We’ll get straight to the point: The benefits of hyaluronic acid are undeniable, so if it’s not yet part of your skin care routine, you’re missing out. And if you’re a little intimidated by the word “acid,” don’t worry; unlike alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids, hyaluronic acid isn’t a chemical exfoliant. Rather, it’s a (very effective) hydrating ingredient—one that can be combined with a variety of other actives and is safe and effective for pretty much everyone.
In short, there’s a reason it’s beloved by dermatologists and you really can’t go wrong by using it. It is possible to maximize its moisturizing properties. Here, SELF has asked experts to describe what hyaluronic is, its benefits for your skin, and the best way to incorporate it in your daily routine.
What is hyaluronic acids?
Hyaluronic acid (or HA, as the cool kids call it) is a type of sugar that your body makes naturally: “It’s a long-chain carbohydrate present in our body and our skin,” Emily Newsom, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, tells SELF. It’s also present in lots of nooks and crannies—like between muscle fibers, in connective tissue, and in the fluid-filled sacs lubricating and cushioning your joints—but the largest concentration of HA is found in the skin.1
It’s also the active ingredient in injectable dermal fillers like Restylane and Juvéderm because of its innate plumping abilities, which translate when it’s applied topically via over-the-counter skin care products, too. “Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it attracts water to and retains it in the skin,” Ryan Turner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, tells SELF.1 Hyaluronic Acid can hold 1,000 times its own weight in water.2 Imagine it as a sponge. As it absorbs moisture, it puffs, which helps to hydrate and plump up the skin. Dr. Turner claims that your skin will look smoother, more vibrant and the fine lines less visible.
What are some of the main benefits hyaluronic Acid?
We just touched on the big one—keeping skin seriously hydrated. Its other claim to fame is that, despite these hardcore moisturizing effects, hyaluronic acid is still a very lightweight ingredient that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy. That’s part of the reason why anyone and everyone can—and should—consider using it, according to the experts we consulted.
Hyaluronic acid products are great for pretty much every skin type, Dr. Newsom says, adding that it can be particularly beneficial for folks with acne-prone or combination skin (oily in some parts; dry in others) who are looking for a highly moisturizing product that isn’t too thick or occlusive (pore-clogging). It can still be useful for dry skin because it attracts moisture, especially when combined with thicker moisturisers (like eye creams), says Dr. Newsom.