What is Hyaluronic Acid? 

There’s no doubt you’ve heard of this beauty buzzword. Everywhere you turn, hyaluronic acid is making waves amongst beauty editors, influencers, dermatologists – and the rest. Its praises are sung loud and proud across the industry, celebrated for its ability to hydrate and plump the skin. But what exactly is this powerhouse component, and how does it function as a hero ingredient in skincare? 

Well, for starters, hyaluronic acid (HA) is a type of sugar naturally produced by our bodies. It’s actually pretty important: it keeps our joints lubricated, our eyes moist and our skin hydrated. Sadly, our production of HA does deplete as we age, forcing our skin to lose elasticity and essential moisture over time. Amazing news, right? 

Other forms of hyaluronic acid include topical skincare treatments and injectables. Synthetic HA products are thought to possess hydrating powers, allowing complexions to remain bouncy and youthful. That said, there are discrepancies on how far topical treatments can penetrate the skin’s surface. 

Still, if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s this: hyaluronic acid is a vital factor in any quest for supple, healthy-looking skin. 

Hyaluronic Acid in Skincare 

The hyaluronic acid our body generates is different to the ingredient we find in skincare. In topical treatments, HA operates at surface level, meaning it helps hydrate the outer layer of the complexion. Acting as a humectant, it draws moisture from the surrounding area to the skin and locks it there. 

Hyaluronic acid, contrary to its abrasive-sounding name, does not perform as an exfoliator, nor does it strip or irritate the skin. Its main function is to replenish lost moisture levels. What’s more, it’s said to hold up to 1000x its weight in water, making it ideal for dry or dehydrated complexions. 

As it’s so efficient in attracting moisture to the skin, there’s no need to overload your existing routine with hyaluronic-infused products, either. 

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

HA arrives fully-equipped with a range of benefits. The versatile ingredient is gentle and non-irritating, making it suitable for use on all skin types and tones (including sensitive and redness-prone). Benefits of hyaluronic acid include: 

 1. Hydrating the Skin 

Hyaluronic acid is a natural humectant. This means it has a general knack for keeping skin plump and conditioned. Coaxing moisture into parched complexions, HA works to hydrate the skin’s surface for fresh, luminous results. 

2. Anti-Ageing Properties 

Owing to the fact we produce less hyaluronic acid as we age, it’s important to replace lost moisture with topical treatments. Dry, dehydrated skin can cause fine lines to set up camp, making complexions appear less youthful. Hyaluronic acid seeks to combat this, filling the appearance of even deep-set wrinkles for smoother, younger-looking skin. 

3. Plumping Powers 

HA’s ability to retain moisture is useful in lending skin a supple and bouncy appearance. The impactful ingredient fleshes out dehydration lines as it targets dull areas of skin, leaving it fresh and revitalised. HA is also found in lip fillers, known for invigorating thinner pouts with that voluminous, plumped-up effect. 

4. Rich in Antioxidants 

Antioxidants are essential for keeping skin bright and healthy. Hyaluronic acid is known for its high antioxidant benefits, making it a positive addition to any skincare routine. 

5. Healing Action 

Though we’re instinctively sceptical towards anything that claims it can heal skin, HA is thought to alleviate discomfort, irritation and the look of surface wounds. Some doctors even use HA to ease joint pain in those who suffer with arthritis. 

How to Use Hyaluronic Acid 

Found in cleansers, toners, serums, moisturisers, face masks and body creams alike, hyaluronic acid has managed to secure a permanent spot in our bathroom cabinet in one form or another. Important not to overload your skin, we’ve scouted our favourite HA-infused products to help revamp your current routine: 

1. 

   CereVe Hydrating Cleanser

   We can’t shout louder about this facial cleanser. Enriched with a blend of ultra-hydrating ingredients, the cleansing gel-cream fortifies the natural skin barrier as it captures lingering dirt and grime. The non-disruptive formula features hero hyaluronic acid for a daily dose of hydration, leaving skin supple and smooth to the touch. 

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2. 

   Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Hydra-Gel Eye Masks

   Soothing, revitalising and extremely hydrating – what more could you ask for from these quenching eye masks? Adhering perfectly to the under-eye contour, the serum-soaked patches utilise a cocktail of cucumber extract, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to calm and condition the skin beneath. The masks create a cooling sensation as they refresh and rejuvenate, targeting concerns such as puffiness, dark circles and fine lines. 

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3. 

   Garnier Moisture Bomb Lavender Hydrating Face Sheet Mask for Fatigued Skin

   Tired skin getting you down? This face mask enriches thirsty, fatigued skin with a quenching treat. Powered by hyaluronic acid and lavender essential oil, the water-based sheet mask rejuvenates complexions while it replenishes with a helpful surge of moisture – the perfect pick-me-up after a long, exhausting day. 

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4. 

   Filorga Hydra-Hyal Serum

   Ideal for mature complexions, this anti-ageing serum enhances skin with a veil of vital moisture. The lightweight serum offers instant plumping action, striving to fight the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Employing the benefits of four types of hyaluronic acid, the skincare saviour aims to restore lustreless skin to a smooth, youthful-looking state. 

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5. 

   Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator

   Every beauty arsenal should be equipped with a hydrating moisturiser. This lightweight face cream creates a smooth, dewy complexion with a blend of restorative ingredients. Hyaluronic acid and activated aloe water synchronise to draw moisture into parched skin, enhancing complexions with a supple, healthy-looking glow. Developed with a gel-cream texture, the anti-ageing moisturiser plumps fine lines and wrinkles while providing up to 72-hours of long-lasting hydration. 

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