Hyaluronic Acid: Why Your Skin’s Thirsty for It
Okay, real talk—if you’re even slightly into skincare, you’ve probably seen hyaluronic acid listed on the back of every other product. Serums, moisturizers, even some makeup primers have it. But what’s the hype actually about? And does your skin really need it?
Short answer: yep. Let’s dive into why.
So... what is hyaluronic acid, actually?
While any skincare product with the word acid can definitely seem scary I promise it isn’t at all. In fact, your body already makes it on its own. It’s a naturally occurring substance that’s found in your skin, joints, and eyes. Now hyaluronic acid, also known as HA, is one of the most common skincare ingredients in the world. It’s a humectant which means it is able to hold and retain moisture. In fact, one molecule of hyaluronic acid is able to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water.
What does that mean for your face?
Think of hyaluronic acid as a tall glass of water for your skin. It helps keep things looking smooth, bouncy, and glowy—especially if your skin’s been feeling dry, tight, or just kinda “meh.” And because it plays so well with other ingredients, you’ll often see it in products that target fine lines, dullness, or dehydration. Bonus: it’s super gentle, so even sensitive skin types usually love it.
Do you need it in your routine?
Honestly? Probably. Whether your skin is oily, dry, combination, or somewhere in between, hydration is always a good idea. For example, did you know that people with oily skin actually have dry skin? Okay I know that sounds false but I promise it’s true! People with oily skin can actually see an increase in oil production when their skin is dehydrated because their skin is trying to overcompensate for the loss in moisture. So you will actually see improvement with less oil production if you start to regularly moisturize the skin! A serum with hyaluronic acid layered under your moisturizer can make a noticeable difference, especially if you're dealing with cold weather, indoor heat, or anything that zaps your skin’s moisture. (Oily skin tip: test out layering a lightweight oil-free moisturizer on top or test the benefits of the serum alone and make it your last step in your skincare routine!)
Pro Tip: Apply it right
While hyaluronic acid is a pretty simple skincare ingredient, it also needs to be applied correctly in order to reap all of the amazing benefits. Since HA retains and locks in moisture it is important to apply to damp skin – especially living in New Mexico. When there is less moisture in the air there is less moisture for the hyaluronic acid to absorb so ensuring a damp base is one of the key tips for application.
You also want to make sure you apply your skincare in the correct order. Here’s a suggested order:
Cleansers (I recommend a double cleanse system)
-Use an oil or micellar water for the first cleanse to remove any makeup
-Double cleanse with a regular cleanser best for your skin type
Toners
-If you have a toner you enjoy using apply to skin (I like to apply directly with my hands in a patting motion)
Serums
-While your skin is still damp apply your hyaluronic acid serum
-If you have any other serums you use, apply them now (Tip: always apply thinnest consistency to thickest)
Moisturizer
-After allowing the serums to soak into your skin apply your moisturizer of choice
SPF
-For daytime skincare always apply your SPF as the final step in your routine
