Which Hyaluronic Acid Serum Should I Use?
If you follow skincare trends, you know that hyaluronic acid is one of the most sought-after skincare ingredients for its hydrating and plumping effects. You will also be aware that there are hundreds of hyaluronic acid serums on the market, which can make it tough to know which one to pick. There’s also the question of molecular weight to keep you on your toes. Suffice to say, deciding which hyaluronic acid serum is best for your skin can be confusing. Let’s break it down.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide (complex carbohydrate) with space-filling and lubricating functions. It acts like a sponge, attracting and retaining up to 1000 times its weight in water, resulting in the hydration that gives skin plumpness, resiliency, and pliability.
A naturally occurring molecule found in the body, hyaluronic acid is the predominant component of the extracellular matrix and an essential partner to collagen and elastin, the two proteins responsible for keeping skin flexible and elastic.
In addition to providing hydrated skin, hyaluronic acid has antioxidant properties that help to protect against environmental damage, such as UV exposure and pollutants, while also helping skin repair itself, making hyaluronic acid a great defense against signs of aging.
Is low or high molecular weight hyaluronic acid better?
The molecular weight of hyaluronic acid affects its ability to penetrate the skin. The hyaluronic acid used in skincare is generally either high-weight (HMWHA) or low-weight (LMWHA), and while they share many properties, there are important differences.
High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid (HMWHA): The Plumper
High molecular weight means the molecule is larger and, therefore, sits on the skin's surface rather than penetrating to the deeper levels. HMWHA delivers a boost of intense hydration that immediately plumps the skin and gives the effect of filling lines and smoothing. High molecular weight hyaluronic acid is also anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, supporting a resilient skin barrier and protecting the skin from oxidative stress.
Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid (LMWHA): The Fixer
Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid is smaller in structure, allowing it to get past the skin barrier to the deeper levels of the skin, where it binds to receptors that activate cellular responses to support healthy cells and structure. LMWHA is also a prolific hydrator, pulling water into the deeper layers of the skin. The effects of LMWHA are more long-term, strengthening, hydrating, repairing, and protecting against oxidative stress. You may have heard that LMWHA has proinflammatory properties. This needs to be understood in the context of wound healing. LMWHA actively modulates tissue regeneration, which includes an inflammatory component, the body’s natural kickstarter to repair.
What types of ingredients pair well with hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a team player that pairs well with various ingredients for enhanced benefit and targeted treatment:
- Ceramides: Support the skin barrier function and lock in moisture.
- Alpha hydroxy acids: Chemical exfoliants that enhance the absorption of hyaluronic acid and complement benefits by promoting smoother, brighter skin.
- Vitamin C: Boosts collagen synthesis and antioxidant protection.
- Peptides and Neuropeptides: Enhance the firming and age-decelerating effects when combined with hyaluronic acid.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Supports hydration and helps improve the overall texture and tone of the skin.
- DMAE: Enhances the firming and age-decelerating effects when combined with hyaluronic acid.
How often can hyaluronic acid be used?
Hyaluronic acid is well-tolerated and can be used daily. It is commonly found in various skincare products, including serums, moisturizers, and masks.
Is hyaluronic acid safe for all skin types?
Hyaluronic acid is safe for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. It is well-tolerated and unlikely to cause irritation.
Vivant Recommends
Hyaluronic acid is a component in many Vivant formulas but is prominent in FF3 Biopeptide AHA and FF3 Hydra Intensive HA. Both are hydrating formulas, but each is so much more. For skin that is oily, acne-prone, or pigmented, you’ll want FF3 Biopeptide AHA. If your concern is more with signs of aging like laxity, loss of plumpness, or thinning skin, FF3 Hydra Intensive HA will be your top choice.
FF3 Biopeptide AHA
This multi-tasking formula addresses signs of aging, sun damage, dark spots, laxity, and dryness with a transformative cocktail of LMWHA, Clinical Mandelic Acid, neuropeptides, and DMAE. Niacinamide and Pseudoalteromonas Ferment deliver added hydrating, brightening, and firming benefits.
Advanced actives powered by FF3 Technology nourish the skin with essential hydration and work over time to visibly improve tone, texture, and firmness, including dynamic and static wrinkles, revealing smoother, more youthful, and healthier-looking skin.
This comprehensive formula is the perfect progression for acne or hyperpigmentation-prone skin facing signs of aging.
FF3 Hydra Intensive HA
This advanced hyaluronic acid and peptide serum delivers intense hydration and extracellular matrix support replace lost moisture, restore plump, healthy cell function, redensify skin structure, and renew elasticity.
The latest addition to our innovative FF3 Technology line addresses a key factor contributing to visible skin aging: loss of moisture, specifically, the loss of skin’s natural moisture component, hyaluronic acid.
This formula is excellent for all skin types, including oily skin, as it adds moisture without adding oil. For younger skin, it can help maintain your natural moisture reservoir to slow the signs of aging. For dry, thinning, hormone-depleted, or mature skin, it can restore moisture levels to renew a more youthful, hydrated, elastic appearance.
It’s also an excellent choice for reducing redness and irritation associated with rosacea.
If you are using fillers or Botox, FF3 Hydra Intensive HA will extend the effects.
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