Hyaluronic acid: what is it really and does it work that well?

You've probably heard of it: hyaluronic acid. Whether it's in creams, serums or supplements, you see it everywhere these days. But what exactly is this mysterious ingredient, and more importantly: does it really work as well as everyone claims? Time to take a closer look, will you read along?

What exactly is hyaluronic acid?

Let’s start at the beginning. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in your body, especially in your skin, eyes and joints. It acts like a sponge that attracts and retains moisture. An impressive fact: one gram of hyaluronic acid can hold up to six liters of water! No wonder it’s so popular in the world of skin care.

As we age, the amount of hyaluronic acid in our skin decreases. This contributes to the development of wrinkles and dry skin. This makes it sound very logical to add this substance via creams or serums. But does it really work that way?

What does hyaluronic acid do for your skin?

The biggest promise of hyaluronic acid is that it makes your skin hydrated, plumper and smoother. Due to its moisture-binding capacity, hyaluronic acid ensures that your skin gets a plumping effect. Hyaluronic acid serums , for example, can help to make fine lines and wrinkles less visible. Sounds great, right?

But before we run to the store en masse: it depends on a number of factors. Hyaluronic acid only works well if it can penetrate deep enough into the skin. Most skincare products contain forms of hyaluronic acid that have some effect, especially on the upper layers of the skin. These certainly provide a temporary hydration boost, but don't expect miracles that will make your wrinkles disappear permanently.

What are the different types of hyaluronic acid?

Here’s where it gets interesting: not all hyaluronic acid is the same. There are different shapes and molecular sizes. Smaller molecules can penetrate deeper into the skin, while larger molecules work primarily on the surface.

• High-molecular hyaluronic acid : This stays mainly on the skin surface and provides temporary hydration. It gives you a beautiful glow, but the effect disappears as soon as you stop using it.
• Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid : These smaller molecules can penetrate slightly deeper into the skin, providing a slightly longer lasting hydrating effect and a plumper appearance to the skin.

So when buying skin care products with hyaluronic acid, it's useful to check which form is in them, depending on your needs.

Does it really work, or is it just hype?

Okay, so it all sounds great, but does hyaluronic acid really work as well as many brands claim? The short answer is yes, but with a caveat. It works best as a hydrator and will definitely give your skin a plumper appearance as long as you continue to use it. It’s an effective ingredient for hydration and a fresh glow, but it won’t permanently erase your wrinkles or provide deep skin rejuvenation.

So there’s no magic wand that will keep your skin youthful forever, but if you’re looking for a good hydration boost, hyaluronic acid is definitely an ingredient to look into. Especially when combined with other active ingredients, such as vitamin C or retinol, hyaluronic acid can be a nice addition to your skincare routine.

How do you use it?

The best way to incorporate hyaluronic acid into your routine is through a serum or moisturizer. Apply to slightly damp skin so that the product can lock in the water and sink into your skin. It’s best to follow up with a face cream to lock in the hydration. Use daily for best results, especially morning and night.

Long story short: miracle cure or smart marketing?

While hyaluronic acid isn’t a miracle cure that will make you look years younger, it’s certainly not nonsense. It’s a powerful moisturizer that can give your skin a fresh, healthy glow. The trick is to keep using it, and to choose products that also contain other active ingredients.

If you want to give your skin a real hydration boost and work on a healthy glow, hyaluronic acid is definitely an ingredient you can consider. But if you want total skin rejuvenation or reducing deep wrinkles, you will need stronger products or treatments.