Everything you need to know about hyaluronic acid - and a hydration hack you won’t have thought of

Hyaluronic acid has become one of the most popular and best known skincare ingredients ever thanks to its remarkable ability to attract and hold moisture. Naturally present in the skin, hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means it draws moisture from the air and deeper layers of the skin to hydrate the outer layers to keep the skin hydrated, supple, and healthy. As we age, we lose our ability to make hyaluronic acid, leading to a loss of moisture, volume, and elasticity, which in turn contributes to dryness, fine lines and wrinkles. The concentration of hyaluronic acid  in the skin can be reduced by half by the age of 50. Yikes!

However, all it not lost! When used topically, in the form of a serum, it offers multiple benefits across all skin types and ages.

What are the benefits of using a hyaluronic acid serum?

One of the primary advantages of hyaluronic acid is its exceptional moisture-retention capacity. It can hold many times its weight in water, helping the skin maintain adequate hydration levels. Well-hydrated skin often looks smoother, healthier, and more radiant. This hydration can make the skin surface appear plumper and temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Hyaluronic acid is also well tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. Because it is already found naturally in the body, topical formulas tend to be gentle and unlikely to cause irritation. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to boost hydration without adding heavy or occlusive products (products that maintain hydration by forming a barrier on top of your skin to help prevent moisture evaporation).

Hyaluronic acid will also help improve the skin barrier function. When the skin is well hydrated, the outer layer functions more effectively at keeping irritants out and moisture in. Over time, this can help reduce dryness, discomfort, and tightness making your skin feel and look better..

It's great for your face – especially those areas that can get a little crepey, such as your eyes and around the mouth – and it's absolutely brilliant for the neck, an often overlooked element of our skincare routines,

When to use your hyaluronic acid serum

Topical hyaluronic acid should ideally be used both morning and evening, but if your evening routine is a little haphazard (you are not alone if it is!) it’s a must-do in the mornings, sa the first serum you apply after cleansing your skin. It’s especially beneficial when your skin feels dehydrated or looks dull, and won’t cause a problem if you smooth a little extra on a lunchtime if your skin starts feeling a little tight, which as we move into the colder months of central heating, is more than possible. 

Those with oily or combination skin may appreciate that hyaluronic acid provides hydration without heaviness.

If you’re already using active ingredients like retinoids or exfoliating acids as part of a nighttime routine, hyaluronic acid can help counteract dryness and maintain moisture balance.

How to use hyaluronic acid most effectively

To get the most out of topical hyaluronic acid, apply it to slightly damp skin. This helps the ingredient bind to the water that’s sitting on the skin’s surface - so after rinsing off your face wash (or indeed your Prep Wash!) a few drops of serum will kick-start the hydration your skin needs. Follow up with a moisturiser to ‘seal in’ the hydration and prevent the water it attracts from evaporating. You can learn more about the difference between hydration and moisturisation in our blog, here.

In the morning, layer hyaluronic acid beneath your regular moisturiser and sunscreen. In the evening, use it after cleansing and before thicker night creams or oils. If you use creams with active ingredients, you can apply hyaluronic acid beforehand, but as your cream is likely designed to exfoliate skin while boosting skin’s natural actions, it’s not really necessary.

Here’s a fab hydration hack you might not have thought of!

Hyaluronic acid is brilliant for restoring dry skin conditions anywhere on your body… If you suffer from a dry scalp - use a hyaluronic acid serum after washing to soothe and hydrate. 

What about your elbows and upper arms? We already know that as we age we produce less hyaluronic acid ourselves, so it’s no surprise our skin starts to look dry and (whisper it) a bit crepey around our elbows. Apply some hyaluronic acid serum before you smooth in your body moisturiser - feed the skin then protect the skin.

And my very favourite personal win - feet!! I noticed the the soles of my feet, particularly in the arches, were starting to get very dry and positively leathery (TMI?) so started rubbing some hyaluronic acid serum in to both the top and bottom of my feet, then sealing that in with a light layer of E45 (other emollients are available) and oh wow, they are once again soft and way more attractive to look at!

My own hyaluronic acid serum, Power HA, is designed to have the maximum hydrating effect, with hyaluronic acid supported by other gentle actives, such as glycogen, to boost hydration without irritation. It’s super-luxe and very much just for face and decollete - I mean you could use it, but I don’t recommend it. Instead, buy a low-cost serum you can ‘splash all over’, to steal a phrase, and save the really powerful stuff for your most important skincare needs.