Hyaluronic Acid (HA) – Skincare Guide

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a naturally occurring polysaccharide in the skin, renowned for its remarkable ability to attract and retain water. It is a cornerstone ingredient in professional skincare, supporting hydration, barrier function, and youthful skin appearance.

Key Benefits

1. Deep Hydration

   • HA can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, delivering intense and long-lasting moisture to the skin.

2. Barrier Support

   • Enhances the skin’s protective barrier, preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and maintaining resilience against environmental stressors.

3. Improved Skin Texture and Elasticity

   • Hydrated skin appears plumper, smoother, and more supple, reducing the appearance of fine lines and dryness.

4. Universal Compatibility

   • Gentle on the skin and safe to use alongside other active ingredients, such as retinol, peptides, or antioxidants.

5. Anti-Aging Support

   • Helps maintain skin density and elasticity, making it suitable for both young and mature skin.

Hyaluronic Acid by Skin Type

Skin Type	Professional Benefits	Usage Considerations
Normal	Maintains optimal hydration and natural glow	Safe for daily use; lightweight serums or creams recommended
Dry	Provides long-lasting moisture and reduces flakiness	Layer with occlusive moisturizer to lock in hydration
Oily / Acne-Prone	Hydrates without adding oil; can help regulate sebum production	Use lightweight or low-viscosity HA gels to avoid heaviness
Combination	Balances hydration in dry areas without over-moisturizing oily zones	Apply richer HA products on dry zones, lighter formulations on T-zone
Sensitive	Soothes tight, irritated skin and supports barrier repair	Choose fragrance-free, hypoallergenic HA formulations
Dehydrated	Quickly restores water content and revives dull skin	Apply under moisturizer for maximum retention
Mature / Aging	Plumps fine lines and enhances elasticity	Combine with peptides or antioxidants for synergistic anti-aging effects

Professional Usage Guidelines & Precautions

• Follow with a moisturizer or occlusive: In very dry environments, HA can draw water from deeper layers if not layered with a barrier cream.

• Patch test new formulations if skin is highly sensitive.

• Molecular weight matters:

  • High Molecular Weight HA: Forms a surface hydrating film, excellent for barrier support.

  • Low Molecular Weight HA: Penetrates deeper to hydrate the dermis; may irritate extremely sensitive skin if used alone.

References

1. Papakonstantinou, E., Roth, M., & Karakiulakis, G. (2012). Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-Endocrinology, 4(3), 253–258.

2. Fallacara, A., Baldini, E., Manfredini, S., & Vertuani, S. (2018). Hyaluronic Acid in the Third Millennium. Polymers, 10(7), 701.

3. Draelos, Z. D. (2018). Cosmetic Dermatology: Products and Procedures. 4th Edition. Wiley-Blackwell.

4. Brown, M. B., & Jones, S. A. (2005). Hyaluronic acid: A unique topical vehicle for the localized delivery of drugs to the skin. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 19(3), 308–318.

5. Rawlings, A. V., & Harding, C. R. (2004). Moisturization and skin barrier function. Dermatologic Therapy, 17(1), 43–48.