Hyaluronic acid (HA) has earned its title as the queen of hydration. This powerhouse molecule is a sugar naturally found in our bodies, where it attracts and retains water to keep our eyes, joints, and most importantly, our skin, plump and hydrated. Whether you’re looking for a quick hydration fix or a more long lasting boost, hyaluronic acid comes in multiple forms, each suited to your needs.
But how does HA work, and what’s the difference between applying it topically as a serum versus injecting it as a booster or filler? Let’s dive in.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is like a magnet for moisture. Its main job is to attract and bind water molecules to itself, delivering hydration to wherever it’s applied or injected. While our bodies produce HA naturally, levels deplete over time due to aging, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices. This is where HA-based treatments and products come in to replenish what’s lost and keep your skin looking youthful, plump, and glowing.
Topical HA: The Everyday Essential
Topical hyaluronic acid serums are a staple in most skincare routines. Products like SkinMedica HA5, SkinCeuticals PhytoCorrective Gel, Hydrating B5 Gel, and Retexturing Activator have made it easy to incorporate HA into daily skincare. When applied to the skin, these serums draw water molecules to the surface, giving your skin a hydrated, dewy appearance.
While topical HA is great for maintaining hydration, its effects are often temporary and require regular application to see ongoing benefits. For those dealing with dry or dehydrated skin, adding a hyaluronic acid serum is an effortless way to level up your skincare game.
HA Skin Boosters: Hydration from Within
For those who need a deeper, longer-lasting hydration boost, hyaluronic acid can be injected beneath the skin’s surface. Skin boosters like SkinVive take the concept of a topical HA serum and elevate it by delivering HA directly to the dermis.
This method ensures that hydration occurs from within, improving skin texture, elasticity, and glow over time. Unlike dermal fillers, skin boosters are not meant to add volume but focus solely on enhancing hydration and overall skin quality. If your skin feels exceptionally dry or dull, or if you’re chasing that radiant, glass-skin look, skin boosters are a fantastic option.
HA Dermal Fillers: Volume and Definition
Most dermal fillers, such as Juvederm or Restylane, are HA-based but serve a different purpose than serums or boosters. These fillers are formulated with a thicker consistency, allowing them to create structure and volume in areas of the face that have lost fullness due to aging.
Hyaluronic acid fillers are often used to enhance the lips, cheeks, and jawline, as well as to fill nasolabial folds and under-eye hollows. They also provide some hydration, thanks to their HA composition, but their primary role is to restore or enhance facial contours.
Which HA Treatment Is Right for You?
When it comes to hyaluronic acid, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your choice depends on your specific skin concerns and aesthetic goals:
- For daily hydration: Topical HA serums are perfect for boosting moisture and maintaining your skin’s hydration levels.
- For deep hydration and glow: Injectable skin boosters like SkinVive are ideal for improving skin texture, elasticity, and hydration at a deeper level.
- For volume and definition: Dermal fillers are the go-to choice for restoring lost volume or enhancing facial features.
Why We Love Hyaluronic Acid
Whether you’re dealing with dryness, fine lines, or volume loss, there’s an HA-based product or treatment tailored to your needs. By incorporating HA into your routine, whether topically or through injectables, you’re investing in smoother, plumper, and healthier skin.
Ready to explore the benefits of hyaluronic acid? Book a consultation to learn which HA-based treatment is right for you!