Plump, glowing and healthy-looking skin is something that most of us look to achieve. Consistent water consumption goes a long way in keeping our skin hydrated, but we sometimes need to take extra steps to ensure that our skin retains it.

Enter hyaluronic acid, a substance that is known for its lubricating and cushioning properties¹ for our joints and tissue — and now, the potential answer to how to hydrate skin.  

But should everyone start using hyaluronic acid and how often should you use it? Let’s take a closer look at this popular skin care ingredient and why it might be the right addition to your skin care routine.  

The basics of hydration for skin 

Before we learn how to keep skin hydrated, it’s important to understand how it works.  

Our skin is our largest organ and is responsible for protecting our bodies from things like the external environment, UV rays, the cold and other foreign particles². It needs plenty of moisture to keep it looking and feeling healthy. It also plays an important role in regulating our body temperature and preventing dehydration².  

To do all this, skin is made up of three layers. The first is the outer layer (epidermis), followed by the middle layer (dermis) and finally the deepest layer (subcutis)².    

One of the main components found in the outer layer of skin is hyaluronan, or hyaluronic acid. Sound familiar? Hyaluronic acid, like what you find in skincare, has been seen to help maintain this layer’s structure and its function³.  

The role of hyaluronic acid in skin hydration 

So how exactly does hyaluronic acid hydrate the skin? Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in our skin, amongst other areas of the body. It actually has many functions, including repair, cell migration and cell signalling⁴. 

When it comes to skincare, hyaluronic acid has been found to not only increase hydration, but also visibly improve the firming and plumping of skin and signs of ageing⁵. Here are just a few of the ways that it works: 

• Hyaluronic acid has a strong ability to attract and retain water. When applied in skincare, it can help draw moisture to the skin, keeping it looking hydrated⁶.   
• Hyaluronic acid is known as a humectant moisturiser, which simply means it draws water from the deeper layers of the skin and brings it to the epidermis⁶.
• It also works to support the barrier function of skin, which is important for skin hydration⁶.  

Hyaluronic acid for skin benefits 

The main benefits of hyaluronic acid in the skin are to help maintain hydration levels and repair. When the appropriate hyaluronic acid weights are applied, it has been suggested to improve firming of the skin⁴, which is what gives us that healthy, plump-looking appearance. Higher skin elasticity can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and ageing⁶, so there are other benefits to keeping our skin hydrated with hyaluronic acid. 

How to hydrate your skin  

With all this in mind, what is the best way to hydrate skin? Whether you’re looking to tailor your skincare or your diet, there are a few different ways you can try to improve your face hydration.  

How to hydrate skin from the inside  

Glowing and healthy-looking skin starts from the inside. Caring for yourself with the right diet and water intake is an important step so that you can feel your best. Here are some skin hydration tips to try:  

• Make sure you’re getting enough water. You should aim for eight glasses of water a day, with water-rich fruits and veggies like cucumber and watermelon.  
• Look for foods high in omega-3s like salmon, tuna and flaxseeds.  
• Try to steer clear of things that can dehydrate you, like alcohol, caffeine or high-sodium foods.  
• Try ingestible hyaluronic acid supplements which can help improve skin hydration. Some of these supplements also contain other skin-loving ingredients like collagen and zinc.  

Hydrating from the outside with skincare 

What about skincare? Hyaluronic acid has become a popular ingredient in hydrating skincare, and for good reason. When you’re looking for products, look for serums and cleansers that contain hyaluronic acid.  

When looking at how to keep your skin hydrated it’s important to avoid excess exfoliation which can strip the skin’s natural barrier. When using your skincare products, make sure to gently massage it into your skin using circular motions. And always remember to read the instructions before using any products.  

How to use hyaluronic acid 

How to use hyaluronic acid skincare depends on the form it's in, whether it's a cleanser, moisturiser or as a hyaluronic acid serum.  

Generally, a cleanse will always start your skincare routine followed by exfoliating (as and when needed). When in serum form, you’ll want to use a serum after cleansing and exfoliating, but before you moisturise. This will help to lock in moisture. However, if your moisturiser contains hyaluronic acid then use it during your usual moisturising routine.  

When to apply hyaluronic acid  

The exact time to apply your hyaluronic acid will vary depending on the product you’re using and your personal preference. Some serums like hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 serum can be used in the morning after cleansing and before you moisturise. This step can be repeated at night, depending on your skin’s needs.  

How long does it take to rehydrate your skin? 

The answer to this will depend on your skin type and also how dehydrated your skin actually is. However, it has been shown that you can improve your skin’s hydration levels in as little as 24 hours⁷. Remember to be patient and follow the instructions on the product labels.  

Of course, hyaluronic acid isn’t the only way to help improve the look of your skin. If you’re looking for more ways to incorporate hydration into your skincare, explore our full Glow range for more information.  

References: 

1. Goods T. 1.1. Hyaluronic acid [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2022. Available from: https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/publication/scheduling-decisions-interim/scheduling-delegates-interim-decisions-and-invitation-further-comment-accsacms-november-2017/11-hyaluronic-acid 
2. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. How does skin work? [Internet]. Nih.gov. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2016. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279255/ 
3. Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-Endocrinology [Internet]. 2012 Jul;4(3):253–8. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583886/ 
4. Dovedytis M, Liu ZJ, Bartlett S. Hyaluronic acid and its biomedical applications: A review. Engineered Regeneration. 2020;1:102–13. 
5. Juncan AM, Moisă DG, Santini A, Morgovan C, Rus LL, Vonica-Țincu AL, et al. Advantages of Hyaluronic Acid and Its Combination with Other Bioactive Ingredients in Cosmeceuticals. Molecules. 2021 Jul 22;26(15):4429. 
6. Bravo B, Correia P, Gonçalves Junior JE, Sant’Anna B, Kerob D. Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence. Dermatologic Therapy. 2022 Oct 21; 
7. Milani M, Sparavigna A. The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology [Internet]. 2017 Aug 11;10:311–5. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5560567/