Yes, hyaluronic acid (HA) serum is beneficial for dry, sensitive skin because it is naturally present in the body and participates in the working mechanism of trapping and retaining water in the skin. (1) It works as an excellent humectant, restoring the moisture of the skin and giving it a youthful appearance. (2)
Hyaluronic acid is a compound that is present in the majority of the body’s fluids and tissues, particularly in the skin, eyes, and joints. The skin has the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid, accounting for half of the total amount in the body. (3)
Hyaluronic acid is essential for the skin’s moisture and elasticity. Unfortunately, hyaluronic acid’s concentration and molecular weight decrease significantly as age increases. (4) As a result, hyaluronic acid has been extensively studied and developed as a potent active ingredient in serums, moisturizers, and other cosmetic products for all skin types.
After a few applications of hyaluronic acid serum to dry, sensitive skin, you will notice a visible difference in the skin’s condition. HA’s antioxidant properties will hasten the healing process of the skin.
But you’re probably wondering what dry, sensitive skin is, how it looks, and how hyaluronic acid can improve it. Everything will be covered in this article.
Article Contents
What Is Dry, Sensitive Skin and How Does It Appear?
Sensitive skin is a skin type, but it is possible to have oily and sensitive skin, dry and sensitive skin, or normal and sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, it will appear dry and itchy regardless of your skin type. These symptoms could arise when you have dry, sensitive skin that is susceptible to external irritants.
When your skin lacks moisture, it looks lifeless and can be rough to the touch. Additionally, it becomes less capable to serve its purpose of guarding against outside elements. This can lead to heightened sensitivity.
Although the precise triggers and indications of dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin may differ, they all have the same underlying cause.
In general, dry, sensitive skin has the following characteristics:
- Skin that is red, swollen, and itchy
- A burning sensation on the skin
- Hives or rashes, (5) cracks, blisters, or bleeding on the skin
- Rough patches of skin that are hard to the touch (6)
Hyaluronic Acid Serum Benefits for Dry, Sensitive Skin
Here are the benefits of using hyaluronic acid (HA) serum on dry, sensitive skin.
1. Hydrates/moisturizes dry, sensitive skin
Hyaluronic acid should be thought of as a big glass of hydration for your facial skin. It can hold 1,000 times its molecular weight of water, (6) giving HA a beneficial property with its unique capacity for water retention. (7)
Hyaluronic acid serum is an excellent way to add moisture and hydration to dry, sensitive skin, (8) making it soft, smooth, and radiant skin. (9) When applied to the skin’s surface, hyaluronic acid solutions form a protective layer and absorb moisture.
It is thought that hyaluronic acid stimulates the migration of outer layer cells. (2) Youthful skin is hydrated due to high levels of hyaluronic acid in the dermis (the inner layer of the skin), so it may help with dry skin. (10)
2. Rejuvenates dry, sensitive skin
When skin is hydrated, lines and wrinkles (even deeper ones) appear diminished, making hyaluronic acid an excellent ingredient for those with aging skin who want to maintain their youthful appearance.
A 70-kg person contains 15 g of HA, 5 g of which is replaced daily. Because of its rapid degradation, hyaluronic acid is naturally and constantly renewed, but its renewal tends to slow with age. (2)
One study revealed that a newly developed nano-HA significantly reduced the depth of wrinkles by up to 40%, increased the hydration of the skin by up to 96%, and enhanced the firmness and elasticity of the skin by up to 55% after 8 weeks of use. (10)
In a small study, the efficacy of hyaluronic acid serum in skin tightening, increasing skin elasticity, and face rejuvenation was demonstrated. Hyaluronic acid can help to smoothen the skin and lessen the appearance of wrinkles. (11)
While hyaluronic acid will not replace elastin, it can improve skin tightness. (1)
3. Reduces redness of dry, sensitive skin
Because Hyaluronic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, it reduces the redness (erythema) caused by dry, sensitive skin. (11)
Acne is one of the causes of red skin. According to a 2017 research, hyaluronic acid does more than help lock in moisture. It can also help control sebum production, making it a potentially beneficial ingredient for acne prevention. (12)
4. Shields the top layer of dry, sensitive skin
The primary function of the skin is to protect the body. It serves as a shield for the internal organs, muscles, and bones from external environmental factors. Additionally, the skin acts as a defense against any dangerous substances that the body is subjected to regularly.
The top layer of the skin (the epidermis) bears the brunt of external damage (toxins). As you grow older, the lipids in the outer layer of your skin become less effective at trapping moisture and blocking out irritants.
Therefore, everything from UV rays to pollution to lifestyle choices (such as smoking) causes harm. This damage causes more fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and drier skin.
Hyaluronic acid boosts the skin’s protective layers, allowing water to be sealed in, which results in noticeable hydration. Over time, this can help slow the deterioration of the lipid barrier while also protecting and fortifying it. (7)
DIY Homemade Hyaluronic Acid Serum to Hydrate, Plump, and Protect the Skin
You can easily make an effective hyaluronic acid serum at home.
How to prepare:
- In a small bowl, combine ½ teaspoon of hyaluronic acid powder and water. To make a paste, stir vigorously to dissolve the water. Cold water should help the powder dissolve more quickly, but if you still see chunks, place the mixture in a small blender or food processor to mix thoroughly.
- Fill an amber bottle halfway with the mixture.
- Add ½ teaspoon of vegetable glycerin to it, 2 drops of carrot seed oil, and 2 drops of neroli seed oil. (13)
- Shake the serum strongly.
- Give the serum a minimum of 4 hours to rest before using it so that the hyaluronic acid powder can be totally dissolved.
How to apply:
Apply a small amount of serum to freshly washed skin and massage it. Apply any additional serums or creams as needed.
To keep skin looking fresh and dewy, apply 1–2 times daily. Refrigerate any remaining serum for up to 2 weeks.
Extra Facts to Know About Using Hyaluronic Acid for Dry, Sensitive Skin
- Use hyaluronic acid products with various molecular weights. Lower-weight molecules penetrate more profoundly, while higher-weight molecules target the skin’s surface layers.
- Hyaluronic acid can be used with other ingredients such as occlusives, vitamin C, and retinol.
- Hydrate your skin thoroughly by applying hyaluronic acid products to moistened skin that has been prepped with a toner.
- Skin hydration can be increased by 55% using topical hyaluronic acid serum formulation. Topical hyaluronic acid has a perfect skin tolerability profile. (1) Improved skin plumping, smoothness, and overall skin appearance are all signs of topical hyaluronic acid skin hydration as per a research study done in 2014. (10)
General Queries Related to Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Dry, Sensitive Skin
Why do I need more hyaluronic acid if my body produces it already?
The average human body contains approximately 15 g of hyaluronic acid. However, one-third of that is degraded and resynthesized daily. You also produce lesser amounts of hyaluronic acid as you age, which is why hyaluronic acid is found in many antiaging products.
Although plastic surgeons and board-certified dermatologists frequently inject hyaluronic acid into recessed areas of skin to plump it up, you don’t need injections to reap its benefits. Instead, select a hyaluronic acid-containing serum.
What factors contribute to dry, sensitive skin?
The following are some of the causes of dry, sensitive skin:
● Taking frequent, long, hot showers to cleanse the skin and using harsh alkaline soaps.
● Environmental factors include cold weather, low humidity, dry indoor heat, intense sunlight exposure, pollution, and moisture. (14)
● Factors at work include contact with irritant agents (for example, chemicals used in hairdressing or housekeeping) (15)
● Cosmetics are another factor, particularly among women. Cosmetics contain alpha-hydroxy acids, propylene glycol, alcohol, and fragrances.
● Atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin disorders can all lead to dry, sensitive skin.
What are the various sources of hyaluronic acid?
Soy-based products such as tofu, soy chunks, and soy milk, as well as citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits, are all sources of hyaluronic acid.
Additionally, tuber vegetables such as potatoes and sweet potatoes, and green leafy vegetables are also high in hyaluronic acid.
Final Word
It is determined that hyaluronic acid serum benefits dry, sensitive skin. Using it is beneficial because hyaluronic acid is naturally produced in the body.
Plants naturally produce hyaluronic acid, too. It is a natural humectant that hydrates and moisturizes the skin. It also has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, making it ideal for treating dry, sensitive skin.
References
- Draelos ZD, Diaz I, Namkoong J, Wu J, Boyd T. Efficacy evaluation of a topical hyaluronic acid serum in facial photoaging. Dermatology and therapy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8322246/. Published August 2021.
- Juncan AM, Moisă DG, Santini A, et al. Advantages of hyaluronic acid and its combination with other bioactive ingredients in cosmeceuticals. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8347214/. Published July 22, 2021.
- Fallacara A, Baldini E, Manfredini S, Vertuani S. Hyaluronic acid in the Third Millennium. Polymers. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6403654/. Published June 25, 2018.
- Gupta RC, Lall R, Srivastava A, Sinha A. Hyaluronic acid: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic trajectory. Frontiers in veterinary science. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6603175/. Published June 25, 2019.
- Fawkes N, Tselenti E, Shah N, et al. A survey to identify determinants that influence self-perceived sensitive skin in a British population: Clues to developing a reliable screening tool for sensitive skin. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8436085/. Published September 8, 2021.
- Sionkowska A, Gadomska M, Musiał K, Piątek J. Hyaluronic acid as a component of natural polymer blends for biomedical applications: A Review. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7570474/. Published September 4, 2020.
- Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-endocrinology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583886/. Published July 1, 2012.
- Draelos ZD; Diaz I; Namkoong J; Wu J; Boyd T; Efficacy evaluation of a topical hyaluronic acid serum in facial photoaging. Dermatology and therapy. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34176098/.
- (PDF) hyaluronic acid, a promising skin rejuvenating … – researchgate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327952833/.
- Jegasothy SM, Zabolotniaia V, Bielfeldt S. Efficacy of a new topical nano-hyaluronic acid in humans. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3970829/. Published March 2014.
- Kawada C, Yoshida T, Yoshida H, et al. Ingested Hyaluronan moisturizes dry skin. Nutrition journal. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4110621/. Published July 11, 2014.
- Jung YR; Hwang C; Ha JM; Choi DK; Sohn KC; Lee Y; Seo YJ; Lee YH; Kim CD; Lee JH; Im M; Hyaluronic acid decreases lipid synthesis in sebaceous glands. The Journal of investigative dermatology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28163068/.
- Dosoky NS, Setzer WN. Biological activities and safety of citrus spp.. essential oils. International journal of molecular sciences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6073409/. Published July 5, 2018.
- Duarte I, Silveira JEPS, Hafner Mde FS, Toyota R, Pedroso DMM. Sensitive skin: Review of an ascending concept. Anais brasileiros de dermatologia. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5595600/. Published 2017.
- Xeroderma – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK565884/.