What does hyaluronic acid do in the skin?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) occurs naturally in the skin – and decreases dramatically with age. At 25, the skin still produces enough, but by 40 the level has fallen by over 50%. When applied as a serum, it penetrates into the upper layers of the skin and provides:

• Intensive hydration: Immediate moisture boost, visible after the first application
• Volume effect: fine lines are plumped up by moisture
• Barrier strengthening: the skin barrier is stabilized, less transepidermal moisture loss
• Soothing: Hyaluronic acid is suitable for all skin types, including rosacea skin

Low molecular weight vs. high molecular weight: Which is better?

This is the most common question when buying hyaluronic serums. In the K-Beauty world, many brands already rely on multi-weight formulas:

• High molecular weight HA (over 1,000 kDa): Stays on the skin surface, acts as a moisture-binding film – quick visible shine effect
• Low molecular weight HA (less than 500 kDa): Penetrates deeper into the skin, more effective in the long term
• Multi-weight HA: combination of both molecule sizes – the smartest option. Most high-quality serums today rely on

The best hyaluronic serums in comparison

Budget (under 20 Euro)

• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (~8 euros): Reliable, well formulated, ideal for beginners
• Garnier Hyaluron Filler Serum (~15 euros): Widely available, for dry and normal skin
• COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream (~18 euros): More of a cream than a serum, but hugely hydrating

Mid-range (20-60 euros)

• Vichy Liftactiv Supreme H.A. Epidermic Filler (~35 euros): Dermatologically tested, 1.5% HA concentration
• La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum (~42 euros): Gold standard for sensitive skin – Bakuchiol plus HA
• Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster (~52 euros): Multi-weight formula, excellent tolerance

Premium (over 60 euros)

• SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier (~115 euros): Clinically tested, 1.3% HA with Proxylane and Licorice Root
• Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum (~75 euros): Light, layerable, ideal for combination skin

Application: When and how to apply?

Hyaluronic serum works best on slightly moist skin – this increases penetration. A common mistake is to apply it to completely dry skin – HA then draws moisture from the skin instead of from the outside. Further tips for optimal integration into the Glass Skin morning routine:

1. Cleanse face
2. Apply toner or essence – leave slightly damp
3. Press on hyaluronic serum (do not rub in – gently tap in)
4. Moisturizing cream over it – seals the HA
5. SPF in the morning

Combination with other active ingredients

Hyaluronic acid is compatible with almost everything. Good combinations:

• HA + niacinamide: hydration plus pore refinement – classic K-Beauty combination
• HA + vitamin C: layer serum in the morning, vitamin C underneath or on top
• HA + retinol: apply HA before retinol – buffers irritation and keeps skin moisturized

Fashion, Art & Design – Designer Yuna Yang

After studying Fine Art in Korea, Yuna Yang moved to Italy to spend a year specializing in fashion design. She loves to immerse herself in different cultures and to live this fascination in the fashion industry. Her international experience (Seoul, Milan, New York, Boston, London) develops her artistic vision further into the field of couture quality and yet everyday women’s clothing. Among the hobby artists she can be called the fashionable Renaissance woman.

Runway video: Yuna Yang NYFW SS19

Even if you weren’t at the Fashion Week, you can now find here exclusive insights into the whole fashion show of Yuna Yang.

Yuna Yang NYFW SS19: Photos of the fashion show in New York

Images c/o Yuna Yang

Images c/o Yuna Yang

Images c/o Yuna Yang