What Is Hyaluronic Acid? Benefits, How to Use, Types, & More

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid, aka hyaluronan or hyaluronate, is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan (long sugars) found throughout the body’s connective tissue (especially in eyes, joints, and skin).

• In simpler terms, hyaluronic acid is a humectant that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water.
• This hydrating superpower binds water molecules on the skin’s surface to keep it hydrated.
• This gooey, slippery substance is responsible for giving the skin its texture, making it plump and supple.

You can use products with hyaluronic acid for skincare treatments like anti-ageing and mild eczema and notice visible results. Now that you know what is hyaluronic acid, it’s time to understand what does hyaluronic acid do, i.e., its benefits. Surprisingly, its virtues go far, far beyond mere hydration.

What Does Hyaluronic Do?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) has long proved its efficacy in the skincare-verse and is a common ingredient in any skincare regimen. Wondering why? Take a look the look the benefits of hyaluronic acid and you will understand why!

Hydrates Skin

You can use hyaluronic acid for dry skin. Hyaluronic acid pulls in moisture from the air and traps it in your skin, fighting dryness and dehydration.

Slows the Rate of Trans-epidermal Water Loss (TEWL)

HA slows the rate at which water content evaporates from the skin’s surface, ensuring your skin is thoroughly hydrated and moisturized.

Offers Anti-Ageing Action

Ageing skin lacks the required amount of moisture to keep it plump and supple. Hyaluronic acid elevates moisture levels, helps skin stretch and flex, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Smoothens Skin

Rough texture, begone! Hyaluronic acid helps to create a smoother, more even complexion.

Increases Skin Elasticity

Wondering what does hyaluronic acid do? Regular use of hyaluronic acid effectively increases skin firmness and elasticity.

Helps with Acne and Acne Scars

You can use hyaluronic acid for acne scars. Yes, you read it right! Hyaluronic acid may be directly involved in the prevention of acne. However, HA helps reduce redness and reduce the appearance of acne scars.

Heals Wounds

High molecular weight hyaluronic acid exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that help calm inflamed skin and heal wounds faster.

Knowing what is hyaluronic acid or what does hyaluronic acid do isn’t enough. You need to learn the types of hyaluronic acid to tap more into its benefits.

What Types of Hyaluronic Acid Should You Use?

There is not just one type of hyaluronic acid for skincare uses or treatments. Knowing the variations in molecular weight can help you select the right product for you:

How to Use Hyaluronic Acid in a Skincare Regimen?

While you know what is hyaluronic acid, it’s benefits for skin, and types, it is equally important to understand the right usage and application method for improved skin appearance.

Here’s how you can use products with hyaluronic acid for skincare benefits:

Daily Routine

Step 1: Use HA Cleanser

Cleanse with a hyaluronic acid cleanser to remove impurities while hydrating the skin.

Step 2: Apply HA Serum to Damp Skin

Pat dry and add a few drops of hyaluronic acid serum onto damp skin.

Step 3: Follow with HA Moisturizer

Prevent moisture loss and lock in the hydration with your favorite moisturizer with hyaluronic acid.

Step 4: Apply HA Sunscreen

Finish your hyaluronic acid skincare routine with broad-spectrum sunscreen with hyaluronic acid.

Step 5: Hydrate with Night Cream

Give your skin anti-ageing benefits at night with an HA-infused night cream.

Weekly Routine

Exfoliation & Sheet Mask

Exfoliate 1 – 3 times a week based on your skin type and follow it sheet mask.

• For best results, use sheet masks with hyaluronic acid (to replump and hydrate skin) and eye masks with hyaluronic acid (to reduce fine lines and re-plump eye contours).

What to Pair with Hyaluronic Acid?

While learning what is hyaluronic acid, it is crucial to know about other skincare ingredients that pair well with HA and don’t cause any discomfort when applied to the skin.

Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid

The powerful recipe hydrates, protects against environmental damage, and repairs aging skin. For best results, use a dedicated hyaluronic acid + vitamin C serum (day) and night serum.

Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid

The formula delivers youthful skin and a radiant complexion without causing any dryness or irritation.

AHA and Hyaluronic Acid

Using alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic, lactic, or mandelic acid and HA in the skincare regimen allows you to exfoliate and hydrate your skin without any dryness or sensitivity.

BHA and Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid balances out the drying effects that beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid can sometimes cause.

• Pro tip: Layer hyaluronic products after using retinol and AHA/BHA exfoliation.

Who Should Use Hyaluronic Acid and When to Use?

Hyaluronic acid suits all skin types including dry, oily, or sensitive skin. It’s an ideal choice for people struggling skin dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles or rough texture. You can use hyaluronic acid both in the morning and night for best results.

We hope this guide answers your queries ‘what is hyaluronic acid’, ‘what does hyaluronic acid do’, and more! So, go ahead and unlock the key to supple, hydrated, and radiant-looking skin with the best hyaluronic acid products and routine. Browse through the vast range of Garnier Skincare products and skincare tips, and learn how to use hyaluronic acid for skincare.

Need help with your skincare routine? Take the Garnier Skin Care Quiz and get customized skincare routine in no time.