Hyaluronic Acid for Skin

Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, hyaluronate, or HA, is a naturally occurring substance found throughout the human body. It’s a sugar molecule with a unique molecular structure that allows it to bind and retain water, giving it powerful hydrating properties. In the skin, HA helps maintain moisture and volume in the epidermis, contributing to a plump, youthful appearance.

As we age, our natural levels of hyaluronic acid decline, leading to dryness, fine lines, and loss of elasticity. This is why topical HA is a key ingredient in many anti-ageing products. With the ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, it delivers deep hydration and visibly smoother skin.

NIVEA harnesses this ingredient in its skincare range to help replenish moisture and support the skin’s natural barrier, making it a trusted choice for hydration and anti-ageing care.

Think of it like a sponge, drawing in and holding water to keep your skin hydrated and plump. Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant, meaning it attracts moisture from the environment and deeper skin layers. Its molecular structure allows it to bind its weight in water, helping to maintain hydration in the epidermis.

Once applied, it forms a lightweight moisture barrier on the skin’s surface, locking in hydration and preventing water loss. This barrier not only smooths fine lines but also supports the skin’s natural protective function.

NIVEA’s hyaluronic acid skincare range is designed to deliver these benefits gently and effectively, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and oily skin.

As we age, our natural production of hyaluronic acid declines, leading to reduced moisture retention, loss of firmness, and a softer skin structure. By our mid-40s, levels may drop significantly, making it harder for skin to stay hydrated and plump. While this is a natural part of ageing, it doesn’t mean you can’t support your skin’s needs.

Incorporating hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine can help replenish lost hydration, improve elasticity, and maintain a youthful glow. Products like those in NIVEA’s Cellular range are formulated to deliver these benefits gently and effectively.

Hyaluronic acid skincare comes in various formats, each offering unique benefits. Serums contain a higher concentration of hyaluronic acid and penetrate deeper into the skin, making them ideal for intense hydration and targeting fine lines. Use serums after cleansing and before moisturising.

Moisturisers, on the other hand, combine hyaluronic acid with emollients and occlusives to lock in moisture and support the skin barrier. They’re perfect for daily hydration and work well layered over serums.

Other formats include eye creams, sheet masks, and cleansers, which offer targeted or supplementary hydration. Choose based on your skin’s needs and routine.

Hyaluronic acid serums offer a concentrated dose of hydration, making them ideal for targeting dryness, fine lines, and loss of firmness. These lightweight formulas penetrate deeply into the skin, delivering moisture where it’s needed most. Thanks to their high concentration of micro hyaluronic acid, serums work quickly to plump and smooth the skin, leaving it soft and supple.

To use, apply a few drops to cleansed skin before moisturiser, morning and evening. 

Try NIVEA Cellular Expert Filler Hyaluronic Replumping Serum, a fast-absorbing, non-sticky serum that deeply moisturises and visibly restores bounce.

Hyaluronic acid in moisturisers works by attracting and retaining water in the skin, helping to maintain hydration and support the skin’s moisture barrier. Its humectant properties draw moisture from the environment and deeper layers of skin, while the moisturiser’s emollients and occlusives seal it in, keeping skin soft, smooth, and plump throughout the day.

For targeted hydration, try NIVEA Hyaluron Lip Moisture Plus or the Rose variant for a hint of tint. Both deliver deep moisture and visibly smoother lips.

NIVEA’s Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Extra Firming Day Cream SPF30 blends hyaluronic acid, Q10, and Creatine to visibly reduce wrinkles and firm skin in just 7 days. For men, the NIVEA MEN Anti-Age Hyaluron Face Moisturising Cream SPF15 provides 24-hour hydration and wrinkle reduction with hyaluronic acid and Pro-Retinol. 

These moisturisers are suitable for all skin types and ideal for daily use, especially when layered over a hyaluronic acid serum for enhanced hydration and anti-ageing benefits.

Here’s how to incorporate hyaluronic acid into your daily skincare routine for optimal hydration and skin health:

Morning Routine with Hyaluronic Acid

1. Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser to remove overnight oil and impurities.

2. Apply a hyaluronic acid serum while your skin is still slightly damp to help lock in moisture.

3. Follow with a moisturiser containing hyaluronic acid to seal hydration and support the skin barrier.

4. Finish with SPF to protect your skin from UV damage

Night Routine for Maximum Benefits

1. Cleanse to remove makeup, dirt, and pollutants.

2. Apply hyaluronic acid serum to replenish moisture lost during the day.

3. Use a night cream or moisturiser with hyaluronic acid to nourish and repair skin overnight

Hyaluronic acid is suitable for all skin types and ages, making it a versatile addition to any skincare routine. Its gentle, non-irritating nature makes it ideal for sensitive, oily, dry, or combination skin.

Younger individuals in their 20s can use hyaluronic acid to maintain hydration and prevent early signs of ageing. In your 30s and 40s, it helps combat moisture loss and fine lines. For mature skin, it supports elasticity and plumps the skin for a firmer appearance.

It’s never too early, or too late to start. Adding hyaluronic acid skincare ensures your skin stays hydrated, healthy, and radiant.