Sensitive skin is a common skin type that can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle. People with sensitive skin often experience skin reactions such as itching, redness, and inflammation when exposed to certain irritants or allergens.
Sensitive skin can be further classified into different types based on the combination of other skin characteristics such as dryness, oiliness, and combination skin. (1)(2)
Dry Sensitive Skin
Dry sensitive skin lacks moisture and often feels tight or itchy. It can be caused by a variety of factors such as age, climate, genetics, and harsh skin care products.
People with dry sensitive skin often experience itchiness, flakiness, and rough patches. This skin type is also prone to fine lines and wrinkles due to the lack of moisture. (2)(3)(4)(5)
So, what dry skin needs the most is proper moisturization and hydration. Hyaluronic acid can come in handy for that.
Hyaluronic Acid for Dry Sensitive Skin
Take a look into how hyaluronic acid can help dry sensitive skin.
1. Acts as a humectant
Hyaluronic acid, also referred to as hyaluronan, is a straight-line polysaccharide present in all living organisms. It is a very hydrophobic material.
The human body contains 15 g of hyaluronic acid, with the majority of it found in the skin. Hyaluronic acid behaves as a humectant, which means it retains water in the skin, making it a very valuable moisturizing component. Therefore, it is safe to say hyaluronic acid is great for dry skin.
Moisturization happens when there is an increase in the water content of the skin’s epidermis, which improves the skin texture better and decreases the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
And guess what? The skin naturally fulfills its hydration requirement via compounds such as hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid performs a myriad of functions for skin health, but its most important role is the absorption of large amounts of water – 1 g of hyaluronic acid can absorb 6 liters of water, making this compound beneficial for dry sensitive skin. (3)
2. Improves skin hydration levels
One study demonstrated that a substantial amount of hyaluronic acid was deposited on the skin from the use of hyaluronic acid serum, which led to improvements in skin hydration over time.
In the study, hyaluronic acid serum, after 2 weeks of use, significantly increased skin hydration, which continued during the 4th and 6th weeks. This raised skin hydration also caused significant improvements in facial appearance.
Researchers also reported hydration and plumping to be visible right after product application. They recorded a 30% improvement in plumping and a 31% improvement in skin hydration. (3)
3. Improves the activity of moisturizers
Another study demonstrated that hyaluronic acid’s considerable ability to bind water has incredible skin hydration effects that are better than any other polysaccharides.
In one research, a facial hydrating serum was formulated to fix up and replenish skin; the serum contained vitamin B5 analogues and hyaluronic acid. Clinical evaluation during the research indicated significant improvements in facial skin parameters after 2 weeks of use of the hyaluronic acid hydrating serum with a moisturizer, in comparison with the use of moisturizer alone. (6)
4. Combats skin dryness due to skin aging
Changes occur in the natural hyaluronic acid levels of the skin as you age. Topical application of a hyaluronic acid-based skin product might improve skin appearance and combat aging-induced dryness. (3)
Skin aging is a biological process that can occur due to various mechanisms. Young skin is able to maintain its turgor, smoothness, resilience, elasticity, and pliability because of its ability to hold a good amount of water, but aging skin can become dry, thin, and flattened due to the loss of elasticity and structural strength.
Your skin requires a high amount of water for normal functioning, but the moisture level of the skin reduces with increasing age. Plus, everyday external harm to the skin such as increased time in the sun also contributes to loss of skin moisture.
Since the fundamental molecule concerned with skin moisture is hyaluronic acid, the use of hyaluronic acid serums for the face can be helpful in preventing skin issues arising due to increasing age. (6)(3)
5. Combats skin dryness due to menopause
Intrinsic aging of the skin is affected by hormonal shifts that happen with age such as a reduction in the production of sex hormones such as estrogens and progesterone that is linked with menopause.
A deficiency in estrogen and androgen leads to:
- Collagen degradation
- Skin dryness
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Wrinkling of the skin
Hyaluronic acid topical applications can be beneficial in these cases as well. (3)
How to Use a Hyaluronic Acid Serum
To add hyaluronic acid serum to your skin care regimen, follow these steps:
- Clean your face with a gentle cleanser.
- Pat your skin dry but not completely.
- When your skin is still pretty damp, take a few drops of hyaluronic acid serum in your palms.
- Dab the serum on your face.
- Apply a moisturizer right after the serum to seal in the hydration.
Can I Use Hyaluronic Acid Serum With Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer?
Moisturizers and serums are two of the most widely used forms of hyaluronic acid products. According to research data, the hydrating benefits of using both a serum and a moisturizer are much greater than using them alone.
So, the use of a hyaluronic acid serum with a hyaluronic acid moisturizer can be a great option for your skin. But you have to ensure that the products put together do not exceed 2% hyaluronic acid concentration. (7)
Side Effects of Hyaluronic Acid Serums
In one study, no statistically significant side effects such as stinging, itching, or burning were noted immediately after product application or at any time during the 6-week study. Also, the combined usage of hyaluronic serum and moisturizer resulted in no adverse events.
Other researchers and experts also agree that hyaluronic acid is safe to use on sensitive dry skin. Adverse effects from hyaluronic acid are not very commonly seen. (6)
How Long Do Hyaluronic Acid Serums Show Results?
One research study revealed that hyaluronic acid serum enormously heightened skin hydration after 2 weeks of use. This boost in skin hydration, even though subtle, went on even during the 4th and 6th weeks of use as well. (3)
Can Sensitive Skin Be Oily?
Yes. Oily sensitive skin produces excess sebum or oil, which can clog the pores and cause breakouts.
People with oily sensitive skin often experience acne, blackheads, and enlarged pores. This skin type is also prone to discomfort when exposed to certain irritants or skin care products. (8)(9)
In fact, some people may have combination sensitive skin, which is a combination of dry and oily skin types. (10)
Is Hyaluronic Acid Safe to Use With Other Products?
Yes, hyaluronic acid is safe to use with most of the other skin care products. If you have doubts or easily experience unpleasant reactions, it is highly recommended to speak to your dermatologist before using hyaluronic acid with other products or compounds. (7)
Final Word
Hyaluronic acid is a biological ingredient present in your body. It is composed of polysaccharides, which are sugar molecules.
Hyaluronic acid is a popular name in a lot of people’s skin care regimen, given its moisturizing strength. For this reason, it is used as an active component of several products such as serums for dry and sensitive skin.