by Sofía Calzetti

Adding a top-notch hyaluronic acid serum to your skincare routine can bring you closer to achieving the smooth, bouncy, and radiant skin you’ve always desired. This powerful ingredient offers a range of benefits that can transform your complexion.
Hyaluronic acid is a moisture magnet, making it an excellent choice for those with dry or dull skin who stand to gain the most from its hydrating properties. It’s also a secret weapon against dehydrated skin, as it can hold up to “one thousand times its weight in water,” according to New York board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry. (It’s important to note that dry skin lacks oil, while dehydrated skin lacks water.) Even those with oily skin can benefit from hyaluronic acid, as it provides hydration without adding heaviness, making it a popular ingredient in lightweight moisturizers.
While hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the skin, it “depletes with age, which is why incorporating it into your skincare routine through topical products is crucial,” explains dermatologist Dr. Markowitz. She advises using a hyaluronic acid serum a few times a week and only once per day. “If you use hyaluronic acid daily, your skin may adapt too quickly, reducing the impact of the results,” she cautions.
A pro tip from aesthetician and Dior skincare expert Sean Garrette is to apply the serum on damp skin, either after cleansing or right after using a toner or essence. New York-based aesthetician Samantha Mims echoes this, noting that “it enhances absorption and allows the hyaluronic acid to perform optimally, resulting in plump, dewy skin.”

What is Hyaluronic Acid? Hyaluronica cid is a naturally occurring substance found throughout the body, where it plays a key role in lubricating joints and plumping the skin. “Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it acts like a magnet for moisture—it draws water from its surroundings and holds onto it,” explains Dr. Geeta Yadav, a board-certified dermatologist in Toronto. By attracting water to the skin’s layers, hyaluronic acid adds volume, giving the skin a plumper appearance.

What to Look for in a Hyaluronic Acid Serum When choosing a hyaluronic acid serum, consider the molecular size. Hyaluronic acid comes in different molecular weights, which affect how deeply it can penetrate the skin. “Smaller molecules penetrate deeper into the skin, while larger molecules stay closer to the surface, providing immediate (though temporary) plumping effects,” says Dr. Yadav. For comprehensive hydration, she recommends looking for a serum that contains multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid. Additionally, she suggests seeking out formulas that include other humectants like glycerin and aloe for maximum hydration, which is especially important for those with dehydrated skin that can appear dull and prone to sagging.

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid By drawing water into the skin, hyaluronic acid “helps hydrate, plump, and smooth the skin’s appearance,” says Dr. Yadav. This makes it useful not only for combating dryness but also for softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as dehydrated skin can make these more noticeable.

Who Should Use a Hyaluronic Acid Serum? Everyone can benefit from using a hyaluronic acid serum. “Even if your skin isn’t dry, it can still be dehydrated,” says Dr. Yadav. Additionally, as our natural production of hyaluronic acid decreases with age, incorporating it into your routine can help mitigate the effects. “Think of hyaluronic acid and other humectants as a glass of water for your skin—you can always benefit from more hydration,” she adds. Even those with sensitive skin can use hyaluronic acid with confidence, as it’s a naturally occurring substance in the skin and is generally well-tolerated by even the most sensitive skin types.