Whereas hyaluronic acid is a superb year-round skincare ingredient, it is also one to lean on throughout the winter months when the climate is risky and your pores and skin is braced in opposition to the dehydrating results of central heating inside and punishing temperatures outdoors. To not point out that cold-weather drinks even have a dehydrating impact – sadly these sizzling coffees you’re mainlining are pure diuretics, which imply they take away fluids out of your physique quicker than different liquids.

If you happen to’re curious to find the most effective hyaluronic acid serums in the marketplace, learn on, as a result of we’ve put collectively a neat choice of merchandise for all budgets and preferences. We have additionally spoken to notable skincare and dermatology consultants, who shared some insights that will help you make your individual selection, so to search out solutions to all your burning hyaluronic-acid-related FAQs – scroll all the best way down.

What’s hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a carbohydrate molecule and a pure part of pores and skin. Pronounced ‘hiya-loo-ron-nick’, guide dermatologist, Dr. Justine Kluk, believes it’s the key molecule concerned in pores and skin moisture, with a “distinctive capability to bind and retain water molecules,” she says.

It is value noting that though hyaluronic acid is a pure part of pores and skin, the ingredient you discover in hyaluronic acid serums and lotions is an artificial model. And, earlier than you are concerned about placing this acid in your pores and skin, keep in mind, not all acids are astringent. Milk is barely acidic, as is our pure pores and skin mantle. Hyaluronic acid falls at between 5.0 (the identical acidity as a cup of milky espresso) and eight.0 (which is sort of impartial) on the pH scale, whereas our pores and skin often sits between 4.5 and 6.2, making it a really mild match.

Do not let the identify idiot you. Though it is referred to as an ‘acid’, hyaluronic acid is the exact opposite of glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids, and will not present an exfoliating impact or rid you of lifeless pores and skin cells and darkish spots. The identify merely derives from the enzyme that synthesises HA, referred to as ‘hyaluronic acid synthase’.

What are the advantages of hyaluronic acid for pores and skin?

As we age, our pure collagen manufacturing and hyaluronic acid ranges scale back considerably, with the ensuing lack of moisture which means drier, rougher and lined pores and skin. By making use of the artificial ingredient topically, “its restorative talents assist to spice up pores and skin’s moisture content material, soothe and stop moisture loss”, says Kate Bancroft, nurse and founding father of Face the Future’s CQC-regulated Superior Pores and skin Clinic and on-line store. For these causes, the wonder business can also be turning its sights to hyaluronic acid for hair.

What’s one of the simplest ways to make use of hyaluronic acid?

A helpful trick to recollect is that hyaluronic acid is greatest utilized to barely damp pores and skin as a result of the molecule wants moisture to work within the first place. If you happen to apply hyaluronic acid to dry pores and skin in a dry local weather corresponding to your heated flat in winter, you are at risk of creating your pores and skin much more parched.

Dr Sophie Shotter, aesthetic physician and founding father of Illuminate Pores and skin clinics, explains: “Hyaluronic acid will draw moisture from wherever it will probably discover it to hydrate the floor of your face, together with the deeper layers of your pores and skin if there is no such thing as a humidity within the air.”

So strive making use of a hyaluronic serum straight out of the bathe or after washing your face. Then, be sure that to comply with up with a moisturiser filled with emollients, corresponding to glycerin and ceramides, to maintain the hydration ‘locked in’.

“When combining serums, you have to make it possible for they’re complementary – in different phrases, aimed on the similar pores and skin concern,” says Dr Ewoma. “For instance, say your pores and skin concern is oiliness and breakouts – you’ll want to mix niacinamide with salicylic acid. Or search for serums that compensate one another: vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, or for nighttime, retinol and hyaluronic acid,” she provides. Kate recommends utilizing a hyaluronic acid serum each morning and night time. If you happen to’re a die-hard fan of utilizing the vitamin C serums by day, you will be happy to know that hyaluronic acid and vitamin C complement one another with regards to hydrating, repairing and defending pores and skin.

Trying to take your skincare routine to the subsequent stage? Ensure that to take a look at our guides for the greatest moisturisers and lotions, greatest face toners, greatest eye lotions, greatest face cleansers and the greatest face SPFs.

Scroll for GLAMOUR’s full edit of the most effective hyaluronic acid serums…