Hyaluronic acid is one of the most sought-after skin care ingredients, but it’s also often misunderstood. Many confuse it with alpha hydroxy (AHA) and beta hydroxy (BHA) acids, which are used to exfoliate the topmost layers of the skin. Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, is a great pick for anyone looking for a serious boost of skin moisture, no matter your skin type. It is one of the most buzzed-about beauty ingredients because of its incredible ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It’s also something that your body makes naturally, so its chemical composition absorbs easily into your skin. That makes hyaluronic acid serums particularly amazing for dry and mature complexions or anyone who wants to plump away fine lines and wrinkles.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
To understand how hyaluronic acid works, we chatted with Dr. Ashley Magovern, a board-certified dermatologist in Manhattan Beach, Calif. According to Dr. Magovern, hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan, a protein found naturally in the skin, the eyes, connective tissue and joints. “Think of hyaluronic acid as a powerful hydrator. It has an amazing ability to attract and hold water in the skin and in the rest of the body where it is found. It lubricates the joints and helps to repair damage to the body after injury,” she explains.
Why Use a Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Although hyaluronic acid is already present in our skin and body, it’s still important to include a hyaluronic acid serum in your skin care routine. Dr. Magovern explains: “As we age and go through life, our skin becomes increasingly dry and loses moisture. Aging skin loses its firmness, becomes less supple and often looks dehydrated. A product that contains hyaluronic acid can replenish the moisture that aging skin is lacking, improve the appearance of fine lines and make the skin look smoother.”
Regardless of age, skin type or concern, everyone can and should be using a product containing hyaluronic acid, adds Dr. Magovern. “The great thing about hyaluronic acid is that it can be used on all skin types, even sensitive and acne- and rosacea-prone patients. There is nothing better at almost instantly giving a refreshed, hydrated, smooth appearance to the skin. My patients absolutely love it.”
Choosing the Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums for Your Skin
If you’re using a serum or a cream that aims to plump and hydrate the skin, there’s a good chance your product already contains hyaluronic acid. However, to get the most out of this ingredient, Dr. Magovern recommends looking closely at your product’s ingredient list. “Some formulations claim that they contain hyaluronic acid even though the amount is very small,” she warns.
To be sure, she says to “look for the ingredient ‘sodium hyaluronate’ early in the ingredient list.” Sodium hyaluronate is a hyaluronic acid derivative with a lower molecular weight, which allows it to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin. “Hyaluronic acid is a big molecule and if not formulated well, it may just sit on the skin’s surface,” explains Dr. Magovern. “I would also look for other ingredients along with the hyaluronic acid, like ceramides, peptides, niacinamide or other antioxidants. I also prefer products that are paraben-free, fragrance-free and propylene glycol-free.”
How to Use It for Best Results
“I recommend adding it twice a day as the last treatment step in your daily routine and using a moisturizer immediately over it,” says Dr. Magovern. “If you are using it during the day, add a sunscreen as the final step. Hyaluronic acid serums and creams act as a fantastic makeup primer after morning application and I love the idea of allowing your skin to hydrate as you sleep.”
However, if you have oily skin and are already using a moisturizer, Dr. Magovern says you may not need both a hydrating serum and a moisturizer. “I enjoy layering a hyaluronic serum with my usual day and nighttime moisturizer. Those that have more oily skin may prefer the serum alone.”
More Tips for Keeping Skin Hydrated
Adding a hyaluronic acid serum to your skin care routine is one of the best and easiest ways to boost your skin’s hydration levels, especially if you’re struggling with skin that often feels tight and dry. But that’s not the only thing you can do to help your skin get as much moisture as it needs. Here are some more tips from Dr. Magovern:
- Avoid over-washing and scrubbing your skin. “This type of mechanical exfoliation damages the skin barrier and makes it harder for the skin to hold on to moisture. Mild exfoliation is key, in my opinion, and chemical exfoliation is my preferred way to do this. This will gently remove the old, surface skin layers. By removing these layers, your moisturizer and/or hyaluronic acid serum will be more effective.”
- Amp up hydration through your diet. “Not necessarily drinking a ton of water, which is also critical. Certain foods may increase the production of hyaluronic acid, like green leafy and root vegetables, citrus fruits and soy-based foods.”
- Be consistent with your skin care routine. “Skin care is like exercise; try not to miss a day.”
Ready to try this powerhouse ingredient? Here are the best-selling and most reviewed hyaluronic acid serums on Dermstore.
