What is hyaluronic acid and what does it do for your skin

Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in the body that helps your skin retain moisture. It occurs naturally in your skin, and in skincare, it is one of the best-known humectants. So what exactly does hyaluronic acid do for your skin, and why do you hear so much about it? In this article, you will learn what hyaluronic acid is, what it does, why molecular size matters, and how to use it.

In this article you will read about:

What does hyaluronic acid do for your skin
The three molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid
What skin type is hyaluronic acid suitable for
How do you use hyaluronic acid
Serum or cream with hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid and dry air
Is hyaluronic acid safe
Frequently asked questions

Key takeaways:

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring humectant that helps your skin retain moisture.
It is suitable for all skin types, from dry to oily and sensitive.
The molecular size determines where it works: large molecules on the surface, small molecules deeper in the skin.
Apply it to slightly damp skin and seal it in, otherwise it can actually dry your skin out.
It works best with barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides, to keep moisture locked in.

What does hyaluronic acid do for your skin

Hyaluronic acid is all about moisture. Here is what it does.

It attracts water and helps your skin retain that moisture
It makes the skin feel plumper and more supple
It temporarily makes fine lines less visible by making the skin look fuller
It gives a fresher, more hydrated appearance

So, hyaluronic acid mainly adds moisture. To retain that moisture, you also need a strong skin barrier.

The three molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid

Not all hyaluronic acid is the same. The size of the molecules determines where in the skin it works.

Large molecules stay on the surface and provide immediate hydration and a smoother feel there
Smaller molecules penetrate deeper into the upper layers of the skin and hydrate there

A formula with multiple molecule sizes therefore works on more levels at once than a formula with one size. This is why Barrier+ uses hyaluronic acid in three molecule sizes.

On ingredient lists, you often see sodium hyaluronate. This is the stable salt form of hyaluronic acid, with smaller molecules that penetrate the skin more easily. So it is not an inferior version, but rather a highly absorbable form.

For which skin type is hyaluronic acid suitable

Hyaluronic acid is suitable for all skin types. Dry skin gets extra moisture, and oily or combination skin also benefits from hydration without feeling greasy.

Sensitive skin usually tolerates hyaluronic acid well too, because it is a substance naturally found in the body. You can use it daily.

How do you use hyaluronic acid

The way you apply hyaluronic acid makes a difference. Apply it to slightly damp skin, not bone-dry skin. Then immediately seal it in with a nourishing cream.

That last part is important. Hyaluronic acid attracts moisture, but if there is nothing to hold that moisture in, it can actually draw moisture out of your skin. A cream with barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides keeps the moisture in.

Hyaluronic acid also combines with almost any active ingredient. You can easily use it together with vitamin C, retinol, and niacinamide, because it is mild and purely hydrating. It even softens the effects of stronger active ingredients.

In Barrier+, it all comes together. The cream combines hyaluronic acid in three molecular sizes with five ceramides and niacinamide, so your skin attracts moisture and retains it.

Syrene Barrier+ Cream

Serum or cream with hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is found in both serums and creams, and they complement each other. A serum is lighter and is applied first to slightly damp skin. Then, finish with a cream, which locks in moisture and nourishes the skin.

If you only use one product, choose a cream with hyaluronic acid, as it hydrates and locks in moisture at the same time.

Hyaluronic acid and dry air

There is an important nuance here. Hyaluronic acid attracts moisture, preferably from the air around you. If that air is very dry, for example due to heating in winter or air conditioning, it can draw moisture from the deeper layers of your skin instead of from the environment.

That is why sealing it in with a cream is so important, especially in winter. This helps retain moisture instead of drying out your skin.

Is hyaluronic acid safe

Hyaluronic acid in skincare is known to be safe and well tolerated. It is a substance naturally found in the body, so the risk of irritation is low. It is not harmful to the skin, provided you use it correctly, on damp skin and seal it in with a cream.

Hyaluronic acid in skincare is generally also considered safe during pregnancy. If in doubt, consult your doctor or midwife.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between collagen and hyaluronic acid?

Collagen gives the skin structure and firmness, while hyaluronic acid provides hydration. So they do something different and complement each other.

Can you use hyaluronic acid daily?

Yes. Hyaluronic acid is mild and suitable for daily use, in the morning and the evening.

Is hyaluronic acid harmful to your skin?

No. It is a substance naturally found in the body that is considered safe in skincare. Do use it on damp skin and seal it in, otherwise it can dry out the skin.

On which skin do you apply hyaluronic acid?

Apply to slightly damp skin. Then seal in with a cream to lock in the absorbed moisture.

How quickly do you see results from hyaluronic acid?

Pretty quickly. Because hyaluronic acid is all about hydration, your skin often feels and looks plumper and smoother the very same day. That’s a difference compared to ingredients like retinol, which need more time.

Is it true that hyaluronic acid binds a thousand times its weight in water?

You read that figure everywhere and it also appears in scientific literature, but it has also been criticized. A critical review found no direct evidence for exactly that ratio. What is certain is that hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that attracts and retains a lot of water.

How to get the most out of hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a versatile humectant that is suitable for all skin types. It works best on slightly damp skin, sealed in with a cream, and in combination with barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides.

If you want to include hyaluronic acid in your daily routine, the Syrene Barrier+ Cream was developed for that purpose. The cream combines hyaluronic acid in three molecular sizes with five ceramides and niacinamide to hydrate the skin and support the barrier.

If you want to read on, also check out what dehydrated skin needs and what ceramides do.

Ceramides for the skin Dehydrated skin