Q. I want to use hyaluronic acid, but how do I start?

A. Hyaluronic acids can vastly improve your skin, but there’s some things you should know about hyaluronic acids before you start!

⁣Using hyaluronic acids can be super beneficial and helpful for your skin, but definitely there are some facts you need to know beforehand. Before I get started on how to use hyaluronic acid, let’s look a little more into the ingredient itself!

Hyaluronic acids 101

What is it? Hyaluronic acids are naturally-occurring sugar that’s found in the skin. The amount of hyaluronic acids in the skin diminishes as we age.

What are they good for?

• Helps retain moisture

• Reduce signs of wrinkles and fine lines

• Helps with inflammation

• Alleviate dry skin

Also, no matter what a brand will tell you, hyaluronic acid cannot penetrate into the dermis. Although having a small molecular weight, it is still too big to fit through your skin and into its deeper layers, meaning that it can only penetrate the epidermis, or the most superficial layer of your skin. Remember this the next time you come across an ad that sounds too good to be true!

Tips on how to use hyaluronic acid

For low humidity:

• If you use hyaluronic acid without a moisturizer, it will pull moisture from the deeper layers of your skin, causing you to lose moisture from your skin instead! In this case, always seal your hyaluronic acid with a thick moisturizer. ⁣

For high humidity:

• Hyaluronic acid pulls moisture from the environment into your skin and seals it into your skin. In this case, it’s okay to not follow up with a moisturizer. ⁣

For dry/humid conditions:

• Sodium hyaluronate will be effective in both dry/humid conditions because it is more stable. 

Add to your daily routine:

• Hyaluronic acid in cream and serums only last on your skin for 24-36 hours before you need to reapply. And this is because the body’s natural enzyme, hyaluronidase, breaks down hyaluronic acid within that time frame.
• This means you will need to consistently use hyaluronic acid every day to see results. Results are only temporary.

Serums over creams:

• Serums are more concentrated and thus more effective than creams.

Different skin types:

• Dry/sensitive skin should start out with using creams.
• Oily skin can use serums. However, skin types and results can vary.

Our recommended products

We searched through our Picky archive and dug up some great products containing hyaluronic acid which are definitely worth checking out!

IsNtree – Hyaluronic Acid Toner Plus

This toner from IsNtree contains four other ingredients that are great for oily/sensitive skin types, including green tea, aloe leaf extract, and panthenol. Also full of ingredients great for brightening, soothing, and fighting off acne.

Allies of Skin – Triple Hyaluronic Antioxidant Hydration Serum

On top of having hyaluronic acid, this serum by Allies of Skin also contains niacinamide and licorice root extract. These ingredients pack a punch. Not only are great they great for brightening and pore control, they also contain soothing, anti-aging, and acne-free properties. Definitely worth a try.

COSRX – Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule

This ampoule by COSRX contains glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, meaning it will keep your skin super moisturized. In addition to this, the presence of panthenol will help to soothe any skin irritation, making it a potential Holy Grail product for even sensitive skin types.

A’pieu – Hyaluthione Soonsoo Cream

This cream by A’pieu contains niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, aloe leaf extract, and panthenol. This dreamy ingredient combination makes it great for sensitive… and dry… and any skin type, really! Search for this product on Picky to find out how the ingredient formula also helps with other skincare concerns like brightening, anti-aging and pore care etc.

To find more amazing products using hyaluronic acid, go to the Picky app now and use the Mega Ingredient Filter to search for products with the exact ingredient combination you want. Don’t forget to also follow us on Instagram and go back to our blog for more skincare science content!

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