Hyaluronic Acid Skin Care Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Everyone talks about hyaluronic acid, but few understand why your skin is obsessed with it: HA has the ability to hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water. That hydration is what gives skin that bouncy, effortless glow. We hear about it constantly, but this guide will break down the buzz and explain why it is a crucial step in your routine, who it's for, how to use it, and how to choose the right one - because not all HA serums are created equal.

What is hyaluronic acid (and what does it do for your skin)?

Your body naturally produces hyaluronic acid - it’s a sugar molecule that helps your skin hold onto water, almost like a sponge that keeps the hydration locked in, providing structure and balance. It’s already working quietly in the background, keeping things running smoothly and comfortably in the skin, joints and eyes, boosting elasticity and flexibility.

The catch? Like collagen, production slows over time. As our bodies age, our skin notices. Tightness, dryness and dullness begin to show up. 

Here’s where using the right HA serum comes in. Think of it like electrolytes for your face. 

Hyaluronic acid benefits:

• Reduces the look of fine lines

• Supports elasticity and firmness

• Plumps, smooths and hydrates

• Improves skin texture

• Boosts moisture retention

• Supports the skin barrier

As HA is a gentle serum, it is also suitable for use on delicate areas such as under the eyes, neck and décolletage. Prioritising hydration is the key to supporting skin that feels fresher, healthier, and more resilient day-to-day.

Who is hyaluronic acid for?

Topical hyaluronic acid doesn’t leave anyone behind. It’s appropriate for every skin type - dry, oily, combination, sensitive or mature. And yes, teens can use it too. It is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to upgrade your skincare routine. HA supports and protects your skin’s natural moisture barrier over time, as well as visibly plumping it. 

Acne-prone skin? Hyaluronic acid is oil-free and non-comedogenic, and actually helps to soothe and calm the look of breakouts while the skin heals. It can also reduce the appearance of scarring and uneven skin texture over time.

Pregnant? Since the body is already producing hyaluronic acid it is generally considered safe to use whilst pregnant, but you should always check in with your GP for personalised advice.

How to use hyaluronic acid in your routine

Damp skin. Always.

This is the rule that most people miss, then blame the serum. Hyaluronic acid needs water to ‘grab’ onto as it works by attracting and retaining moisture within the skin. When applied to dry skin, it can actually pull out moisture from the deeper layers of your skin, which is the opposite of what we want. 

This simple adjustment completely changes how the HA acts within your skin barrier, and is a common mistake that isn’t highlighted enough - despite how important it is. 

Here’s a 4-step routine we recommend: 

Cleanser → HA serum on damp skin → moisturizer → SPF (in the AM). 

If you use any other serums, they should be applied after the HA, and before your moisturizer. 

A serum is your treatment step, delivering active ingredients such as HA directly into your skin, whereas the moisturizer sits on top to prevent it from escaping and locks in the hydration. 

What can you pair hyaluronic acid with?

HA + retinol is a classic combination. Retinol can often cause irritation and dryness, so HA assists by cushioning the skin, making it more comfortable whilst you adjust to these stronger active ingredients. Retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it is always best applied at night followed by SPF 30 or above at the end of your morning routine.

HA + vitamin C works beautifully to support glowy, dewy skin. Apply vitamin C first on clean, dry skin followed by HA layered on top to boost hydration and reduce proneness to dryness or tightness.

HA + niacinamide are a gentle duo that play well together to support the skin barrier, calm visible redness and smooth rough texture over time without irritation.

HA + vitamin C + niacinamide is one of the most popular serum combos for a reason - they sync together to hydrate, brighten and support the skin barrier all at once - kind of like a well-balanced routine in three steps. 

Choosing a hyaluronic acid serum (and why ours is different)

Jargon loves skincare, but skin doesn’t love jargon.

When choosing a HA serum, it’s easy to get lost between the steps and routines that don’t explain what’s actually good for you. The best hyaluronic acid serums contain multiple molecular weights of HA, supporting ingredients like glycerin and peptides, and are fragrance-free and Australian-made - a factor that ensures the formulations meet high-quality standards.

The Hyaluronic Soothing Complex contains four molecular weights of HA, each designed to hydrate and boost a different layer of skin for a deep system of hydration. Glycerin draws moisture into the skin and locks it there. Betaine and Panthenol strengthen the skin barrier so moisture stays locked in and supports natural regeneration.The result is skin that stays hydrated for longer, rather than feeling dry again by midday.

Our lightweight formula absorbs on contact, seamlessly layering under serums, oils and moisturisers. Its multi-weight structure allows it to immediately bind and hydrate from within, providing long-lasting hydration and leaving behind zero stickiness or residue.

When used regularly, skin looks and feels smoother. Texture and fine lines fade, makeup sits comfortably, and that tight, ‘morning face’ feeling becomes a distant memory.

The bottom line

Hyaluronic acid is a win for everyone. It suits all skin types and ages, and is one of the easiest steps you can take to make a proactive decision about the health of your skin. 

Apply to damp skin, layer your moisturiser on top, and you’ll feel the difference in a week. 

Consistency does the work.

Want all three of the serums we just talked about? Have a look at the Serum Trio.