Hyaluronic acid: What it is and how to use it

Hyaluronic acid is everywhere in the beauty world—and with good reason. But if you haven’t really looked into the science behind your skincare, you might be wondering how it works. And especially, how can an acid be hydrating?

Don’t worry, though – we’re digging what is hyaluronic acid, how to use it and why it earned its place in Hall of Fame skin care ingredient.

Let’s get started.

THE BASICS

HYALURONIC ACID (HA)
WHAT IT IS: Hydrator
WHAT IT DOES: This moisturizing agent boosts elasticity, supports collagen and elastin, and helps repair skin damage.
WHO IT'S FOR: Hyaluronic acid is gentle enough for all skin types, but it’s especially beneficial for those with dry skin.
HOW TO USE IT: Topical hyaluronic acid can be used in eye creams, serums, and moisturizers both morning and evening on clean, dry skin.
GOES WELL WITH: Vitamin C, peptides, retinoids, glycolic acid
DON’T MIX WITH: Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the skin and isn't known for causing reactions with other cosmetic ingredients.
TRY IT IN: Hyaluronic Eyes, Hyaluronic Concentrate, Hyaluronic Moisture and more

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a molecule that is found naturally in our joints, connective tissue and skin. Depending on where it is in the body, it has different functions:

• Inside the joints: helps keep the space between your bones comfortable.
• In connective tissue: softens living tissue cells and helps keep them hydrated.
• On the skin: acts as a moisturizing agent and helps the elasticity of the skin, keeping it healthy.

Thanks to its natural ability to bind and hold water molecules, Hyaluronic acid plays an important role in the functions of our body, especially in the skin and tissues. And this shows its recent popularity in skin care products.

What can hyaluronic acid do for my skin?

In addition to being a natural moisturizer, hyaluronic acid has other impressive properties. First up? It plays a role in repairing the skin and fighting visible signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.

And even though it’s an acid, its mild nature makes it very different from peeling ingredients like glycolic acid. This hydrating acid has a high water holding capacity, acting almost like a natural water reservoir in our skin. It also contributes to skin elasticity.

But as we age, the hyaluronic acid content in the skin decreases. A natural decrease in hyaluronic acid production occurs as we age. In short, your skin gets drier and feels thinner over the years.

Topical application of hyaluronic acid can help return some of this hydration to the skin. In addition, it offers rejuvenating effects and:

• Helps restore firmness to the face
• Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Promotes elasticity and bounce
• It supports the natural levels of collagen and elastin in the skin
• It helps retain water in the skin and maintain hydration

Who should use hyaluronic acid?

It’s not just those with dry skin who can benefit from hyaluronic acid – this superstar ingredient is a great addition to any skincare routine for its firming and youth-boosting benefits. And in generalit is tolerated by all skin types, even sensitive or oily skin.

What about mixing it with other skin care ingredients?

Hyaluronic acid + retinoids

Hyaluronic acid and retinoids create a stellar team. In fact, hyaluronic acid can help make any drying or irritating effects of retinoids less noticeable. But be sure to use the correct retinoid application based on your skin type and needs.

Hyaluronic acid + vitamin C

Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid make a gentle yet powerful skin care combination. The benefits of both ingredients complement each other to create a refreshing duo. Hyaluronic acid delivers intense hydration, while vitamin C works to brighten and tone over time. You can find this dream team in Flavo-C Ultraglycan.

Any mixes to avoid?

Good news: hyaluronic acid almost always plays nice with others. There are no notable ingredient interactions to worry about.

But when in doubt, try it. Apply your skin care products to a less sensitive and visible area of ​​skin (such as the side of the neck or the inside of the forearm) to see if it reacts. Once 24 hours have passed without any reaction, you should be ready to give it a real go.

How to use hyaluronic acid in your skin care routine, step by step:

1. Start with a clean slate

Overall, an oil cleanser is your best bet for deep cleansing that doesn’t strip the skin. Oil attracts oil, making it ideal for gently removing impurities such as excess sebum, waterproof makeup or waterproof sunscreen.

2. Add an eye gel with hyaluronic acid

After cleansing, look for an ultra-moisturizing solution for your eyes. Hyaluronic acid can provide a firming effect and protect the skin from moisture loss, leaving the eye area smoother and visibly more energized.

What to look for in a formula? A gel-sorbet texture can help decongest and combat fatigue. Bonus points if it has an extra cooling effect and can be stored in the fridge or freezer before use.

3. Apply a soothing hyaluronic acid serum

Smooth in a moisturizing serum both morning and evening. This simple act of self-care can help replenish and boost your skin’s moisture levels, leaving skin looking radiant. Deep hydration from serums containing hyaluronic acid can also work to add volume to the skin while softening the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

4. Wrap damp skin with an HA cream

Hyaluronic acid can be used in moisturizing formulas to help retain moisture by acting as the layer that seals moisture into the skin. Moisturizers with hyaluronic acid help maintain water levels, providing lasting moisture throughout the day. The end result? Skin that looks and feels smooth, hydrated and renewed.

5. Last but not least, sunscreen!

Every day, every weather – the last step of your morning skincare routine should always be high SPF, broad spectrum sunscreen. Apply it after your moisturizer help protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun.

You knew it Can hyaluronic acid also help strengthen and hydrate nails and cuticles? And there’s a type called cationic hyaluronic acid—think of it as an enhanced version of our hydration hero, working to hydrate the nail plate and cuticle. Reach for nail care solutions designed with cationic hyaluronic acid for visible results.

Just the FAQs

Is hyaluronic acid safe?

Don’t let the word “acid” put you off: hyaluronic acid is widely considered a safe option for all skin types. Since it is found naturally in the body, Adverse reactions to this ingredient are not common.

Can I use hyaluronic acid under the eyes?

Yes! Hyaluronic acid formulas made specifically for the eye contour area can be both necessary and effective. Thanks to its ability to bind to water, this hydrating ingredient can help restore elasticity and moisture levels around the eyes as well. Try it on Hyaluronic Eyes and K-Ox Eyes.

How often should I use it? Every day;

You can add hyaluronic acid to both your morning and evening routines every day.

Visible hydration results can appear quickly, but any rejuvenating effects usually take at least 30 days to appear. So be sure to give any new skin care product at least a month of consistent use before making a final judgment.

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Sources and references:
Garre A et al. Antiaging effects of a novel facial serum containing L-ascorbic acid, proteoglycans, and proteoglycan-stimulating tripeptide: ex vivo skin implant studies and in vivo clinical studies in women. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018? 11:253-263
Oe et al. Oral hyaluronic acid relieves knee pain: a review. In Nutrition Journal (2016); 15:11.
Sridevi et al. Hyaluronic Acid Review. In International Journal of Research in Chemistry and Environment (2012) Vol. 2 Issue 4? 6-11.
Papakonstantinou E., Roth M., Karakioulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: Key molecule in skin aging. In Dermatoendocrinology (2012); 4(3): 253-258.
Pavicic et al. Efficacy of new cream-based hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment. In Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (2011), 10(9):990-1000.