If there's one skincare ingredient almost synonymous with hydration, it's hyaluronic acid.
You'll find it in facial serums, moisturizers, masks, eye treatments and complete skincare sets.
Here's why it has become such a staple.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally present in the body and is widely used in cosmetic formulations as a humectant.
Humectants help attract and retain water.
In skincare, this makes hyaluronic acid particularly useful in products focused on hydration.
What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do for Skin?
Properly hydrated skin tends to look plumper, smoother and more comfortable.
Hyaluronic-acid skincare can help support that hydrated appearance.
This can be especially appealing when your complexion looks dull or dehydration makes fine lines more noticeable.
Dry Skin vs. Dehydrated Skin
These terms aren't exactly interchangeable.
Dry skin generally refers to skin lacking sufficient oil, while dehydration refers to insufficient water.
It's possible for oily skin to become dehydrated too.
That's one reason lightweight hydrating serums can work across many skin types.
Serum or Moisturizer?
Why choose?
A hyaluronic acid serum can provide a lightweight hydration step.
Moisturizer then supplies additional conditioning ingredients and helps maintain moisture.
Using both can be particularly helpful when your skin feels dry.
How to Use Hyaluronic Acid
Follow your product's directions.
Generally, a hydrating serum is applied after cleansing and before moisturizer.
Your routine might be:
Cleanser
Hyaluronic acid serum
Eye treatment
Moisturizer
Sunscreen during the day
Can Mature Skin Use Hyaluronic Acid?
Absolutely.
Hydration is often an important concern as skin matures.
Hyaluronic acid can complement peptide, antioxidant and other mature-skin products without requiring an excessively complicated routine.
Don't Forget Moisturizer
A common mistake is treating a hydrating serum as though it replaces every other moisturizing step.
For dry skin in particular, following a serum with an appropriate moisturizer can provide a more complete routine.
Hydration Doesn't Need to Be Complicated
Before purchasing five different active treatments, make sure your basic routine keeps your skin comfortable and adequately moisturized.
Sometimes the most noticeable improvement in a skincare routine comes from getting the fundamentals right.
Discover Hydrating Skincare at DK Beaute
Explore luxury hydrating serums, facial creams, masks, eye treatments and skincare sets curated for beautiful routines.
Shop DK Beaute's Hydration collection and give thirsty-looking skin the attention it deserves.