Over the last few years Hyaluronic Acid has been popping up everywhere in skincare and makeup. With nearly every brand on the planet incorporating Hyaluronic Acid into their products, let's take a closer look at why it is the hot ingredient of the moment and how everyone can benefit from including it in their skincare routine. 

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic Acid (HA), also known as Sodium Hyaluronate or Hyaluronan is a naturally occuring substance in our bodies. The largest amounts are found in your skin, connective tissue and eyes. It is a moisture binding molecule which helps to keep our skin looking plump and hydrated. Unfortunately, like with most good things, it starts to deplete over time as we age. (Fun Fact: Dermal Filler injections like lip filler, eye filler and cheek filler, are Hyaluronic Acid).

When used in skincare Hyaluronic Acid acts as a powerful humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the environment/surroundings into the upper layers of the skin. Hyaluronic Acid can hold 1000 times it's weight in moisture, which is why it is such a popular ingredient and perfect for combating dehydration! 

Why should you be using Hyaluronic Acid? 

In todays world, where we are in and out constantly of air conditioning or heating and sitting in front of screens for longer periods of time, nearly everybody suffers from some degree of dehydration (dehydration = lack of moisture in the skin). Dehydration causes your skin to look dull, have more fine lines, wrinkles, larger pore size, more skin texture and can cause your skin to feel tight and sensitive. Anyone can have dehydrated skin, regardless of skin type.

Hyaluronic Acid helps to treat dehydration by drawing moisture into the skin, leaving you with plumper skin with less texture, smoothed fine lines and smaller pore size. It is rare to have allergies or sensitivity to Hyaluronic Acid, making it a great ingredient for anyone! (Always do a patch test first if you are unsure how your skin will react).

What Hyaluronic Acid product is best?

You will find Hyaluronic Acid in so many products these days, not just skincare, it can be overwhelming. For the best results, I recommend using a serum. Serums have a smaller molecular structure than creams or lotions, which means they can penetrate deeper into the skin giving you better results. Hyaluronic Acid can be used both morning and night and can be used along side other serums as well. Make sure to use a moisturiser, gel/lotion or oil over the top of the Hyaluronic Acid Serum so it has something to draw moisture from if your environment is dry.

Here are the best Hyaluronic Acid Serums for each skin type/concern:

If you have Oily, Combination or Acne Prone Skin

Osmeira Botanicals Antioxidant Hydration Drops

An extremely lightweight serum, it doesn't leave a residue and absorbs completely into the skin. Containing other great ingredients including Pentavitin for extra hydration, Edelweiss, White Tea & Mangosteen for antioxidants and anti ageing benefits, as well as Kakadu Plum to help brighten the complexion.

Can be used morning and night under a face oil or moisturiser/gel.

If you have Combination, Normal, Dry or Mature Skin

La Mav Hyaluronic Acid Hydra-Max Serum

This serum also contains ingredients to actively fight the signs of ageing, strengthen skin and restore radiance. Containing CoEnzyme Q10, Green Tea & Cranberry Extract to protect the skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as Aloe Vera Juice & Rose Distillate to refresh and reviltalize the skin.

Can be used both morning and night under your moisturiser/oil.

If you have Sensitive, Normal or Dry Skin

Osmeira Botanicals Bounce Repair Drops

A nutrient rich, moisturising serum. Helps to calm the skin with the addition of Colloidal Oats,  Niacinamide helps to improve skin texture and Olive Squalane & Safflower Oil helps to nourish and moisturise the skin. 

Can be used morning and night under your moisturiser/oil.

If you just need a boost

The Unnamed Hydrating & Anti-Aging Sheet Mask

Containing Hyaluronic Acid, as well as Ceramides and Peptides, it helps to plump up the skin, soothe and reduce the appearance of fine lines, Great for a boost of hydration after a big weekend or just if your skin is feeling dull. 

Apply the mask onto the skin, leave for 15-20 minutes, remove the mask and massage the remaining serum into the skin. Use once a fortnight or when you feel your skin needs a boost.

So why not do your skin a favour and start incorporating Hyaluronic Acid into your skincare routine today, your skin will thank you for it!