Ask A Derm: Why Does Everyone Want Me to Use Skincare with Hyaluronic Acid in It?
I know it's important, but I'm not sure where to start!
Everyone knows you should take your makeup off before bed and slather on sunscreen, but hyaluronic acid? It’s one of the most consistently recommended ingredients by dermatologists, but very few people actually know what it is or why they’re supposed to be incorporating it into their skincare routines. In fact, in a recent goodhousekeeping.com poll, only four in 10 readers said they used a product containing hyaluronic acid in it—and only 35% of readers knew what it did for their skin.
To help you better understand why you should be including HA into your routine, we talked with Dr. Ellen Marmur, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Marmur Medical in New York City. As she explains, hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in the body—it’s a sugar molecule that acts like a sponge to soak up moisture in the air and draw it into the skin.
Hyaluronic acid is able to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water.
Unfortunately, over time, your body starts to lose some of its naturally-occurring HA, but (luckily for our skin) there are plenty of HA-packed products on the market that fill in the gaps—and because of the ingredient’s versatility, it works well in a wide variety of formulations, from serums to makeup.
HA is able to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, which also gives it the ability to add plumpness to the skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And, despite the misleading “acid” in its name, HA does not have any sort of exfoliating or irritating properties—it’s simply a gentle hydrator that works for all skin types.
“As a dermatologist, I love that hyaluronic acid is a lightweight, yet powerful humectant,” says Dr. Marmur. “It’s one of the most logical and healthy ingredients for providing your skin with humidity and moisture.”
Below, Dr. Marmur answers questions about the best way to add HA to your beauty routine, plus lists her top HA-related serums, moisturizers, eye creams, and makeup. All of her product picks are available to shop online at Dermstore, the retail destination famous for its derm-approved selection of standout beauty brands and essential skincare info, from ingredient explainers to expert skin concern solves.
Answer: The great thing about hyaluronic acid is that there really is no wrong way to incorporate it into your routine. In our poll of those that did use hyaluronic acid products, 46% of readers said they used a cream, while 31% said they used a serum. Both products will provide the same hydrating benefits, but as Dr. Marmur notes, choosing between a hyaluronic acid serum and a hyaluronic acid cream comes down to your preference in texture and what other types of products you use in your routine. If you like a lighter weight product, go for the serum, while those who feel like they need more moisture can opt for a cream. Or, you can even double down and use both a hyaluronic acid serum and a hyaluronic acid cream.
This daily serum combines sodium hyaluronate (another form of hyaluronic acid) with a host of skin-healthy botanical extracts like honey, watermelon, lentil fruit, pomegranate, and sea kelp to deliver short- and long-term hydration. Dr. Marmur gives it top marks because “it feels so light on the skin, is super-hydrating, and is oil-free,” meaning it fits seamlessly into pretty much anyone’s existing skincare routine.
Eminence Organic Skin Care Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum
One of the great things about hyaluronic acid is that it’s safe for those with acne-prone skin because it won’t clog pores. Dr. Marmur likes this natural pick, which has HA derived from the marshmallow plant. “It deeply nourishes the skin while the salicylic acid from strawberries is great for those who are also struggling with acne,” says Dr. Marmur. Added bonus: It also helps minimize the look of uneven skin tone caused by sun damage.
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench® Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Hyaluronic Cloud Moisturizer
Get your sun protection and hydration in one with this SPF moisturizer. “This HA formula protects the skin from the sun while also hydrating to prevent moisture loss,” she says. “I love that it’s reef safe and doesn’t feel greasy.” Dr. Marmur recommends layering it over top of a hyaluronic acid serum to get maximum moisture to the skin while also protecting your complexion from UV rays.
Answer: Absolutely! When skin is dry, wrinkles and fine lines can look more pronounced, so the simple act of adding hydration can help reduce the look of those undereye creases and crevices. Plus, the visible plumping effect hyaluronic acid has on the skin works to smooth out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making crow’s feet and crepiness less noticeable.
Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Hyaluronic Acid Eye Lifting Balm
This luxe balm is one of Dr. Marmur’s favorites she says, because it “smooths the look of fine lines, hydrates, nourishes, and drastically lessens the appearance of dark circles.” It’s also fragrance-free, so it won’t irritate delicate undereyes, and features two forms of hyaluronic acid that penetrate at different levels of the skin to provide instant and long-lasting hydration.
When combined with Vichy’s signature volcanic thermal water, the hyaluronic acid in this silky eye gel not only hydrates, it helps the skin retain that hydration by promoting a strong natural moisture barrier. “I love that this product helps with puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles around the eye,” says Dr. Marmur.”
Lancer Skincare 3D Hyaluronic Eye Serum with Vitamin C Brightening Complex
This overachieving eye cream “cools, hydrates and helps brighten and firm the eye area with 3D hyaluronic acid, and vitamins B3, C & E,” says Dr. Marmur. That “3D” hyaluronic acid refers to a complex of three different molecular weights of HA that penetrate different layers of the skin to maximize hydration and give a firming appearance to the undereye area for a brighter, more youthful-looking effect.
Answer: “Adding hyaluronic acid into your makeup is a great way to incorporate extra hydration in your routine,” says Dr. Marmur. While you can see a moisture boost from using a foundation infused with HA, she says to get the most benefits, pair your base makeup with a serum or primer that also contains hyaluronic acid.
This multi-purpose primer is a must for Dr. Marmur when she wears makeup, one she says is definitely worth the extra step if you plan on wearing foundation. “I am prone to redness and love that this product is color correcting,” she says. “It’s so hydrating and makes foundation look almost flawless.”
Becca is a brand known for its internet-famous highlighters, but did you know that they have amazing skincare-infused makeup too? Made with hyaluronic acid, green algae, and vitamins C & E, Dr. Marmur likes it because “it’s not too heavy, but delivers a nice, even coverage and is super hydrating.”
Another hybrid skin care and makeup product, this liquid foundation has plant-based squalane and niacinamide in addition to two kinds of HA to penetrate at different layers of the skin for maximum plumping and a dewy skin finish. “I love that this product has SPF, provides light coverage, and visibly evens skin tone and imperfections,” says Dr. Marmur. “It’s also natural, oil-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and clean.”
The Steamer That’ll Make the Back-to-School Scramble Easier
Birthday Gifts That Will Thrill Any Kid
Shop Exclusive Holiday Toys From Top Brands Early on Walmart
GH-Approved Gardening Tools You Can Get Via Shipt
The Sleep Solution You Didn’t Know You Needed
How to Make Financial Health a Focus
The Most Innovative Tech Buys from Walmart
Help Your Student Stress Less and Study Better
Everything You Need for a Scene-Stealing Fourth
7 Questions About Your Liver, Answered
Dawn PowerSuds Is Redefining Kitchen Cleanup
7 Storage Solutions Every College Student Needs