Hyaluronic acid: effects, application & benefits

Hyaluronic acid is the moisture reservoir for your skin and one of the most important active ingredients for a plump, smooth complexion. You have surely heard of it already. Perhaps you are wondering where hyaluronic acid comes from and whether it is really right for your skin.

At hyapur® Berlin, we have been experts in this active ingredient for over 17 years. Below, you will gain some insights into this fascinating molecule and find answers to questions we hear frequently.

Ein Tropfen, der auf eine Barriere trifft zur Illustration der Hautbarriere

Hyaluron

Up to 1,000x

is how much water hyaluronic acid can bind relative to its own weight.

Hyaluron, hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate: one active ingredient, many names

01 What is hyaluronic acid?

Whether you are looking for "hyaluron", "hyaluronic acid", or "sodium hyaluronate": it always refers to the same active ingredient. But be careful: you usually cannot tell from the INCI list what molecular size it is.

Hyaluron is a polysaccharide (complex sugar) that is naturally produced by the body. It occurs in various forms in the skin, connective tissue, and synovial fluid, as well as in the vitreous humor of the eye. It ensures that everything remains supple.

Its special ability: hyaluron can bind very large amounts of water and store it like a sponge. From the mid-20s, the body produces less of it, and from around the age of 40, production drops noticeably again. As a result, the skin gradually loses moisture and glow. Since collagen production also falls and elastin decreases, the skin becomes thinner and less elastic. The first fine lines become visible.

Due to its positive properties, its low allergic potential as a substance produced by the body, and its effect as a humectant, hyaluron has become one of the most important active ingredients in the world of beauty and skincare. While skincare containing hyaluron cannot stop the natural skin aging process, it can support the skin's functions and provide more moisture, plumpness, and glow.

The active ingredient can be found in home bathrooms as a hyaluron serum, in a cream, as an ampoule, or as a concentrate.

02 Where does the hyaluronic acid in skincare come from?

In the past, hyaluronic acid for cosmetics was often derived from animal tissue. Today, that is the exception. Most high-quality products, including those from hyapur® Berlin, rely on a biotechnological process. We obtain our hyaluronic acid from plant-based glucose. The result is vegan, very pure, and particularly skin-friendly.

When it comes to primary active ingredients, it is worth taking a closer look: whether a brand advertises "pharmaceutical quality," natural cosmetics, or a specific manufacturing process, or whether it uses high-molecular or low-molecular hyaluronic acid or a combination of both, often says more about the purity and tolerability of a hyaluronic acid product than the product name alone.

03 High-molecular & low-molecular: the decisive difference

Not all hyaluronic acid is the same. The size of the molecules is crucial, as it determines how the active ingredient works in your skin.

HIGH-MOLECULAR

Hyaluronic acid for the skin surface

Large hyaluronic acid molecules remain on the skin, binding moisture and providing a visual smoothing effect. Ideal for a visible, immediate result and a beauty-ready finish right after application.

LOW-MOLECULAR

Hyaluronic acid for deeper skin layers

Small hyaluronic acid molecules penetrate deeper into the skin, replenishing moisture reserves from within and strengthening the skin structure over the long term. The active ingredient behind lasting elasticity.

04 What exactly is hyaluronic acid good for in terms of the face and skin?

Hyaluronic acid for the face and skin is more versatile than almost any other beauty ingredient. It is particularly suitable for the face and skin when addressing these four issues:

  1. lack of moisture
  2. first fine lines & wrinkles
  3. loss of elasticity
  4. a tired complexion

Furthermore, it is suitable for almost all skin types, including sensitive, oily, combination, or blemish-prone skin. Hyaluronic acid is considered non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores. For deeper, more pronounced wrinkles, it is also worth considering ingredients such as retinol or peptides. Hyaluron acts as a moisture booster, anti-aging aid, or care for sensitive skin.

Your skincare routine

05 How to apply hyaluronic acid to the face correctly

For the active ingredient to reach its full potential, the correct application is essential:

01 Apply to cleansed, slightly damp skin

First, cleanse the skin thoroughly and pat it dry gently. The skin should not be wet, but slightly damp, so that the hyaluronic acid can bind additional water and transport it into the skin.

02 Seal with a cream

Day or night care locks moisture into the skin.

03 Apply morning and evening

Hyaluronic acid is very well tolerated and is suitable for daily use twice a day. Initial effects such as a plumper skin feel and intense hydration are often noticeable immediately. A visibly smoother, better-hydrated complexion usually develops within 4-6 weeks of regular use.

04 Building a skincare routine

If you want to build your routine: A hyaluronic acid serum delivers the active ingredient in a concentrated form, while a light day cream or a rich night cream subsequently seals it in. For acute periods of dryness, a high-dose hyaluronic concentrate, for example in the form of ampoules, is also suitable as a treatment.

Frequently asked questions about hyaluron

06 Hyaluronic acid for face and skin: These are the questions we get asked most often as hyaluronic acid experts

Read more: hyapur® skincare tips

Do you want to dive even deeper into the topic of hyaluronic acid and healthy aging?

Our hyaluronic acid experts have written further blog posts on active ingredients and skincare routines:

to the overview
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hyapur® Berlin

Ready to try hyaluronic acid?

Below you will find a recommendation for a minimalist day and night care routine with hyaluronic acid.

If you like, feel free to browse the shop to see how hyapur® Berlin incorporates hyaluronic acid into its skincare.

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Skincare routine with hyaluronic acid

01 Cleansing

Gentle facial cleanser to remove sweat, dirt, and sebum

02 Facial Toner

Revitalizing facial toner to remove soap residue and provide moisture.

03 Hyaluronic Serum

Highly concentrated hyaluronic acid as a moisture booster.

04 Hyaluronic Acid Skin Care

Light day cream or rich night cream to support your skin during the day or for regeneration while you sleep.

About hyapur® Berlin

Die Hyaluron Ampullen haben durch hoch- und niedermolekulares Hyaluron eine doppelte Wirkung.
  • Since 2009, the brand for premium hyaluronic cosmetics
  • vegan, biotechnologically produced hyaluronic acid and natural formulations reduced to the essentials
  • Quality Made in Germany

Die Mein Schiff auf Hoher See
  • over 1,000 delighted customers
  • spa partner of the Mein Schiff® fleet, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, and selected ROBINSON Clubs and 5-star hotels