Breaking Down The Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid

Here's why this popular skincare ingredient is a potent fix for dehydrated complexions.

- Balvinder Sandhu

Hyaluronic acid is often touted as a “miracle ingredient” because of its deep hydration benefits, but how much do we actually know about this ingredient, and how does it actually help our skin?

Dr Rachel Ho, medical director at La Clinic, describes hyaluronic acid as a large sugar molecule that is made up of smaller sugar units. She says:

“Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in our body, in organs like the joints, eyes and skin. In the skin, the majority of it lies in the dermis (the inner layer of skin).”

As it is a humectant – a substance that retains moisture – hyaluronic acid is commonly found in moisturisers, hydrating serums, masks, and injectable moisturisers and dermal fillers. According to Dr Ho, hyaluronic acid has anti-ageing properties, even at a concentration of 0.1 per cent.

“As a skincare ingredient, hyaluronic acid is suitable for most skin types, including people who have oily skin and acne,” she says. “Hyaluronic acid also pairs well with other active ingredients, such as ceramides, exfoliating acids and retinoids.”

There are various ways to incorporate hyaluronic acid into our skincare routine. Dr Ho advises to choose hyaluronic acid products with a mix of molecular weights.

“Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid can penetrate significantly deeper into the skin compared to high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, offering better hydration and anti-wrinkle benefits,” she explains. “It also penetrates the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis, to protect and support skin hydration.”

She adds: “High molecular weight hyaluronic acid acts like a film to hydrate the top layer of the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory benefits.”