Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan (long unbranched carbohydrates called polysaccharides) found throughout our body. In humans, hyaluronic acid is most abundant in the skin accounting for 50% of the total body hyaluronic acid. It is also present in the vitreous of the eye, umbilical cord, synovial fluid in our joints and other organs including the heart and the lungs.

In the skin, hyaluronic acid is involved in hydration of the skin and has a space filling capacity. The synthesis of hyaluronic acid increases during tissue injury and wound healing which forms the basis of treatments such as microneedling and Profound. Hyaluronic acid regulates several aspects of tissue repair and provides the framework for blood vessel formation.

When used topically in skincare products such as creams and serums, hyaluronic acid gives your complexion a boost by quickly increasing your skin's moisture levels due to its ability to draw and hold water. It is important to use the right product as sometimes the molecule can be too large to deliver any hydration to the skin as it cannot penetrate the skin and just sits there. Larger hyaluronic acid molecules are better at holding water but cannot penetrate deep into the skin and hence provide hydration to the superficial skin surface. Smaller molecules can penetrate deeper into the skin and act from within. Hence it is beneficial to use a product that contains hyaluronic acid molecules of different lengths.

Our favourites are:

  • SkinCeuticals HA intensifier