The hydrating and plumping skin benefits of hyaluronic acid serums

When it comes to plumping fine lines and wrinkles, hyaluronic acid is where it's at. Found in serums, masks and a bunch of other skincare products, it's a staple ingredient that can take your skin from zero to hero.

But, what exactly is hyaluronic acid and how is it best used to reap the full hydrating benefits of this ingredient? If you're not across the beauty of the hyaluronic acid serum, get excited as this product will change your skin for the better.

Here's what you need to know about this hydrating serum.

What is hyaluronic acid?

To understand how to use this magic elixir, we need to dive into the science first. Hyaluronic acid (also known as HA) is a sugar molecule that's found naturally in our bodies.

Impressively, it holds up to 1000 times its weight in water in order to keep our skin hydrated and plump. Hyaluronic acid binds with collagen and water molecules, which trap the acid in our skin and prevent it from evaporating into the air.

In simpler terms, hyaluronic acid basically keeps our skin moist and happy. But thanks to ageing and environmental stressors like air pollution and work stress, our naturally-created supply can take a bit of a dip.

Enter the joy of working a hyaluronic acid serum into your skincare routine!

What are hyaluronic acid serums?

Hyaluronic acid most often comes in topical forms like serums or creams. Choosing a serum enriched with hyaluronic acid rather than a cream means you'll be able to deliver the powerful ingredient directly into your skin for maximum absorption as serums contain molecules that can penetrate far deeper into the layers of the skin.

If you're in the market for a serum, you'll see there are more pure forms of HA, as well as other serums that are married with other key ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin B5 and niacinamide.

Generally, hyaluronic acid serums can boost your complexion quickly by upping your skin's moisture retention and help to keep your skin moisturised all day long.

What are the benefits of using hyaluronic acid serums?

If your skin is prone to dryness or irritation, it might be time to try hyaluronic acid. Here are some of the biggest benefits that folks see from implementing a hyaluronic acid serum into their routine:

• Hyaluronic acid serums plump up your skin, leaving it super hydrated, supple and radiant. Win-win!
• This hydrating serum boasts antioxidant benefits — meaning it's a winner at shielding your skin from free radicals and environmental stressors like pollution.
• Ageing skin loves hyaluronic acid — hydrated skin doesn't form as many lines or wrinkles so it can be used in a preventative skincare regime.
• If you're experiencing saggy skin, hyaluronic acid can be helpful. While this magic ingredient doesn't replace the elastin in your skin, it definitely does tighten the overall complexion.
• Healthy skin is hydrated skin! Hyaluronic acid serums are well-known for helping to promote skin cell regeneration thanks to the extra hydration it evokes.

If you're looking for a hyaluronic acid serum to try yourself, Software's Hyaluronic Complex Serum is the one! It's designed to instantly hydrate, thanks to the addition of 4 types of hyaluronic acid which help combat dryness and dehydration.

Natural Moisturising Factors (NMF) and sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer attract water from the atmosphere to maintain hydration all day and help keep external stressors at bay by strengthening the skin's surface.

Is hyaluronic acid serum suitable for all skin types?

The good news is that hyaluronic acid can be used on every kind of skin type including dry skin, combination skin and oily skin as well as sensitive skin. Hyaluronic acid is non-comedogenic, which means it hydrates skin without clogging pores, making it a great option for those with oily skin.

A hyaluronic acid serum also works well for those with ageing skin. As you age, hyaluronic acid in the skin begins to lessen and our cell turnover becomes sluggish, which is why it can be helpful to replace what you've lost with a hyaluronic acid serum.

If you're a veteran of dry and dehydrated skin and you're looking for a way to nip it in the bud, try your hand at hyaluronic acid! With its ability to boost hydration (and again, we're going to tout the fact that it can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water), a hyaluronic acid serum is amazing for keeping moisture locked into the skin barrier day in and day out.

Given the gentle and hydrating nature of hyaluronic acid, this ingredient is often used in tandem with actives like clinical-grade retinoids.

Software's personalised products for acne, anti-ageing and pigmentation can be infused with the goodness of hyaluronic acid to hydrate, plump and firm the skin while using stronger ingredients to create a balanced formula.

How to use a hyaluronic acid serum

One of the other reasons we love a hyaluronic acid serum is that it's not difficult to use or incorporate into your skincare routine.

As a seriously gentle ingredient, a hyaluronic acid serum won't interfere with any other skincare products so you can layer it with other products and not have to worry about irritating sensitive skin.

When it comes to application, make sure to apply it to damp skin followed by a moisturiser to really lock in the hydration. Pop your hyaluronic acid serum on after you've cleansed or if your skin is dry, spritz it with a face mist before going in with the serum.

Unlike other potent serums or active ingredients that need to be applied specifically in the morning or at night, a hyaluronic acid serum is a flexible hydrator that's happy to go on at any time.

How often should you use hyaluronic acid serums?

Despite its name and the negative connotations of acids, hyaluronic acid is completely natural and can be used as often as you like. This hydrating serum doesn't strip the skin when used regularly.

In fact, it's the gift that keeps on giving! A hyaluronic acid serum can be used as a daily product to keep pesky dehydration away and soothe skin.

Is hyaluronic acid good for acne?

As we know now, a hyaluronic acid serum is perfect for all skin types. But, how can it help with acne? In a wealth of different ways. While it can't fill in or make visible acne scars completely disappear, it can definitely aid in reducing the redness of said scars, as well as their overall visibility.

For some, acne-prone skin is the result of lipid overproduction, but for others with low levels of hyaluronic acid, it can actually be the result of a buildup of dead skin cells.

This can lead to blocked pores, which are exacerbated by dehydration as the skin cells aren't able to move through the natural cycle of dead skin removal. Clogged hair follicles can result, which then mingle with cosmetics, dirt, and bacteria and finally, causes pesky breakouts.

If this resonates, try your hand at using a hyaluronic acid serum to improve your skin's natural protective barrier, tone and hydration levels. Using a hyaluronic acid serum as a tool in getting on top of dry and blemish-prone skin could be your saving grace!

Can you use hyaluronic acid with other serums?

The good news is that unlike other potent skincare ingredients that need to be used with caution, using hyaluronic acid serum is very straightforward.

It plays nicely with most other skin actives and ingredients, making it a breeze to pair with products containing vitamin C, retinol and retinoids, peels and even other acids.