You’ve probably seen “hyaluronic acid” increasingly appear in skincare products recently. But what is hyaluronic acid and what are the hyaluronic acid benefits for skin? Discover why this wildly popular ingredient seems to be everywhere, and how to make it a key component of your skincare routine.
Hyaluronic acid is a powerful naturally occurring humectant found between our cells. With the power to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, it helps skin retain maximum moisture and stay plump. Unfortunately, our finite supply decreases with age so we need to replenish it. In skincare products, HA is in a class all its own; it is not an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta-hydroxy acid (BHA).
Because hyaluronic acid retains moisture so well, it’s often used in anti-aging products. By using a hyaluronic acid serum or moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, we can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and keep skin looking youthfully supple.
Among the many hyaluronic acid benefits, it also keeps the skin’s moisture barrier intact, which protects the body from bacterial and environmental harm.
There are countless ways to reap the hyaluronic acid skin benefits. Look for skincare products formulated with “hyaluronic acid” (HA) or its close cousin called “sodium hyaluronate.” Hyaluronic acid works the same way in all skincare products, so choose one that fits your ritual and targets the area(s) you want to deeply hydrate.
Often thicker than day creams, night cream delivers extra nourishment and moisture while you sleep. Look for a hyaluronic acid cream formulated for overnight use. We highly recommend Garnier SkinActive Miracle Anti-Fatigue Sleeping Cream.
Moisturizers are one of the best ways to get hyaluronic acid on skin. Typically applied twice a day after washing your face, it helps seal in and retain moisture. Even people with oily skin can use a good hyaluronic acid cream every day. Plus, your hyaluronic acid face cream can do double duty when it also contains SPF 15+ to prevent sun damage.
Speaking of combining the benefits of hyaluronic acid with other ingredients, a super handy option are the Green Labs 3-in-1 products. Hyalu-Aloe Super Hydrating 3-in-1 Serum Gel is a moisturizer, hyaluronic acid serum and eye gel. Or try Hyalu-Melon Replumping 3-in-1 Serum Cream with SPF 30.
Hyaluronic acid is also found in highly effective cleansers like Smoothing Milky Washable Cleanser. Micellar water is a great option for cleansing and removing makeup, especially when it contains extra beneficial ingredients like Micellar Cleansing Water With Hyaluronic Acid + Aloe.
Hyaluronic acid skincare also includes sheet masks infused with hyaluronic acid serum, for example the Replumping Serum Mask 5-Minute Sheet Mask with Hyaluronic Acid + Watermelon and The Super Hydrating Sheet Mask.
You can even find the benefits of hyaluronic acid in makeup! BB cream blurs the line between makeup and skincare. Not only is it pigmented to help smooth imperfections, but it can also be fortified with SPF protection and antioxidants.
