles leaving your complexion looking tighter and smoother.

Hyaluronic Acid for Dry Skin

Dry skin is a common skin concern, and it can be caused by a variety of factors such as genetics, ageing, environmental factors, and harsh skincare products. Dry skin can cause irritation, flakiness, and fine lines. Hyaluronic acid can be an effective solution for dry skin types.

When applied topically, hyaluronic acid forms a barrier on the skin's surface, which helps to prevent water loss and keeps the skin hydrated. It also helps to improve the skin's elasticity and texture, making it look smoother and more youthful. Hyaluronic acid is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe and calm irritated skin.

Hyaluronic Acid for Oily Skin

One of the main benefits of hyaluronic acid for oily skin is its ability to hydrate the skin without adding extra oil. Oily skin types still need hydration, but it can be challenging to find products that won't exacerbate oil production. Hyaluronic acid is a lightweight ingredient that absorbs quickly into the skin, providing hydration without leaving a greasy or heavy feeling.

Things to Consider Before Using Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is suitable to be used by all skin types and should cause little to no irritation. Ensure when purchasing a Hyaluronic Acid that you choose the correct one for your skin type; we recommend looking for a fragrance-free serum as this can be used by those with even the most sensitive of skin types. 

When using hyaluronic acid for oily skin, it's important to look for lightweight formulations that won't clog pores or feel heavy on the skin. Serums and lightweight moisturisers are good options, as they absorb quickly and won't add extra oil to the skin.

Hyaluronic Acid FAQs

As we age, our skin typically depletes of moisture so anyway of adding that lost hydration back into the skin is a great way to plump and hydrate the skin.

Typically if applying a Hyaluronic Serum, we advise to apply to clean, damp skin (perhaps after toning) and locking in with your moisturiser of choice.

If you find a Hyaluronic Acid product is causing irritation on the skin, it is more likely another ingredient or fragrance in the product causing it.

Curious about hyaluronic acid? Read...

• Do's & Don'ts of Hyaluronic Acid
• Rosacea and Hyaluronic Acid: Everything You Need to Know
• Sensitive Skin and Hyaluronic Acid