Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Usages and Benefits for Skin
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Iqra Ali - Posted on
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Imagine a skincare ingredient so powerful that it holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, instantly hydrating and plumping your skin. Meet hyaluronic acid serums—the ultimate hydration booster that dermatologists and beauty experts swear by. However, here’s the catch: are you using it correctly? Many unknowingly apply hyaluronic acid incorrectly, leading to dryness rather than hydration. In this blog, we’ll uncover the science-backed benefits, the right way to use it, and how to combine it with other skincare heroes for maximum results.
What is Hyaluronic Acid? – Basic Understanding
Hyaluronic acid (HA) was first discovered in the vitreous eyes of cows by Karl Meyer and John Palmer in 1934. Later, science found that the molecule was naturally present in all vertebrate animals and human beings and almost originated in all body tissues and fluids, such as hyaline cartilage, synovial fluid, and the eye vitreous humor.[1]
Medically, hyaluronic acid is used to treat osteoarthritis, for wound repair, and as a cosmetic filler. Likewise, in the food industry, food additives use one of its version to increase the shelf-life of food.
What is Hyaluronic Acid in Skincare?
In skincare, HA is an organically occurring molecule found in the skin, eyes, and the connective tissues of joints. As stated above, it is a humectant, a substance, especially a skin care product or a food additive, used to reduce the loss of moisture, meaning it attracts and retains water, keeping skin hydrating and plump. According to the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, hyaluronic acid has the potential to retain water around 1000 times more than its weight. Therefore, skin industry widely use this molecule in countless products, including serums, moisturizers, and injectable fillers, to enhance the hydrating and anti-ageing properties of products.
Hyaluronic Acid Benefits
As far benefits are concerned, hyaluronic Acid is a silver bullet for those suffering from dehydration, wrinkles, and sensitivity. Following are some key benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for the skin.
Deep Hydration
Hyaluronic acid has revolutionized skincare by offering deep hydration, ensuring long-lasting moisture retention. By attracting water molecules and binding them to the skin, Hyaluronic acid prevents dehydration and dullness. This intense hydration keeps the skin looking fresh and reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), maintaining a supple and smooth complexion. The ability of HA to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water makes it a crucial ingredient in modern skincare formulations, particularly for individuals with dry or sensitive skin who struggle with moisture retention.
Anti-Ageing Effects
Beyond hydration, hyaluronic acid is widely recognized for its anti-ageing benefits, particularly in minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As we age, the natural levels of HA in the skin diminish, leading to loss of elasticity and firmness. By replenishing HA through topical application, the skin regains its plumpness and smooth texture, effectively reducing visible signs of ageing.
Wound Healing
Another remarkable benefit of hyaluronic acid is its ability to accelerate wound healing. According to research from the National Library of Medicine, HA plays a crucial role in tissue regeneration, helping skin recover faster from injuries, cuts, and even acne scars. It achieves this by promoting cell migration and reducing inflammation, creating an optimal environment for skin repair and renewal. This makes it particularly beneficial for individuals with acne-prone or sensitive skin, as it not only heals but also reduces the likelihood of scarring. Furthermore, studies indicate that HA stimulates fibroblast activity, a key process in collagen synthesis, which is essential for maintaining skin strength and integrity.
Barrier Repair
Equally important is its role in strengthening the skin’s natural barrier, which serves as a defence against environmental aggressors, pollutants, and UV damage. A compromised moisture barrier often leads to increased sensitivity, redness, and irritation, making the skin more prone to premature aging. Hyaluronic acid reinforces this protective layer, ensuring that moisture remains locked in while keeping harmful external factors out. In doing so, it enhances skin resilience, reducing the impact of external stressors that can cause inflammation and oxidative damage. This barrier-repairing function makes HA a valuable ingredient for individuals exposed to harsh weather conditions, excessive sun exposure, or pollution, as it helps maintain the skin’s structural integrity and overall health.
Soothing & Anti-Inflammatory
Last but not least, hyaluronic acid exhibits soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it highly effective in treating redness, irritation, and post-acne scars. It significantly reduces inflammatory markers in the skin, providing relief for conditions like eczema, rosacea, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Unlike heavy creams or occlusive agents, HA’s lightweight texture allows it to deliver hydration without clogging pores, making it suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone and oily skin. By reducing inflammation and boosting hydration simultaneously, HA promotes a clear, healthy complexion while preventing future skin damage. With its multifaceted benefits, it’s no wonder that hyaluronic acid serum has become a cornerstone ingredient in modern skin care, offering hydration, repair, and protection in a single formulation.
Hyaluronic Acid Serums
As stated above, hyaluronic acid is used in the cosmetics industry in various products that are particularly used as hydrating agents. Among them, serums are best to be considered because of their tiny requirement, lightweight formulation, and high penetration properties. Serum has a viscosity less than creams, lotions, etc, and it gives a fine finish.
Hyaluronic Acid Serum Uses
Although hyaluronic acid serum, or other products, are equally beneficial for the skin and face, it has some noticeable uses associated with the face too, along with the skin.
Hyaluronic Acid Serum Uses for Skin
Here are some striking benefits particularly associated with hyaluronic acid serum.
Treat Dehydrated Skin
First, hyaluronic acid serum is used to treat dehydrated skin. As HA is 1,000 times more water absorbent than its weight already when it comes to hyaluronic acid serum, its benefits are raised to 106, which is double. Normally, two factors are responsible for dehydration: ageing and Pollution, along with UV exposure. Ageing is an intrinsic factor that is bound to happen. However, the continuous use of hyaluronic acid serum can limit ageing by filling or hydrating wrinkles and ageing effects. On the other hand, pollution and UV exposure are extrinsic factors causing dehydration that need meticulous attention to be dealt with. In this case, too, hyaluronic acid serum is the magic wand that keeps the skin nourished by not only interacting with the skin barrier but also healing the broken careers associated with acne and breakouts, leaving your skin glowy and youthful.
Prevent Flaky Skin
Next, when the dehydration reaches a level where it is not treated for long, it leads to a chronic skin flake condition. In other words, flaky skin is typically a result of dry skin, often manifesting as visible flakes and a rough, scaly appearance. Consistent use of hyaluronic acid serum when treating dehydration automatically helps in undoing the dry patches. The hydro serum becomes indispensable in the case of flaky skin, instead of hyaluronic acid moisturizer or cream, because now the skin cells need deep therapy that is only possible at its best using the serum. In sum, hyaluronic acid serum for dry skin is the most recommended treatment for desquamation.
Reduces Transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
Related to dehydration and desquamation, transepidermal water loss refers to the amount of water that passively evaporates from the skin’s surface into the surrounding environment, essentially measuring how well the skin barrier is functioning by indicating the rate at which moisture escapes through the outer layer of the skin (stratum corneum). A higher TEWL signifies a compromised skin barrier and increased water loss, while a lower TEWL indicates a healthy barrier function. Hyaluronic Acid serums, by strengthening the skin barrier, significantly reduce TEWL and prevent passive evaporation of hard- particles from the skin
Hyaluronic Acid Uses for Face
Coming to the face, here are some peculiar uses of hyaluronic acid serums for skin
Plumps up Face
When the hyaluronic acid serum works on dehydration and flaky skin, it helps make your face look plump and glowy. Dehydration is associated with a tight and rough face texture, making skin appear dull and aged. The intense hydration fills fine lines and wrinkles on the face, particularly around the eyes and lips. This plumping action helps to minimize the appearance of these lines, creating a smoother, more youthful surface. As a result, visible signs of dullness are diminished, leaving the skin looking and feeling revitalized, more hydrated, and with a healthy, youthful glow. Improved hydration also contributes to a more supple and bouncy texture, further enhancing the overall youthful appearance of the skin.
Control Oil Production on the T-zone of the Face
Hyaluronic acid (HA) serum might seem counterintuitive for oily skin but can help regulate sebum production in the T-zone. Oily skin often overproduces oil to compensate for dehydration. HA serum’s ability to attract and retain moisture signals to the skin that it doesn’t need to overproduce. Because HA serum is typically lightweight, the HA serum won’t clog pores like heavier moisturizers exacerbating oiliness. By providing deep hydration, HA serum can help balance the skin’s natural oil production, leading to a less shiny T-zone. It’s important to choose an HA serum that is oil-free and non-comedogenic to avoid clogging pores.
Provides a smooth finish under makeup
The most important problem that is faced by people with dry skin is the over-manifestation of roughness over makeup. Since the skin is already dull, it makes makeup appear more caky and uneven. Best treatment for the issue is the use of hyaluronic acid serum. With its greater penetrability and hydrating properties, the serum helps your face look smooth, giving a flawless post-makeup look.
Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid on Lips?
It is one of the most concerning questions the skin enthusiasts can ask for, the one-word answer of which is YES. The hyaluronic acid serum works the same way on lips as it does on the face or skin, that is, hydrating chapped lips. Many lip products have hyaluronic acid as a key ingredient in them for added moisture and plumpness.
How and When to Use Hyaluronic Acid
Knowing the best time and way to use hyaluronic acid serum is the prerequisite for harnessing its benefits for in-depth recovery and hydration of the skin.
How to Use Hyaluronic Acid Serum
The following are steps you must follow to apply hyaluronic acid serum
- Wash and tone your face
- Apply a pea-size or 2-3 drops of hyaluronic acid serum on damp skin for better absorption.
- Gently pat the serum onto the face.
- Follow up with a moisturizer to seal in hydration.
When/ How Often Should You Use Hyaluronic Acid Serum
The hyaluronic acid serum is safe for daily use and users generally apply it twice a day—morning and night—for optimal hydration and skin benefits. This non-irritating and lightweight ingredient works well for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. To maximize its effectiveness, incorporate it into a consistent hydrating skincare routine. In the morning, applying HA serum before moisturizer helps lock in moisture and create a plump, smooth base for sunscreen and makeup. At night, it aids in skin repair and moisture replenishment, ensuring skin remains hydrated and supple while you sleep.
Hyaluronic Acid Compatibility with Other Key Ingredients
Hyaluronic acid is considered to be safe for almost all kinds of active skincare ingredients; however, its benefits are increased when added with some ingredients[2] or reduced with others. Here is the breakdown of how.
Can I Use Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid Serum Together?
Yes, Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid are considered to be compatible with each other. In fact, their benefits are enhanced if applied together.
Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid Serum Benefits
Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid serums are the perfect pair where the former boosts collagen production and the latter enhances moisture retention. The best application order includes applying vitamin C first, followed by the Hyaluronic acid, and then in the end, sealing with the final layer of moisturizer. As a result, not only is the hyperpigmentation and dark spots on the skin reduced, but it also brings hydration and moisturizer, resulting in glowy, youthful skin.
Can I Use Niacinamide with Hyaluronic Acid?
Yes, Niacinamide (vitamin B3) can also be used with hyaluronic acid to improve hydration, skin texture, and barrier function. They work like made for each other. Here the former regulates sebum production. Likewise, the latter keeps moisture intact, making the combination ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.
How to Use Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid Together
The best application order of Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid includes applying vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) first, followed by the Hyaluronic acid, and then in the end, sealing with the final layer of moisturizer. As a result, not only is the redness reduced and pores minimized, but it also brings hydration and moisturizer, resulting in glowy, youthful skin.
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Various popular brands provide hyaluronic acid serum in Pakistan; however, Base Natural provides the best organic H2O Wow – Hyaluronic acid serum, which has the active ingredients of 2 per cent hyaluronic acid with 1 per cent of vitamin B5 or panthenol that deeply penetrates your skin, providing the best results.
Suggested Product:
Hyaluronic Acid – Myths vs Facts
Hyaluronic Acid on Dry Skin
- Myth: Hyaluronic Acid dries out the skin if applied incorrectly.
- Fact: Hyaluronic Acid is excellent for dry skin when layered with a moisturizer
Is Hyaluronic Acid Good for Oily Skin?
- Myth: Oily skin doesn’t need hydration. Added hydration can clog pores
- Fact: Hyaluronic Acid is lightweight and helps balance oily skin without clogging pores.
Hyaluronic Acid Supplements for Skin
- Myth: Topical Hyaluronic Acid works the same as ingesting it.
- Fact: Hyaluronic Acid supplements improve skin hydration and elasticity when taken orally.
Why Does Hyaluronic Acid Dry My Skin?
- Myth: Hyaluronic Acid pulls water from deeper skin layers, causing dryness.
- Fix: Apply on damp skin and always follow with a moisturizer.
Hyaluronic Acid for Itchy Skin
- Myth: Hyaluronic Acid causes itchiness or product acne for sensitive skin
- Fact: Hyaluronic Acid is one of the best products for sensitive skin, with soothing properties, making it beneficial for eczema and irritated skin.
Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
- Myth: Hyaluronic Acid moisture does no good for skin
- Fact: Hyaluronic Acid-based creams combined with ceramides for barrier repair make it ideal for sealing in hydration.
Effects of Hyaluronic Acid on Skin
- Myth: Hyaluronic Acid needs years and years of consistent use for results
- Fact: Hyaluronic acid can make your skin appear plumper and smoother after a few applications. However, consistent use boosts collagen and hydration levels over time.
Hyaluronic Acid Percentage in Serum
- Myth: More concentration of hyaluronic acid produces more positive outcomes for skin
- Fact: Effective range: 1–2% HA concentration is ideal for skincare. Higher percentages don’t always mean better absorption due to molecular size differences.
Bottomline
In sum, hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse ingredient for hydration, anti-ageing, and skin barrier protection. It works best for all skin types including oily and acne-prone skin. For best results, use on damp skin and seal with a moisturizer.
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