How Hyaluronic Acid Keeps Your Skin Hydrated & Plump

Hyaluronic acid is one of the most popular and most sought-after ingredients in the skincare industry. Due to its amazing moisture retention abilities, it has become a key ingredient in serums, moisturisers, and other skincare products. But what exactly is hyaluronic acid, and how does it help keep your skin hydrated and plump? Let's find out further.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring element that is primarily present in the skin, connective tissues, and eyes. HA acts like a humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the environment and holds it in the skin. It can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water and this ability makes it an excellent hydrating agent. The body's natural production of hyaluronic acid decreases with aging and this loss of HA leads to dryness, fine lines, and loss of elasticity in the skin. Using skincare products rich in hyaluronic acid can help regain lost moisture and restore skin suppleness.

How Hyaluronic Acid Hydrates the Skin

1. It Holds Water: Hyaluronic acid binds water to skin cells and allows moisture to remain in the skin barrier.

2. Supports Skin Barrier: It strengthens the skin's natural lipid barrier and prevents water loss and protects against environmental pollutants.

3. Gives Plumping Effect: The retained moisture helps in filling fine lines and wrinkles, this makes skin look tighter and younger.

4. Absorbs Quickly: Some moisturisers are heavy but on the other side hyaluronic acid is lightweight and absorbs quickly, this quality makes it ideal for all skin types, especially for oily skin people.

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for the Skin

1. Intense Hydration

Dehydrated skin can look dull and tired. Hyaluronic acid provides deep moisture to the skin, due to which your skin remains hydrated and glowing throughout the day.

2. Reduces Fine Lines & Wrinkles

Since hyaluronic acid plumps the skin by holding moisture. HA also naturally reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, by this property it makes skin look smoother and younger.

3. Enhances Skin Elasticity

Use of hyaluronic acid regularly promotes collagen production which maintains skin's firmness and elasticity and helps prevent sagging.

4. Soothes Irritated Skin

Hyaluronic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that help in soothing redness, sensitivity, and irritation. Those who are dealing with sensitive skin can use HA for these benefits.

5. Suitable for All Skin Types

Whether your skin is dry, oily, combination or acne prone, hyaluronic acid adjusts to your skin's needs and provides the appropriate amount of moisture without making it greasy.

How to Add HA (Hyaluronic Acid) in Your Skin care Routine

1. Cleanse Your Skin

Start with a gentle and no dryness facewash, which helps in removing dust, oil, and impurities without drying out your skin.

2. Use Toner on you face

HA works best when it is applied on the moist skin. After cleansing, Mist your face with hyaluronic acid toner. This step will help your HA serum to absorb deeper and gives you extra benefits. 

3. Apply HA serum on Moist Skin

Apply HA serum firmly on your skin. Use a dropper and take a few drops of HA serum to your fingertips or you can directly apply on your face. Spread it toward upward motion. 

4. Layer with a Moisturizer

Use a good moisturiser to lock moisture into the skin. Choose products that contain ceramides or squalane for an extra moisture boost. You can also use silk cream enriched with hyaluronic acid to provide extra nourishment and hydration to the skin.

5. Use Sunscreen During the Day

Since hyaluronic acid draws moisture from the environment, it is very important to apply a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to protect the skin from UV damage.

Choosing the Right Hyaluronic Acid Products

When selecting an HA product, look for:

• Different Molecular Weights: Low molecular weight HA penetrates deeply and high molecular weight HA hydrates the surface.

• Combination with Other Hydrating Ingredients: Products with ceramides, glycerin, or probiotic enhance hydration.

Common Myths About Hyaluronic Acid

Myth 1: Hyaluronic Acid is an Exfoliating Acid

Many people get confused that HA is an exfoliating acid like glycolic acid or salicylic acid. HA does not exfoliate but rather hydrates the skin.

Myth 2: Hyaluronic Acid Can Replace Moisturisers

Although HA is an excellent hydrator but a moisturiser should always be used to lock the HA serum into the skin and to prevent moisture loss.

Myth 3: Oily Skin Doesn’t Need Hyaluronic Acid

Even oily skin can suffer from dehydration and HA is the perfect ingredient to gain the lost moisture. As we have already read above in the article, hyaluronic acid adjusts to your skin's needs and provides the appropriate amount of moisture without making it greasy.This makes it perfectly suitable for oily skin people. HA provides essential hydration without clogging pores.