A Complete Guide to Hyaluronic Acid: What It Is, How It Benefits Skin, and More

A Complete Guide to Hyaluronic Acid: What It Is, How It Benefits Skin, and More

Hey there, how’s it glowin’? Last time we spoke about acids, we covered Queen BHA, Ms. Salicylic Acid. Today, we’re continuing that conversation but shifting the focus on a different popular skincare ingredient: hyaluronic acid. To learn what it is, how it benefits skin, who can use it, and more, keep reading. And fasten your seatbelts folks because this guide to hyaluronic acid is going to be a good one!

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that our bodies naturally produce with the highest amounts present in eyes, joints, and skin. It can be consumed orally in the form of supplements, applied topically to skin, and even injected into the body to lubricate muscle tissue. But when it comes to this acid, we’re more interested in what it can do for skin, baby!

Just like collagen and elastin, our body’s ability to naturally produce hyaluronic acid diminishes as we age. That’s why incorporating this acid into your beauty regimen is key, as it helps to keep skin plump and hydrated. How? Simply put, hyaluronic acid functions as a humectant. It works to pull in water from the dermis (the second layer of skin) to the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin). So, if a dewy, youthful-looking complexion is what you’re after, a dose of hyaluronic acid might just be the answer to your skin prayers!

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for Skin

Next up in our guide to hyaluronic acid: its benefits! Or should we say… benefit. Because if we’re being honest, hydration is the most notable feature of this ingredient.

Hyaluronic acid’s primary function is retaining and restoring moisture, making it a popular acid for those who often experience dryness. As hyaluronic acid sits on the surface of skin, it acts as a moisturizer thanks to its water-attracting properties. Now you might be thinking… Can this acid penetrate the deeper layers of skin? The answer is no. Simply put, hyaluronic acid lingers on the epidermis because of its molecular size, which is too large for the skin to absorb!

How to Use + Who Can Use Hyaluronic Acid

Figuring out how to incorporate a new acid into your skincare routine can be intimidating at first, but it’s a lot simpler than it seems! Hyaluronic acid can be applied both in the morning and evening and can even be combined with retinoids and other acids such as Vitamin C. When the former is used alongside hyaluronic acid, the two become even stronger and more effective, as they compliment one another when it comes to providing hydration and anti-aging protection. And while the latter may be efficient at improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting cell turnover, and more, it’s known to trigger irritation and inflammation. But when combined with hyaluronic acid, a hydrating agent, your skin is replenished from any lost moisture caused by retinoids.

If you’re using hyaluronic acid in serum form, apply it before your moisturizer and eye cream but if your moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid, then it should be one of the final steps in your routine. Oh, and btw, this acid is suitable and safe for all skin types. Ya, we know… it’s awesome.

MOZ Hyaluronic Acid Product Pick

Our Hyaluronic Acid Serum is extremely efficient at attracting and retaining moisture. We’ve implemented a unique natural formula, which gives this serum strong hydrating, anti-aging, and anti-wrinkle properties to help you glow. It works to soften and reduce fine lines as well as help with skin tone and tissue repair. Since it soaks into the skin quickly, it’s extremely effective at retaining moisture in the deeper layers of the skin. If you’re experiencing dry areas or dry skin in general, the 5% concentration in this organic serum is the perfect amount to help keep your skin hydrated!

If you want to give your skin an extra dose of hyaluronic acid, you can check out our Vitamin C Serum and Retinol Cream, both of which contain this nourishing ingredient.

The Bottom Line

Whether in a serum, moisturizer, or treatment, this hydrating hero is a skincare staple that everyone should incorporate into their beauty routine. With that said, we hope this guide to hyaluronic acid has answered all your burning questions! If you’d like to know more about this ingredient and/or which MOZ product with hyaluronic acid would best suit your skin needs, feel free to reach out on socials. Talk soon!