What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid?

While hyaluronic acid hasn't been proven to have long-term benefits for your complexion, when it is applied topically, it can offer you a quick fix.

Suffering from a hangover and need to hydrate your skin before you gulp down some water? Dr. Spierings says that hyaluronic serums can temporarily plump the outer layer of your skin: 'Topical formulations made of high molecular weight are used for the care of the skin around the eyes, face, neck and body and seemingly 'work' by forming a protective layer making the skin appear softer and feel smoother to the touch.'

Like a magic veil: 'Serums and creams will not penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin, they will only cover the stratum corneum (the outer layer). This does mean that they can maintain the moisture of the skin temporarily by drawing water between the cells of the top layer of the skin.'

Are you using hyaluronic acid wrong?

If you're already a fan of HA serum, great! But if you're confused about how you should be using hyaluronic acid within your skincare routine to see the best results, you're not alone. We spoke to Dr Anjali Mahto to help answer some of the most common questions around hyaluronic acid and its use.

Can you overuse hyaluronic acid?

'It is difficult to over-use hyaluronic acid but it is not a good stand-alone moisturising ingredient for all skin types,' explains Dr Mahto. 'Whilst use hyaluronic acid is good for oily or blemish-prone skin, it may not be enough hydration for those with normal or dry skin types.' If that rings true for you, make sure you're layering your serum with other hydrating products – like a balmy moisturiser.

Does hyaluronic acid dry out your skin?

While hyaluronic acid is designed to hydrate your skin – improper use could lead to your skin feeling even thirstier. Hyaluronic acid is designed to draw moisture into the skin but it needs to be locked in with a moisturiser so that it doesn't end up drawing moisture out of your skin – the opposite desired effect!

‘If you find that your skin is still dry despite using hyaluronic acid it is sensible to either switch to a heavier or more rich moisturiser containing ingredients such as ceramides and glycerin or layer a hyaluronic acid serum underneath your regular moisturiser for added hydration,’ says Dr Mahto.

Is hyaluronic acid good for ageing skin?

As a result of its hydrating properties, yes. If you're hoping to create a smoother canvas and you are starting to see the effects of collagen breakdown that starts to occur post 25, then it's a helpful tool to stick into your arsenal.

Is hyaluronic acid used in fillers?

Anyone who has used lip fillers to plump their pout should be familiar with H.A., as Dr. Spierings explains. 'Hyaluronic acid is the most commonly used cosmetic filler and it works in this capacity to fill and plump up the extracellular tissue space to add volume where it is perceptibly lacking.'

'Highly cross-linked molecules of hyaluronic acid are the most popular form of 'dermal filler' used in minimally invasive aesthetic medicine – to give volume to lips and add definition to cheekbones.'

Is it better to ingest hyaluronic acid than apply it topically?

Thinking of adding a hyaluronic acid pill to your daily dose of vits? You might want to think again. 'There is no evidence that taking it orally has a benefit on the skin, as the molecules get destroyed by stomach acid,' says Dr. Spierings.

Are there different types of hyaluronic acid?

'Yes,' says Dr. Spierings. 'They are distinguished by their fluidity, which varies based on the amount of cross-linking; this makes it either runnier or fluid versus being 'stiffer.' When used for cheek or jawline structure, the hyaluronic has to be tightly cross-linked and therefore 'stiff' to maintain its shape and provide volume to these areas.