What is Hyaluronic Acid & Its Benefits | La Roche-Posay Australia

An integral part of many routines, hyaluronic acid is widely celebrated by dermatologists and skin enthusiasts alike. What makes it a core component of skincare is the relationship it has towards moisture. Especially for those with dry skin types, any hydrating skin routine will likely feature this ingredient at least once.

Available in both lightweight formulas and in heavier cream or oil-based steps, hyaluronic acid benefits a wide range of separate concerns. This is largely due to its powerful support of the skin barrier – which when compromised can affect the sensitivities of each different skin type.

There’s no one method to using hyaluronic acid. To understand the most effective way you can implement it into your routine, see how hyaluronic acid for skin really works. We show the composition of this skincare hero and how the other ingredients in your regime, like collagen and hyaluronic acid, interact.

WHAT DOES HYALURONIC ACID DO FOR SKIN?

The central feature of hyaluronic acid is its status as a humectant. Found naturally in the body, humectants are substances that retain moisture. Their presence helps to protect skin from external stressors like dry weather whilst exfoliating and plumping the surface layers. HA is especially effective at this – being able to hold up to 1000 x its own weight in water. This means that dehydrated skin or skin with a compromised barrier can be aided in regaining moisture and hold onto it for longer.

Hyaluronic acid uses for skin can be accessed by all skin types (including sensitive skin), as the ingredient is also generally well tolerated. Collagen and hyaluronic acid are naturally bound, and the water molecules that they draw in and retain is what gives skin its plump texture. As we age, our natural production of HA depletes – making us more susceptible to dry and sallow skin and signs of ageing such as wrinkles and fine lines. Topical application of this ingredient is an efficacious way to rehydrate the skin and support the look and feel of it.

Hyaluronic Acid For Ageing Sensitive Skin

HYALURONIC ACID BENEFITS

Rough textures, breakouts, sensitivity and fine lines and wrinkles are all signs of skin unable to retain healthy levels of moisture. What causes that is in part a compromised skin moisture barrier. Located on the top layer of skin (called the epidermis), the skin barrier – or moisture barrier as it’s sometimes called – protects skin by retaining fats, oils and moisture, and stopping bacteria, pollution and impurities from entering. Because of its ability to support this skin function, hyaluronic acid benefits for skin include:

Anti-ageing: the binding abilities of HA can help to decrease the depth of fine line and wrinkles. Increased hydration can also firm facial contours – improving plumpness and bounce in skin.
Helps acne-prone skin: blemishes are often the result of an excess in oil production. Hyaluronic acid for acne prone skin can help to reduce the occurrence of breakouts and blemishes, because HA motivates sebum, our natural oil, to stabilise.
Hydrates skin: HA’s ability to hold cell moisture and retain it is a powerful hydrating tool. Once applied onto skin, the water quantity on the surface levels can increase.

IMPLEMENTING HYALURONIC ACID FOR SKIN

When formulated for skincare, hyaluronic acid is broken down into a lower molecular weight. This structure can then penetrate the skin’s surface and be applied to a number of different products. To utilise hyaluronic acid benefits for skin, it’s important to think about how it may interact with your specific skincare routine and the other ingredients that you use. Although there are a myriad of uses, two main inclusions can benefit every skin type.

1. USED IN A SERUM

The aim of serums is to implement highly efficacious ingredients – such as vitamin c, retinol, and yes, hyaluronic acid – to deeper skin layers. Applying a hyaluronic-based serum like Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum achieves quick and long-lasting hydration. Combined with vitamin B5 and glycerin, this serum can hydrate, firm and increase the volume of skin. Within your skin routine it’s essential to apply serums before your thicker products. This typically means after cleansing and exfoliating, and before moisturising.

2. USED AS A MOISTURISER

To take advantage of this uniquely hydrating ingredient, include it in your moisturising steps. Especially if you experience ongoing dryness and visible flakes of skin or rough texture frequently, this formula inclusion can help to re-establish plumped, brightened and moisturised skin. Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Ageing Moisturiser contains a fresh texture for easy absorption across every skin type. Hyaluronic acid is combined with La Roche Posay thermal spring water and vitamin B5 to support hydration.

Found this article helpful? Now that you understand hyaluronic acid benefits for the face, discover what glycolic acid does for skin.