Decoding Hyaluronic Acid: Why It Is The 'It Girl' Of The Beauty World

Hyaluronic is a naturally occurring substance found in our skin's extracellular matrix, which is the framework our skin sits on. Researchers even say that it is also present in our eyes and joints to provide lubrication and cushion (you are welcome for this extra information). Coming back to the topic of skincare, it has been found that as we move further in this journey called life i.e. increasing age, our body's bank of Hyaluronic Acid starts declining. But the good news is that we can use topical products that feature Hyaluronic Acid as an active ingredient to rebuild those depleted stores.

Hydration: The benefit at the forefront of using Hyaluronic Acid in your skincare routine is hydration as it is known for its ability to attract and bind water molecules while helping increase the water content of the skin. For reference, a quarter teaspoon of hyaluronic acid holds about one-and-a-half gallons of water.

Elasticity: Hydration and elasticity go hand and hand. As the moisture content rises, the skin starts regaining its stretch and flex which makes it look more plump and supple while also reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Not to forget, it provides a subtle glow to the skin to attain your glass skin goals.

Healing: Research has found that Hyaluronic Acid helps wounds heal faster and by wounds, we mean surface issues such as acne pits and dry patches. It also reduces scarring which is super helpful for acne-prone skin. Also, Hyaluronic Acid (or HA) contributes to the strengthening of your skin barrier, a must for healthy skin.

A serum has active ingredients (like HA) in the highest concentration and so is the best way to incorporate Hyaluronic Acid into your skincare regime. Other skincare products like cleansers, toners, essences, moisturisers and even sunscreens contain HA to provide its benefits to the skin but serums do remain the most effective. However, you can layer on these other products with your HA serum if your skin looks parched and is in urgent need of hydration in heaps. 

No, you don't have to worry about overdoing it with HA, it is a humectant and unlike exfoliants doesn't dry out the skin on overuse. However, it's always sensible to use everything in moderation when it comes to skincare as less is always more.

L'Oreal's serum has a concentration of 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid which makes it an effective formula for keeping the skin hydrated and reducing fine lines. It is also free from parabens, fragrance, alcohol and does not clog pores, nothing but the good stuff to help you achieve the lit-from-within skin of your dreams.

The Ordinary is one of those brands that had started the 'skin care for self care' wave in all of our lives with a combination of well-studied, basic skincare ingredients formulated together to give you your best skin ever. Their water-based HA serum has different weights of the acid mixed together because HA's molecules on their own are too large to penetrate the surface of the skin. 

If you want to skip the fuss of layering two or three serums for different skin concerns like hydration and dullness, then this is the one for you! Dr. Sheth's Hyaluronic Serum is packed with skin-loving ingredients like haldi (Indians' treasured antiseptic) for repairing damaged skin, along with niacinamide that's know to even out skin texture. It also has peptides and betaine (but in very low concentrations) for added skin benefits.

If your skin suffers from extreme Sahara desert-like dryness, then this HA serum is going to be your new skincare bestie! Apart from hyaluronic acid, it has panthenol, colloidal oat and centella asiatica and while we are no biochemists, we have heard enough about these. They're especially known to help soothe your skin and keep flakiness, redness and itchiness away.

If you don't mind spending big enough bucks then, Laneige's Hyaluronic Acid Serum flaunts top-notch formulation, promising results to take your dehydrated not-so-lively skin from drab to fab with regular use. Not to forget, the powder blue coloured packaging is super cute and has a pump, saving you from the hassle of using a dropper.

Caudalie's obsession with grape water for an instant boost of hydration is very well present in their SOS serum, meant for quenching distressed skin with the goodness of Hyaluronic Acid. The serum's ultra-light water aqueous texture absorbs quickly into the skin and leaves you with a subtle glow, making it a great pick for skin prep before makeup.

If you have mature skin and have tried almost everything to get back the plump and smooth skin from your good ol' days, then give this serum from luxury brand Farmacy a try. While Hyaluronic Acid and Pharmacy's proprietary honey blend keep your skin hydrated, thyme extract and vegan collagen peptides work against visible signs of ageing like smile lines and crow's feet. You can pretty much call this a magical concoction for glowing skin.

Is Hyaluronic Acid suitable for oily skin?

Yes, Hyaluronic Acid is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin and no, it doesn't make your skin excrete extra oil because of its hydrating properties. On the other hand, if you are using exfoliating ingredients like Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide or  Glycolic Acid, a humectant like Hyaluronic will be beneficial to prevent your skin from getting dry which usually tends to happen when exfoliants step into the picture. 

Can Hyaluronic Acid be used every day?

Yes, absolutely yes! HA is an extremely safe ingredient and can be used every day for skincare. You can use Hyaluronic in both your AM and PM routines if your skin needs help in the area of hydration. But do make sure that the product you are buying has at least one to two percent of HA in terms of concentration so that it uses the water molecules from the serum and holds them in place for maximum hydration to the skin.

What is the best age to start using Hyaluronic Acid?

There's no 'perfect age' to start using HA honestly. You can simply start using it when your skin feels dry. Usually, our skin starts losing elasticity during our twenties (the very reason for those pesky lines under my eyes) so consider that the right time if you haven't started using it already.