Beautiful Virgin Islands

Tuesday, Jun 03, 2025

What is hyaluronic acid and why should you be using it?

What is hyaluronic acid and why should you be using it?

Hyaluronic acid is one of the biggest buzzwords in skincare – and for good reason. We explain what it is, what it does and how to use it.

Hyaluronic acid is one of the biggest buzzwords in the skincare industry – and for good reason. This ingredient, which is actually produced in your body naturally, is the key to smooth, flawless and hydrated skin. Did we mention that these molecules can hold up to 1000 times its weight in moisture? While it's easy to be blinded and caught up in the science and hype of the matter, today, we're here to help answer one important question – what is hyaluronic acid?

Below, we're sharing everything you need to know about hyaluronic acid; how it can benefit your skin, when and how to use it and a recommendation of our favourite products.

What is hyaluronic acid?


Hyaluronic acid, which sometimes, might appear in the ingredient list of your skincare product as HA, is a naturally-occurring sugar molecule found in our bodies. The substance works as a super magnet for moisture by binding water to collagen; and when found within our bodies, can hold 1000 times its weight in moisture. To break it down even further, a single gram of hyaluronic acid has the capacity to retain up to six litres of water. Yes, six litres.

Hyaluronic acid is predominately found in our skin, connective tissue and eyes. Where your skin is concerned, its main function is to help your cells retain and regulate as much hydration and moisture as possible – ensuring it feels and appears hydrated, plump and healthy.

It is also a humectant, which is the name for a category of skincare ingredients that are hygroscopic. In layman's terms, this means it is able to draw extra moisture from your surroundings, (yes, even the air), rather than just retaining what's already there.

Similarly to collagen and elastin, the naturally-occurring production of hyaluronic acid also slows down as we get older.

What does hyaluronic acid do for your skin?


As you would have gathered by now, hyaluronic acid is the ultimate hydration tool. Not only is it the basis of many of our favourite serums, but its benefits are also injected into many other products, especially moisturisers. Unsurprisingly, lack of moisture is one of the main culprits of ageing skin.

In addition to the product's hydrating properties, there are several other benefits to having this ingredient in your skincare routine:

* Reduces the appearance of fine lines: When your skin is hydrated, lines and wrinkles (even the deeper ones) appear diminished. And since dehydration is one of the main causes of ageing, this ingredient is extremely effective in reducing their appearance.

* Fast absorbing: Unlike some other skincare products, hyaluronic acid absorbs very quickly into the skin, which means you waste lest product.

* It's a product that everyone can use: One of the great things about this ingredient is that it's extremely safe and non-irritating. This means that it works on all skin types – even sensitive or breakout-prone skin and those with oily complexions.

* It has antioxidant properties: Recent studies have shown that hyaluronic acid has antioxidant properties; which means it it can act as a protectant against free radicals we aren't in control of, like pollution.

Can you use it everyday?


As we already mentioned, hyaluronic acid is extremely safe to use and is generally suitable for all skin types. Which is why you can definitely use it everyday. Even though the name might be off-putting, it isn't like other acids that strip or exfoliate the skin; and it doesn't require any downtime when applied topically either.

There is one very important thing to note. If you're noticing that your skin is beginning to look more dry, than hydrated, it could be because you're using the wrong hyaluronic acid. As we know, our skin has several layers, and the one loophole with this ingredient is that if it only penetrates and reaches one of those layers, it will pull all the water from above and below.

This is why it's recommended to look out for a hyaluronic acid that comprises of multiple different HA's. But more on this later...

When should I use it in my skincare routine?


Given how much good this ingredient can do for your skin, it's a surprisingly flexible hydrator; and can be applied up to twice a day. Unlike other serums or active ingredients that need to be strictly applied at morning or night; hyaluronic acid is completely benign, and generally won't interfere with your other skincare.

It's recommended that you use it first in your regime; directly onto clean, damp skin so it has the opportunity to really work its magic.

While topical hyaluronic acid is fairly easy to maintain, you can also venture into the realm of injectable and ingestible doses. All under the guidance of a doctor, of course.

Which hyaluronic acid product should I use?


Like we already mentioned, the best hyaluronic acids are those that are packed with multiple HA's of different molecular weight varieties. This assists in ensuring the product reaches all layers of the skin, not just the one; to prevent it from pulling the water from the adjacent layers of skin and dehydrating you further.

A favourite hyaluronic acid serum at RUSSH is The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. This product combines different types of HA including low, medium and high-molecular weight varieties and the addition of vitamin B5 also enhances surface hydration. It's also extremely affordable without compromising on efficacy – which, is very rare in the world of serums.

Another cult-classic product on the pricier end of the spectrum is the Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum. Similarly to The Ordinary, this product is infused with both long and short-chain hyaluronic molecules to achieve a deeper level of hydration. It is also suitable for post-sun exposure, travel, and exposure to air conditioning.

Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
Harvard Urges US to Unfreeze Funds for Public Health Research
Businessman Mauled by Lion at Luxury Namibian Lodge
Researchers Consider New Destinations Beyond the U.S.
53-Year-Old Doctor Claims Biological Age of 23
Trump Struggles to Secure Trade Deals With China and Europe
Russia to Return 6,000 Corpses Under Ukraine Prisoner Swap Deal
Microsoft Lays Off Hundreds More Amid Restructuring
Harvey Weinstein’s Publicist Embraces Notoriety
Macron and Meloni Seek Unity Despite Tensions
Trump Administration Accused of Obstructing Deportation Cases
Newark Mayor Sues Over Arrest at Immigration Facility
Center-Left Candidate Projected to Win South Korean Presidency
Trump’s Tariffs Predicted to Stall Global Economic Growth
South Korea’s President-Elect Expected to Take Softer Line on Trump and North Korea
Trump’s China Strategy Remains a Geopolitical Puzzle
Ukraine Executes Long-Range Drone Strikes on Russian Airbases
Conservative Karol Nawrocki wins Poland’s presidential election
Study Identifies Potential Radicalization Risk Among Over One Million Muslims in Germany
Good news: Annalena Baerbock Elected President of the UN General Assembly
Apple Appeals EU Law Over User Data Sharing Requirements
South Africa: "First Black Bank" Collapses after Being Looted by Owners
Poland will now withdraw from the EU migration pact after pro-Trump nationalist wins Election
"That's Disgusting, Don’t Say It Again": The Trump Joke That Made the President Boil
Trump Cancels NASA Nominee Over Democratic Donations
Paris Saint-Germain's Greatest Triumph Is Football’s Lowest Point
OnlyFans for Sale: From Lockdown Lifeline to Eight-Billion-Dollar Empire
Mayor’s Security Officer Implicated | Shocking New Details Emerge in NYC Kidnapping Case
Hegseth Warns of Potential Chinese Military Action Against Taiwan
OPEC+ Agrees to Increase Oil Output for Third Consecutive Month
Jamie Dimon Warns U.S. Bond Market Faces Pressure from Rising Debt
Turkey Detains Istanbul Officials Amid Anti-Corruption Crackdown
Taylor Swift Gains Ownership of Her First Six Albums
Bangkok Ranked World's Top City for Remote Work in 2025
Satirical Sketch Sparks Political Spouse Feud in South Korea
Indonesia Quarry Collapse Leaves Multiple Dead and Missing
South Korean Election Video Pulled Amid Misogyny Outcry
Asian Economies Shift Away from US Dollar Amid Trade Tensions
Netflix Investigates Allegations of On-Set Mistreatment in K-Drama Production
US Defence Chief Reaffirms Strong Ties with Singapore Amid Regional Tensions
Vietnam Faces Strategic Dilemma Over China's Mekong River Projects
Malaysia's First AI Preacher Sparks Debate on Islamic Principles
White House Press Secretary Criticizes Harvard Funding, Advocates for Vocational Training
France to Implement Nationwide Smoking Ban in Outdoor Spaces Frequented by Children
Meta and Anduril Collaborate on AI-Driven Military Augmented Reality Systems
Russia's Fossil Fuel Revenues Approach €900 Billion Since Ukraine Invasion
U.S. Justice Department Reduces American Bar Association's Role in Judicial Nominations
U.S. Department of Energy Unveils 'Doudna' Supercomputer to Advance AI Research
U.S. SEC Dismisses Lawsuit Against Binance Amid Regulatory Shift
Alcohol Industry Faces Increased Scrutiny Amid Health Concerns
Italy Faces Population Decline Amid Youth Emigration
×