Hyaluronic acid is often used in cosmetics for its ability to help the skin retain moisture. It can help battle dry skin, aging, and various other skin ailments. In this article, we want to go into detail and discuss the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) in a serum. We will cover the what, why, how and when of using a hyaluronic acid serum.
To find out whether your skin needs hyaluronic acid, take our skin quiz right here. It takes just a couple minutes to complete, and it will help us understand your skin, and prepare a detailed analysis for you.
Don’t be scared by the word ‘acid’ – HA is a completely safe, gentle substance that’s produced naturally in your body. It’s present in your eyes, joints and skin where it helps keep your tissues lubricated and moist. The average person has around 15 grams of hyaluronic acid in their body, of which one-third is replenished every day!
On a molecular level, hyaluronic acid is the main force behind keeping your skin hydrated, due to its unique capacity for retaining water. As you age, your skin dries out, and needs more moisture. Using a hyaluronic acid serum is beneficial, because it can help your skin absorb moisture, and prevent moisture loss. It’s excellent at doing its job – studies have found that hyaluronic acid can hold as much as ten times its weight in water!
Why use a hyaluronic acid serum? Hyaluronic acid serum is good for the skin because it acts as a great skin hydrator. Did you know that much of your skin’s health is related to whether or not it is well moisturized. In this regard, hyaluronic acid serum has a lot of beneficial properties.
Hyaluronic acid can help acne-prone skin by regulating sebum production, which in turn affects acne. Sebum is an oily, waxy substance that moisturizes hair and skin. Sometimes, sebaceous glands are overstimulated due to health conditions or lifestyle changes, and then if skin cells are not shed like usual, they can block hair follicles, thus trapping the sebum and causing acne. Hyaluronic acid helps keep your skin moisturized, hence balances your skin from producing too much sebum and nips the biggest acne problem in the bud.
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning a substance that reduces the loss of moisture. When applied to damp skin, it binds to water, keeping it on your skin for longer and helping the skin absorb it. Combining other ingredients with the serum can also help further.
As we age, our natural levels of hyaluronic acid reduce, and our skin’s ability to retain moisture drops off significantly. Our skin loses its plasticity, leaving areas of stretched and loose skin that appear as wrinkles. Plus, wrinkles show up worse on dry skin, giving your face an aged appearance. Since hyaluronic acid moisturizes the skin and helps it absorb moisture deeply, it plumps up your skin and smooths out wrinkles and fine lines. Applying a hyaluronic acid serum topically can make your skin look smoother and more youthful as a result.
When applied topically, this powerful ingredient can help heal skin wounds and infections. Hyaluronic acid has also been shown to be effective at reducing pain. Wound-healing takes longer as you age, and sometimes it’s necessary to give your skin a little help. Apply a serum to help things along, and it will also keep your skin hydrated and happy.
HA contains various antioxidants, which play a crucial role in making your skin look healthy and fresh. Applying antioxidants topically is much better for your skin than taking oral supplements because with the topical application the skin gets 20-40 times the amount of goodness it would get with an oral supplement.
There are lots of skin serums on the market that can work together or separately make your skin look more youthful. How are you to know which one is best for your skin goals?
The easiest way is to take our skin quiz. It only takes a minute to complete, and you’ll receive a skincare kit that is made just for you. We put the right ingredients in the right formula in the right order – in a way that is right for you.
The two do different things for your skin, so it’s a little hard to compare them. However, combining them is great! The two are compatible, and you will get more benefits if you use them together. Here’s what combining hyaluronic acid and vitamin C will do for your skin:
These two ingredients are often combined in beauty products, so you know it’s safe. However, pure vitamin C can be a little strong, so use it with caution on sensitive skin.
Again, these two do different things for your skin, although the end result is the same – healthy, youthful skin. It’s hard to compare them, but it’s great to combine them. Retinol is a strong ingredient and hyaluronic acid is a mild one, so they balance each other out. Here are some of the benefits you’ll get from using the two together:
Retinol is a strong ingredient, so if your skin isn’t used to it, give it a test run first to make sure your skin isn’t irritated by it. Once you start this regime with the two ingredients, you will see long-term results in a few months.
To find out what your skin needs, take our skin quiz. It takes just a couple minutes, and you will then get tailor-made products that’ll solve all your skin problems.
Did you know that the time of day and order in which you apply skincare products can affect their benefits? Like using any kind of skin care, first aid, or medication, if you do it the wrong way, you may not get the best results. So here are some common questions about applying hyaluronic acid serum to your face, and how you should do it:
You can use the serum as often as you’d like, since the skin can only absorb small amounts of moisture at a time. Optimally, you should apply the serum twice a day – once in the morning, and later in the evening.
Absolutely! Your skin needs a lot more than just moisture – it needs a balanced blend of vitamins, antioxidants and nutrients. So for best results, combine hyaluronic acid with other active ingredients. Not sure which ingredients are right for your skin goals? Take our skin quiz, and we’ll let you know which combination of ingredients are right for your needs and skin goals.
You can use the serum anytime, whenever works best for you.
Use it right after washing and lightly drying your face, when it is still slightly damp. The serum will then pull the moisture on your skin deep into your skin.
It doesn’t matter what order you use the serums in, as long as they are mutually compatible.
You should apply the serum before using any oil-based moisturizers. This is because hyaluronic acid pulls moisture into the skin, and the oil in your moisturizer will seal this moisture in to create long-lasting hydration. Besides, hyaluronic acid is a really lightweight ingredient, and may not be able to penetrate through heavy, oily moisturizer.
Absolutely! Hyaluronic acid serums are safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. In fact, they are useful for skin plumping and hydration, both of which are necessary when pregnant or breastfeeding, because the hormonal changes can leave your skin feeling dry and flaky.
Yes, the serum will expire. Although hyaluronic acid is chemically quite stable and can be kept for a fairly long time, it will expire. It can get contaminated with bacteria as you use it, so we recommend using the product by the expiration date.
In general, using hyaluronic acid topically is completely safe as long as you follow the directions. However, there’s a chance you may have an allergic reaction, so test the serum on a small patch of skin before applying it to your face.
Yes, you can use hyaluronic acid on sensitive skin. In fact, the gentle, moisturizing ingredient may help calm your skin.
Yes. Hyaluronic acid can be used by all skin types. While oily skin isn’t dry, it can be dehydrated due to over-washing, which makes it look unappealing. Hyaluronic acid is gentle enough to not worsen the oiliness, and its moisture-binding capabilities will help improve your skin’s moisture levels and keep it happy.
This was a comprehensive guide on using a hyaluronic acid serum from Y’OUR Skincare. If you’re ever in doubt, remember to err on the side of caution. To learn more about your skin and what it needs, take our skin quiz. We will then prepare a kit specially for your skin, and send it to you within 7 days. We put the right ingredients in the right formula in the right order – in a way that is right for you.
