Hyaluronic Acid: Everything You Need to Know About the Plumping Powerhouse Ingredient

Looking to upgrade your skincare ingredients with something simple, yet super-duper hydrating that minimises fine lines and wrinkles, prevents excess oil production, and gets your glow on that you don’t have to train your skin to tolerate? (We’re lookin’ atchu retinol). Hyaluronic acid is completely foolproof and can be used every day on all skin types. It’s love at first sight. Here’s everything you need to know about your new favourite skincare ingredient. *Immediately goes to shuffle the bathroom cabinet to make room for hyaluronic acid at the front*. 

What Is Hyaluronic Acid and Why Is It Important?

Hyaluronic acid, sometimes referred to as HA, is a natural sugar molecule produced by the body to keep it hydrated, lubricate joints, and assist in the wound healing process. As we age, our body begins to produce less and less hyaluronic acid, which is why it’s important we top it up ourselves. 

What Are the Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for The Skin?

Hydration 

Hyaluronic acid is most popular for its hydrating benefits as it’s a humectant. This means that it’s able to draw and retain water, but hyaluronic acid tops all other humectants with its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. We think it’s pretty impressive too. 

Helps To Prevent Excess Oil Production 

Having dry skin will send your sebaceous glands into overtime to produce more oils to try and replace moisture, this can make your skin appear oily, leading to blocked pores and blemishes. Intense hydration from hyaluronic acid can help to keep your sebaceous glands from going OTT. 

Minimises Fine Lines and Wrinkles 

When the skin is dry, it’s more likely to make fine lines and wrinkles appear more prominent as skin cells lose moisture and begin to shrivel up. Regularly applying hyaluronic acid to the skin will help attract and maintain moisture to plump them back up, softening fine lines and wrinkles.

Boosts Radiance 

By increasing moisture in the skin and creating a smooth, even surface, another benefit of hyaluronic acid is that it gives a beautiful dewy appearance as light better reflects off the skin. 

Which Skin Type Can It Be Used With?

While dry and/or mature skin types will benefit the most from hyaluronic acid, it’s safe for all skin types as it’s naturally made within us. But when shopping for HA, be mindful of the other ingredients it may be combined with as these might not be so friendly. 

Why Is Hyaluronic Acid Especially Helpful in A Winter Skincare Routine? 

Hyaluronic acid is worth the hype all year round, but it’s worth shouting about that little bit more during winter to prevent dryness, as the harsh weather strips your skin of hydration and the natural oils that help to keep it moisturised. But, like most things in life, timing is everything. HA is best applied when your skin is still slightly damp after a shower in the bathroom while there’s still steam in the air, allowing it to attract the most moisture possible. 

Hyaluronic Acid K-Beauty Favourites:

Toner: HADA LABO Gokujyun Premium Hyaluronic Acid Lotion (170ml) - £19.95

If you’re a fan of the original HADA LABO Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion with 3 different kinds of HA for the skin, we guarantee you’ll be an even bigger fan of the premium formula as it features 7! Deeply replenishing the skin with moisture, this toner does everything but dry your skin out. Skin will be left feeling softer, supple, and silky-smooth to the touch. 

Sheet Mask: ETUDE HOUSE 0.2 Therapy Air Mask Hyaluronic Acid - £2.95

At only 0.2mm thin, this veggie-based sheet mask is oh-so-breathable and lightweight on the skin. Just don’t underestimate its size. It’s loaded with sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, rosemary leaf oil, and licorice root and coptis japonica root extracts to increase hydration and radiance, clear blemishes, soothe the skin, soften fine lines and wrinkles, and deliver antioxidant protection against free radicals. 

Essence: COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence (100ml) - £19.95 

For long-lasting moisture, snap up COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence. It contains sodium hyaluronic, a smaller form of hyaluronic acid that can be easily absorbed by the skin, meaning it can penetrate deeper layers for better retention. 

Serum: COSRX Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule (40ml) - £22.00 

For skin that needs a serious serving of hyaluronic acid, COSRX Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule is a serum on steroids with a higher concentration of active ingredients. Sodium hyaluronate, hydrolysed hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B3 work together to lock in moisture, repair and support the skin’s barrier, prevent fine lines and wrinkles, and calm irritation. 

Sun Cream: ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ (50ml) - £20.50

Formulated with 8 different types of hyaluronic acid for the skin, this ultra-hydrating SPF 50 sunscreen will protect you against dryness and sun damage without breaking the bank – ka-ching! To enhance the brightening effects of hyaluronic acid, you’ll also discover niacinamide and pine bark extract.