Here's What Happens When You Put Hyaluronic Acid On Your Skin

In case you missed it, hyaluronic acid is the latest buzzword in the beauty industry and according to almost every beauty editor, dermatologist, and skin specialist, it's definitely something you should be getting behind. And as it turns out, you may already be using it without even knowing, as many skincare brands use it as a leading ingredient in some hydrating products.

"HA (hyaluronic acid) is critical in maintaining skin hydration," aesthetic doctor, Dr. Maryam Zamani, explained to Elle. She continued, "Topically applied, it helps to hydrate the skin and maintain this hydration as a humectant." The best part? According to Dia Foley of Indeed Laboratories, it's believed to work for everyone. "Hyaluronic acid works for any skin type, even sensitive or breakout-prone skin, as well as those with an oily complexion," she told Elle. 

But what actually happens when you put hyaluronic acid on your skin? How does this magic-sounding product really work?

"When you apply a hyaluronic acid serum to your skin, it acts like a sponge by attracting moisture to boost hydration on the surface of skin," Kate Bancroft, Nurse and Founder of Face the Future's CQC-regulated Advanced Skin Clinic told Glamour. "The moisture that hyaluronic acid attracts comes from your external environment, so it absorbs moisture from the air around you to leave skin plumped and hydrated." In other words, when you put hyaluronic acid on your skin, your skin finds what it needs to plumps itself up, keeping skin moisturized all day.

Dr. Kavita Mariwalla, a dermatologist in New York City and the founder of Mariwalla Dermatology, believes once hyaluronic acid is on your skin, it can also improve your skin's elasticity. "As a topical [product], as long as it is in the right formulation, it will make the skin appear more dewy and younger because it improves skin elasticity," she told Harper's Bazaar. Sign us up!