7 Benefits of Using Hyaluronic Acid in Your Skincare Routine
Quick answer: Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means it draws moisture into the top layers of your skin. That extra hydration helps skin look plumper, smoother and dewier, so fine lines look softer, and it suits almost every skin type. Apply a few drops of a serum such as Thin Lizzy Hyaluronic Acid Serum to clean, damp skin, then follow with moisturiser.
If there's one skincare ingredient almost everyone can use, it's hyaluronic acid. It's gentle, it pairs well with nearly everything, and it does one job very well: hydration. As skin matures it tends to hold less moisture, which is why a good hyaluronic acid serum is often the first thing we suggest for women who feel their skin has started to look tired or a little crepey. Here's what it does, the benefits you can expect, and how to use it properly.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a substance your skin already contains. In skincare, it's used as a humectant: it attracts water and holds it in the upper layers of the skin, so skin looks and feels more hydrated. You'll often see it listed as sodium hyaluronate, which is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. Despite the word "acid", it isn't an exfoliant, and it doesn't tingle or peel.
The 7 Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
1. Deep hydration
This is the main event. Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin, so it feels soft and comfortable rather than tight, even straight after cleansing.
2. Plumper-looking skin
Well-hydrated skin looks fuller and bouncier. That's why hyaluronic acid is so popular for mature skin: the extra moisture gives a fresher, more rested look.
3. Fine lines look softer
Dryness makes fine lines look deeper. When skin is properly hydrated, the look of fine lines appears softer and less noticeable.
4. Smoother-feeling texture
Rough, dry patches feel smoother when skin holds more moisture, and skin looks more even overall.
5. A healthy, dewy glow
Hydrated skin reflects light better, so your complexion looks more radiant, with or without makeup.
6. Suits almost every skin type
It's lightweight and non-greasy, so it works for dry, oily, combination and mature skin. Even oily skin can feel dehydrated, and a light hydrating serum helps it feel balanced without adding shine.
7. Makeup goes on more smoothly
Foundation clings to dry patches and settles into lines. A layer of hyaluronic acid under your moisturiser helps foundation glide on evenly and keeps the finish looking fresh for longer.
Our Picks
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Best for: anyone who wants an easy daily hydration step.
A hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid (as sodium hyaluronate) plus Sophora flavescens and Scutellaria baicalensis root extracts. It plumps skin with moisture, so it looks smoother, dewier and fresher, and it helps the look of fine lines, redness and uneven texture appear softer. It absorbs quickly and isn't greasy.
- 1.5% hyaluronic acid
- Suitable for all skin types
- Use morning and night
- Best applied to damp skin
Dewy Glass Hydra Lotion
Best for: locking in hydration with a glass-like glow.
A concentrated hydrating essence-lotion with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, pomegranate fruit extract and red algae. It forms a light, flexible moisturising layer on the skin, so skin feels soft and looks radiant, with a non-greasy, dewy finish. It's a lovely next step over your serum.
- With hyaluronic acid and vitamin E
- Silky, non-greasy texture
- Dewy, radiant-looking finish
- Suits dry, mature and oily skin
Real Complexion Cream
Best for: hyaluronic acid hydration and a brighter, more even look in one step.
This 8-in-1 cream drenches skin in hydration with hyaluronic acid, so your complexion looks radiant and feels silky soft. It helps the look of fine lines, dullness, uneven tone and age spots appear softer, and it absorbs quickly, so you can wear it alone or straight under makeup.
- With hyaluronic acid
- Wear alone or under makeup
- Use day and night
- Absorbs quickly, never greasy
How to Use Hyaluronic Acid in Your Routine
- Cleanse: use a gentle cleanser and leave your skin slightly damp.
- Apply to damp skin: press 4–5 drops of serum over your face and neck. Damp skin gives hyaluronic acid moisture to hold onto.
- Let it absorb: give it a moment before the next step.
- Moisturise straight after: a moisturiser seals in the hydration. This step matters most if you live or work somewhere with dry air, such as a heated or air-conditioned office.
- Morning: finish with sunscreen as the last step of your skincare, then apply makeup.
- Night: repeat after cleansing. Hyaluronic acid is gentle enough to use twice a day.
Can You Combine Hyaluronic Acid With Other Ingredients?
Yes, and that's one of its biggest advantages. It plays well with almost everything:
- Vitamin C: vitamin C helps skin look brighter, while hyaluronic acid adds hydration. Apply the vitamin C serum first, then hyaluronic acid.
- Retinol: retinol can leave skin feeling dry. Hyaluronic acid helps skin feel more comfortable. Use retinol at night and hyaluronic acid morning and night.
- Niacinamide: both are gentle, and together they help skin look smoother and more even.
- Exfoliating acids: a hydrating serum afterwards helps skin feel soft rather than tight.
Not sure which serum suits you? Read our guide on how to choose the perfect serum for your skin type, or find out more about Real Complexion Cream and whether you need a toner.
What Customers Say
"Lovely product, great hydration for my skin."
Vickie R., verified customer (Hyaluronic Acid Serum)
"Skin looks fresh and smooth. Lights up the face."
Leela C., Thin Lizzy customer (Dewy Glass Hydra Lotion)
"Love the texture and feel of the cream. Makes skin feel soft and smooth"
Pamela S., verified customer (Real Complexion Cream)
Read all Hyaluronic Acid Serum reviews →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does hyaluronic acid do for your skin?
It draws moisture into the upper layers of the skin, so skin looks plumper, smoother and dewier, and fine lines look softer.
Is hyaluronic acid good for mature skin?
Yes. Mature skin tends to hold less moisture, so a hydrating ingredient like hyaluronic acid is one of the most useful additions to a routine.
Should I apply hyaluronic acid to wet or dry skin?
Slightly damp skin is best. It gives the hyaluronic acid moisture to hold, and it helps the serum spread evenly. Always follow with moisturiser.
Can I use hyaluronic acid every day?
Yes. It's gentle enough to use morning and night, and it suits all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Can I buy Thin Lizzy skincare in stores?
Yes. Thin Lizzy is available at Farmers, Life Pharmacy, Chemist Warehouse and Unichem stores across New Zealand. The range can vary by store, so the easiest way to get the full range, bundles and online deals is to shop online. See our FAQ page for stockist details.
Looking for a deal? Many of our best sellers are available in bundle offers from time to time. See our current Bundle Offers →
Final Thoughts
Hyaluronic acid is one of the simplest ways to help skin look fresher, smoother and more hydrated. Apply it to damp skin, seal it in with moisturiser, and use it consistently morning and night.
