Applying hyaluronic acid on dry skin? Know its side effect

In the skincare industry, hyaluronic acid has been raved about for ages as a magic ingredient for the skin. Also known as hyaluronan, it is a transparent, gooey substance our body produces naturally. It is found in abundance in your skin, connective tissues, and eyes. It plays a major role in retaining water in the skin and keeping your tissues moist and lubricated. Most people use it topically on the skin for the best results. However, it can also be the reason why your skin feels so dry. Yes, that’s one side effect of hyaluronic acid you must know.

Dr Jaishree Sharad, a board-certified dermatologist FAAD, took to her social media to tell why the application of hyaluronic acid on dry skin can leave the skin all the drier.

Why hyaluronic acid can leave your skin dry?

Hyaluronic acid, as known, can do wonders to your skin if you add it to your daily regime. However, it can also leave your skin very dry if you already have dry skin.

1. It is a humectant

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant which means it absorbs water from the environment and absorbs water from deeper layers of the skin to keep the skin plump and hydrated. If you apply hyaluronic acid on an absolutely dry skin surface, it can leave your skin drier.

2. Lock it with a moisturizer

The expert reckons, “You must top the hyaluronic acid serum with a moisturizer to lock the hyaluronic acid.” You must seal the product on the skin using a heavy moisturizer to keep the skin from drying out too much.

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3. Less molecular weight

“If you use a hyaluronic acid that has a large molecular weight, it does not get absorbed into the skin leaving the skin dry and dehydrated,” says the expert.
So, it is advisable to use a hyaluronic serum that has less molecular weight so that it gets absorbed into the skin in a better way.

Other benefits of hyaluronic acid

Some of the other benefits of hyaluronic acid for the skin include:

1. Makes the skin more supple and healthy

Hyaluronic acid is one compound that is present in the skin naturally, and it retains water to help keep the skin hydrated. When applied on regular basis, it can minimize wrinkles, and redness, and heal dermatitis.

Also read: Here’s why you must include hyaluronic acid in your skincare regimen

2. Can accelerate wound healing

As aforementioned that hyaluronic acid is present in the skin naturally, its concentration increases wherever there is damaged skin that needs repair. It regulates inflammation levels and signals the body to build more blood vessels in the damaged area.

3. Can control sebum secretion

Lack of moisture in the skin can speed up the production of oil/sebum in the skin. This excess sebum production can be controlled by increasing the skin’s moisture content. By incorporating hyaluronic acid in your skin, your skin will witness a reduction in oil secretion and sweat which will help keep pimples at bay.