Hyaluronic Acid 101: Benefits, How to Use, and What Not to Mix With It

From serums to sheet masks, Hyaluronic Acid is everywhere, but do you really know what it does? Let's uncover the truth about the very popular hyaluronic acid.

What is Hyaluronic Acid? So, Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule with lots of hydrophilic (water-loving) groups, HA can attract and retain water- up to 1,000 times its weight. It is naturally found in skin, eyes, and joints. Yes, you heard it right. HA is already in our skin, but it acts like a moisture magnet. It helps to keep skin plump, hydrated, and youthful-looking.

Benefits: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a powerful skincare ingredient known for its remarkable ability to hydrate and rejuvenate the skin. This intense moisture boost helps plump the skin, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles and giving a more youthful, dewy appearance. HA also supports the skin’s natural barrier, protecting against environmental stressors and preventing moisture loss. Its soothing, non-irritating nature makes it ideal for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. Beyond hydration, HA aids in wound healing, calms redness and inflammation, and enhances the absorption of other skincare products. Because it's non-comedogenic, it won’t clog pores, making it a staple in both dry and oily skin routines. Additionally, hyaluronic acid is used in joint injections and eye drops due to its lubricating and moisture-retaining properties, proving its versatility beyond just skincare.

• when I say hydration, it does not mean moisturization. you still need the moisturizer over the layer of hyaluronic acid to lock it into the skin.

Common Myths: Many people believe that hyaluronic acid replaces collagen, but it is a myth. HA hydrates the skin, it does not rebuild the collagen ( I will post another blog about collagen soon). Also, avoid applying too much quantity of HA and stop layering incorrectly; it can cause dehydration. It means it can pull water from deeper layers of skin.

What is the correct order?

• Cleanse your face

• Apply HA on damp skin

• Use moisturizer to lock the hydration (if you would not apply moisturizer, then HA would start absorbing moisture from your skin which in turns makes your skin dehydrated. Also, we do need to drink sufficient amount of water everyday).

• If you are going outside or under sunlight, please do not forget to use sunscreen (at least SPF 30), it is very important.

• Wait at least 3o seconds to 1 minute in between every application

  You can follow this routine twice a day if you have dry skin.

What to avoid when using HA:

• Do not apply hyaluronic acid to dry skin

• Do not skip moisturizer

• Do not rely solely on HA for hydration, you must drink water, as HA hydrates the skin temporarily.

• Do not apply HA just after strong acid (like Glycolic acid/Salicylic acid), as it can cause sensitivity and redness. Wait for a few minutes, but I would prefer switching routines. For example, apply HA in your AM routine and other chemicals in your PM routine.

• Do not use other active ingredients at the same time (retinols, AHA, or BHA) when using hyaluronic acid.

Worth the hype? yes, HA is a great skin care ingredient but it would only work if you would use it correctly. It can definitely improve your skin. you have to have patience.

Pro tip: People who have oily and acne-prone skin should use lightweight and gel-based HA. People with sensitive skin should avoid using HA with fragrance and alcohol. People with dry skin must pair HA with a rich moisturizer.

If you have tried hyaluronic acid, drop a comment to share your experience! And email me if you need more info or if you have any other questions!

If you found this blog helpful, please share it with your friends because everyone deserves hydrated, and healthy skin.