Hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of the most talked-about ingredients in both skincare and aesthetics—and for good reason. It’s a powerhouse hydrator, skin supporter, and anti-ageing ingredient used in everything from moisturisers to dermal fillers. At The Face Lab, I use HA in multiple forms to support clients across Chatteris, Cambridge, Ely, Huntingdon and Peterborough.
Whether it’s restoring mid-face volume or giving your skin a hydration boost, understanding how HA works helps you make smarter, more effective choices.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar molecule found in your skin, connective tissues, and joints. Its main role? Holding water. In fact, it can retain up to 1,000 times its weight in water—making it essential for maintaining skin plumpness and elasticity.
As we age, our natural HA levels decline. That leads to drier skin, fine lines, and a loss of volume.
The Different Types of Hyaluronic Acid in Aesthetics
1. Dermal Fillers
These are injectable gels made with cross-linked HA. They’re used to add volume, shape, or structure—especially in the cheeks, lips, jawline and under-eyes. Fillers are designed to last 6–18 months depending on the product and area.
2. Skin Boosters
Injectable but not volumising. Skin boosters like Profhilo and Seventy Hyal use a more fluid form of HA that spreads evenly under the skin to hydrate, smooth, and improve elasticity. These are great for overall glow and skin resilience.
3. Topical Skincare
Serums and creams with HA help the outer layer of your skin retain moisture. They give an immediate plumping effect and improve skin barrier function when used consistently.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
- Deep hydration
- Improved elasticity
- Plumper, smoother skin
- Better skin tone and texture
- Reduced fine lines
- Supports collagen and wound healing
- Suitable for all skin types
Why Molecular Weight Matters
Not all HA is created equal. Some molecules are large and sit on the skin’s surface, giving immediate hydration. Others are smaller and penetrate deeper to support long-term skin health.
In skincare, the best formulas combine multiple molecular weights to hydrate both the surface and deeper layers. In injectables, the type of HA used is matched to the area being treated—thicker gels for structure, thinner gels for surface hydration.
How to Use HA in Your Routine
Daily:
- Apply a hyaluronic acid serum to damp skin before moisturiser
- Lock in with a ceramide-based cream
- Always finish with SPF
Weekly:
- Use a hydrating mask or overnight treatment once or twice a week
Seasonally:
- Schedule skin booster treatments every 6–9 months for lasting hydration
- Combine HA-based fillers with skincare to support structural and surface improvement
FAQs
Is HA safe for all skin types?
Yes, it’s non-comedogenic and safe for sensitive skin. It works for dry, oily, and acne-prone skin alike.
Will using HA in skincare make my fillers last longer?
Yes. Well-hydrated skin helps maintain the structure and appearance of fillers over time.
Can you overuse HA?
Not really, but it needs to be paired with other ingredients like occlusives (e.g., moisturisers) to work effectively. Otherwise, it may draw moisture out of the skin in dry environments.
What’s the best form of HA to use?
For injectables—let me choose the right viscosity based on your goals. For skincare—look for multi-weight HA serums with minimal fragrance or filler ingredients.
