Everything You've Ever Want to Know About Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Skin

Are you curious about hyaluronic acid (HA) serum for the skin? If so, you’re not alone. According to Global Monthly Searches, a massive 21,000 people search for HA on Google every month.

But why the hype? It all comes down to hyaluronic acid’s semi-miraculous effects on the skin. The stuff just works!

This post is for people who haven’t used HA before and are exploring it for the first time. You’ll learn what HA serum is, how it benefits the skin, and how to use it. You’ll also find out whether you’re a good candidate for it and how to choose the best HA products. (Hint: they’re all from Cosmedica Skincare!)

So, without further ado, let’s get started.

What is Hyaluronic Acid Serum?

Hyaluronic acid serum is an HA-containing skincare product designed to help plump, smooth, and moisturize the skin. Technically, it is a glycosaminoglycan, which is a long chain of sugar molecules that can attract and hold water.

Interestingly, the body makes its own HA, and you can find high concentrations in the skin, eyes, and joints, where it helps lubricate and cushion them. However, natural production declines as you age, leading to dryness, sagging, and wrinkles, which is why everyone is obsessed with HA serums.

Hyaluronic acid serum replenishes the skin's HA levels and prevents water loss from the epidermis – the skin’s outermost layer. It does this by forming an emollient film that stops moisture from escaping.

These serums can also penetrate deeper into the skin and stimulate collagen production if used long-term. You may notice skin elasticity and firmness improvements after six to eight weeks of continued use.

Hyaluronic acid serums can benefit all skin types, especially dry, dehydrated, mature, or sensitive skin. They can also help heal wounds, reduce inflammation and redness, and protect the skin from environmental damage.

As you research HA, you will come across several hyaluronic acid types on the market, varying in molecular weight, concentration, and formulation.

1. Molecular Weight

Molecular weight refers to the size of the HA molecules and indicates how far into the skin they can sink. Most skincare professionals prefer lower-weight products because they can reach the dermis – the part of the skin responsible for collagen synthesis.

However, high-weight HA is also beneficial because it forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, locking in moisture (more on this topic in the next section). Therefore, you might want to choose a serum with a combination of molecular weights to target different dermal layers.

2. Concentration

Concentration describes the amount of HA in the serum. Higher-concentration products are thicker, stickier, and more hydrating. Lower concentrations are lighter and may absorb into the skin more easily after application. Most serums aim for between 0.5 and 2% HA – the optimal range for most skin types.

3. Formulation

Finally, formulation refers to the extra ingredients manufacturers add to HA-based products. These can sometimes enhance its performance.

For example, brands may pair HA with antioxidants, peptides, vitamins, minerals, and botanical extracts. They may also add brightening ingredients.

However, you should be careful. Additional ingredients may cause skin irritation and sensitivity for some people. Always read the label before purchasing.

Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid Serum For Skin

Now the bit you’ve been waiting for – the benefits of HA serums for the skin!

1. Hydration-Boosting

HA’s most-celebrated benefit is its skin-hydrating properties. Studies show it is an essential molecule for skin moisture.

HA can attract and hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, which explains why the body produces it in abundance. Unfortunately, HA-forming machinery inside cells goes into chronic decline as you age, meaning skin can dry out and become wrinkled over time.

As you might expect, HA serums can help. These penetrate the skin's surface and replenish the moisture levels in the deeper skin layers, reducing skin complaints like flakiness, dullness, and irritation. As moisture collects, skin feels softer and plumper, and dry patches may disappear.

2. Anti-Aging

HA is also renowned for its anti-aging properties. It works by smoothing the skin and filling in the spaces between the collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis.

Studies suggest it can improve the skin’s appearance after photo-aging (damage from the sun). It may also interact with dermal receptors, tricking nearby cells into behaving more youthfully. Over time, you can expect it to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, pores and uneven texture. You might even see benefits in skin barrier function, improving protection against environmental damage.

3. Reduction of Redness and Irritation

Another reason people use HA serums is to reduce skin redness and irritation – one of the trickiest skin conditions to reverse. Hyaluronic acid works by dousing inflammation and switching off pathways in the skin that make it prone to turning red. It can’t eliminate complaints like seborrheic dermatitis or rosacea but can reduce their appearance.

How does it achieve this? Simple: HA is a potent antioxidant that mops up damaging free radicals before they damage your skin and provoke an inflammatory response.

4. Skin-Brightening

Hyaluronic acid can also enhance the skin's natural radiance by reflecting light and giving it a healthy glow. High molecular weight HA can remain on the skin’s surface all day, making it look dewy and Insta-worthy the whole time.

But HA’s skin-brightening effects aren’t all superficial. Hyaluronic acid also inhibits melanin production, the compound in the skin that causes dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Therefore, you may notice your skin looks cleaner and less discolored after using these products.

What about collagen? Well, as we discussed above, HA helps with that too. The moisturizing agent surrounds skin cells with water, assisting the cellular machinery that builds the skin-plumping compound.

5. Skin-Healing

Simulating the skin’s healing process is another of HA’s many benefits. The cell regeneration it offers improves cuts, acne, burns, and other skin complaints by reducing inflammation and scarring.

6. Suitable For All Skin Types

Lastly, hyaluronic acid serum is suitable for all skin types and ages. That’s because it’s:

• Gentle – meaning it won’t irritate your skin
• Non-comedogenic – so it won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts

• Hypoallergenic – meaning you are unlikely to have an allergic reaction to it. (If 

  you’re worried, try HA products on a small inconspicuous skin patch to see if you react to them).

How To Use Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Now that you know the benefits of hyaluronic acid, the next question is how to apply it. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to include it in your skincare routine. It’s super simple.

Application Process

Ideally, apply hyaluronic acid serum after cleansing and toning the skin, but before moisturizing. (This approach is something you’ll see recommended across the entire skincare industry).

Put a few drops of the serum on your face and gently massage the skin, creating an even layer. Ensure you wash your hands thoroughly before the application, especially if you have skin barrier issues.

When applying HA serum to the face, be careful to avoid the eye area. Some serums contain ingredients that can irritate.

You can also apply HA serums in other areas of the body requiring deep hydration, such as the hands or décolletage.

After applying, wait for the serum to absorb completely before applying other products on top of it. This process usually takes around five minutes.

Frequency of Use

Because it is so mild and already found in the body in vast quantities, you can use HA serum daily or as often as needed. Depending on your skin type, you may want to use it twice daily – once in the morning and once at night. Some people with very dry skin can benefit from using it even more frequently.

Beware, though, if you have oily skin. Too much HA can make your skin shine or look greasy. It may also trap oil, clog pores, and lead to acne.

Best Time to Apply

Unlike retinol, there is no best time of day to apply HA serums. However, they work best when applied to damp skin, so use them after you shower. Cleanse and tone first, and apply the HA while your skin is slightly wet. You can also spritz after using hyaluronic acid serums with water to enhance their hydrating effects.

Who Should Use Hyaluronic Acid Serum?

Hyaluronic acid is a potent all-around skin care product suitable for all ages and skin types. However, it is especially suitable for people with dry, dull, or aging skin, as it can help restore the skin's moisture barrier and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

It’s also good for those with sensitive or inflamed skin, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Over time, it can calm the immune system and prevent irritants or pro-inflammatory pathogens from entering the epidermis or dermis.

Choosing The Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum For Your Skin

Ultimately, your experience with hyaluronic acid comes down to the products you buy and apply to your skin. That’s why it’s essential to make the right choice.

Fortunately, we make it easy at Cosmedica Skincare. Our products come clinically tested to be safe for sensitive skin and are dermatologist reviewed.

Ingredients To Look For

When shopping for HA serums, look for products that contain high and low molecular weight forms of hyaluronic acid. These benefit your skin’s surface-level barrier function and provide deep hydration. As discussed above, high molecular weight hyaluronic acid stays on the top layer of your skin to prevent moisture loss while low molecular weight hyaluronic acid penetrates deeper and restores water content from within. (You can read our blog on the topic to learn more).

Also, look for hyaluronic acid serums with other beneficial ingredients, such as vitamin C, retinol, antioxidants, or peptides. These ingredients can help boost the efficacy of hyaluronic acid and address multiple skin concerns, such as dullness, uneven tone, aging signs, or loss of firmness.

Another ingredient you want to see in HA products is vitamin B5, also called panthenol. This water-soluble vitamin improves hyaluronic acid absorption into your skin, enhancing its moisturizing effects. Our Hydrating Dew-O set combines HA with vitamin B5 and other skin-improving ingredients such as oat, jojoba, and aloe.

At Cosmedica Skincare, we have various formulations and bundles combining HA with other powerful compounds to make you look radiant. Here’s a selection of products that could transform your skin:

• Hyaluronic + Vitamin C Microneedling Treatment Set. This collection of products combines HA with vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant for skin brightening, and micro-needling, a powerful way to encourage the skin to become more youthful.
• Hyaluronic Dew Multi-Mask. This product combines B5, HA, and other ingredients, offering intense hydration for dull and dry skin.
• Well-Rested Duo. This kit comes with all the ingredients you need to help you wake up and look fresh in the morning, including grape-seed oil, HA, and vitamin C.

We recommend only using dermatologist-test and vetted products from Cosmedica Skincare. Cosmedica Skincare’s Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum only contains three ingredients: distilled water, hyaluronic acid, and benzyl alcohol-DHA, a naturally-occurring ingredient that helps absorb HA into the skin.

Now You’re Ready To Start Your Hyaluronic Acid Serum Adventure

Whew! That was a lot of information.

Now, though, you know how HA works, why it’s beneficial, and, critically, which products you should use.

At Cosmedica Skincare, we’re obsessed with providing our customers with the best hyaluronic acid serums on the market. For us, it’s all about how they make you feel.

Check out our shop’s HA section to buy your new serum.