Everything You Need to Know Before Including Hyaluronic Acid in Your Beauty Regime

Have the colder months got your skin feeling dryer than the Sahara desert? Or are you prone to using harsh cleansers that leave your face feeling stretched and taut?

Well, it’s time you give your skincare regime a nourishing boost and include Hyaluronic Acid.

Nope, unlike its name this beauty ingredient is all about moisture, moisture, moisture.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the skin that can bind thousands of times its weight in water. It is a truly natural moisturising factor, and helps keep our skin nourished, supple and buoyant.

“It essentially is part of the extracellular skin matrix - the foundational structure if you will, of our skin cells. As we get older we lose that ability to hold moisture in our skin. Hyaluronic acid helps battle that. It is also good at battling skin dehydration, and making lines appear less visible,” says Dr Kiran Lohia, dermatologist and founder, Isya Aesthetics.

Serums vs Capsules vs Creams

Consider HA as a cool, refreshing drink for your skin on a sunny day. More than that, as we age it may become necessary to balance the decreasing HA levels in your body. While taking oral supplements is an option by applying it externally through creams, serums, you can hydrate and plump up your skin.

“Unlike other acids, HA is super gentle and suits all skin types. In winters, there is low humidity and drier air, which dehydrates our skin further. You may need to use a face cream with hyaluronic acid in the day and reapply it if necessary. You can also opt for GNC Hyaluronic Acid Supplements,” says Dr. Geetika Mittal Gupta, dermatologist and founder, Isaac Luxe.

While HA can be included in your beauty routine at any age, it all boils down to your skin requirements when choosing a product. With this ingredient, re-application is also key to see the benefits. In the summer you may choose to simply use it as a serum while in winter you can switch to a serum and cream.

Dr Kiran says, “I like hyaluronic acid products to be used as a serum, or as a capsule/ampoule that can be added into your moisturising cream. It can also be found in creams themselves, but the serums and capsules have higher percentages of it. Hyaluronic acid is the component used in dermal fillers to help plump those lips or remove those lines!”

Include it in your AM and PM routine

HA is a great addition to both your morning and night routines. There is no particular time it is more effective or safer to use. “If you're using any exfoliating serum-like glycolic acid or lactic acid, apply it after HA. Remember to alternate between vitamin C and retinol products at nighttime since they cause photosensitivity,” advises Dr Geetika.

How are you adding HA in your regime then?