The Best Serums with Hyaluronic Acid to Hydrate Winter Skin

Last Updated on August 27, 2024 by Amy

Is your skin ready for the winter chill? Writing an article about winter skin essentials feels strange when September hasn’t arrived yet. However, it won’t be long until the nights start to draw in and the air becomes colder. During winter, the combination of cold air, indoor heating, and harsh winds can wreak havoc on your skin. The low humidity levels outside and the dry, heated air inside create an environment where your skin’s natural moisture is easily lost. This moisture loss can weaken your skin’s barrier, making it more susceptible to irritation, redness, and a lacklustre appearance.

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What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance in the body that plays a critical role in skin hydration. It has an incredible ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a powerhouse ingredient for retaining moisture. However, as we age, our natural levels of hyaluronic acid decrease, which is why incorporating it into your skincare routine can be particularly beneficial, especially in harsh weather conditions.

Why Hyaluronic Acid Serums are a Winter Must-Have

1. Deep Hydration
   Hyaluronic acid serums penetrate the skin deeply, delivering hydration directly to the layers that need it most. Unlike heavier creams that sit on the surface, HA serums are lightweight and absorb quickly, ensuring your skin gets the moisture it needs without feeling greasy.
2. Combats Signs of Ageing
   Hydrated skin is healthy skin. By maintaining optimal hydration levels, hyaluronic acid helps keep your skin plump and supple, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This is especially important in winter when dry skin can make these signs of ageing more pronounced.
3. Strengthens the Skin Barrier
   Regular use of hyaluronic acid can help reinforce your skin’s natural barrier, which is essential during winter when this barrier is constantly under assault. A stronger skin barrier means better protection against environmental stressors and less irritation.
4. Suitable for All Skin Types
   One of the best things about hyaluronic acid is its versatility. Whether you have oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin, HA serums can be incorporated into your routine without fear of clogging pores or causing breakouts. It’s a universal hydrator that works for everyone.
5. Pairs Well with Other Skincare Ingredients
   Hyaluronic acid is non-reactive, meaning it plays well with other skincare ingredients. Whether you’re using retinol, vitamin C, or peptides, HA can be layered seamlessly, enhancing the effectiveness of your entire skincare routine.

Top Tips for Maximising Hyaluronic Acid Benefits in Winter

• Apply to Damp Skin: Hyaluronic acid works best when applied to slightly damp skin. This allows it to lock in the moisture already present, enhancing its hydrating effects. I like to use a hydrating mist like the Byoma Balancing Face Mist, £12. This is probably the most important tip in this whole article! Applying hyaluronic acid to dry skin can draw moisture away from it, potentially leaving your skin more dehydrated than before! I like to apply to damp skin, and then follow up with a mist before applying moisturiser.
• Seal it In: After applying your HA serum, follow up with a good moisturiser to seal in the hydration. This is especially important in winter to prevent moisture from evaporating. Check out these lightweight moisturisers for every skin type.
• Use Morning and Night: For optimal results, incorporate hyaluronic acid into both your morning and nighttime skincare routines. This ensures continuous hydration throughout the day and night.
• Layering Tip: If you use other serums, layer them based on thickness, with thinner products first. Hyaluronic serums tend to be lightweight, so they typically go on early in your routine.

My Favourite Serums with Hyaluronic Acid

Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense Serum 30mls, £59

Medik8 is a British skincare brand that focuses on creating effective, science-backed products. They aim to simplify your skincare routine while delivering powerful results. The Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense serum is one of the most expensive hyaluronic acid serums I have ever used but it’s also the one I am most likely to repurchase.

This serum is designed to cater to all skin types, from dry and dehydrated to oily and combination skin. It contains a unique blend of multi-weight hyaluronic acid and Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs) to provide deep, long-lasting hydration.

Key Ingredients and Their Benefits

• Hyaluronic Acid (HA): Featuring multiple molecular weights, this ingredient targets different layers of the skin, ensuring comprehensive hydration.
• Vitamin B5 (Panthenol): Known for its moisturising and healing properties. Vitamin B5 works well with hyaluronic acid. While hyaluronic acid draws in moisture, vitamin B5 helps your skin retain it. This combo creates a long-lasting hydration effect.
• Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs): These naturally occurring elements help replenish the skin’s moisture barrier, promoting a plump and youthful appearance.
• Saskatoon Berry: Rich in antioxidants, this berry extract protects the skin from environmental damage while supporting the serum’s hydrating action.

What is the difference between Medik8 Hydra B5 and Medik8 Hydra B5 Intense?

By building on the success of the original Hydr8 B5, Medik8 has created a product that not only hydrates but also protects and repairs. The added ingredients like NMFs and Saskatoon Berry elevate the serum from a simple hyaluronic acid product to a comprehensive skin health booster. Medik8 describes it as their ‘supercharged hyaluronic acid.’ I haven’t tried the original version, but I believe the additional ingredients in the Intense version justify the higher price.

My Experience

I have just finished my first bottle of this Medik8 serum and am devastated it’s finished! I love the lightweight texture and quick absorption which leaves no stickiness or heaviness. My often dehydrated skin has never felt so bouncy and hydrated! I have also noticed an improvement in my fine lines and wrinkles due to the serum’s plumping effect. I prefer to use this product in the morning as it leaves me with a dewy and radiant complexion and a perfect base for makeup.

The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum 30mls, £7.99

If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum would be my top pick. The Inkey List is known for its no-frills approach to skincare, and this product is no exception with its straightforward yet highly effective formula. This hyaluronic acid serum has been a staple in my skincare routine for years and I’m excited to share my experience.

Key Ingredients and Their Benefits

• Hyaluronic Acid (HA): This serum features a combination of low and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, ensuring hydration at multiple levels of the skin. The low molecular weight HA penetrates deeper for long-lasting moisture, while the high molecular weight HA provides immediate surface hydration.
• Matrixyl 3000: A peptide known for its anti-ageing properties, Matrixyl 3000 works with hyaluronic acid to boost skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Glycerin: A well-known humectant, glycerin helps draw moisture into the skin, enhancing the hydrating effects of the serum.

My Experience

From the very first application, I noticed how easily the serum glides onto the skin. It absorbs quickly, leaving no sticky residue, which is a huge plus for anyone who likes to layer multiple products. After a few weeks of regular use, I noticed a significant improvement in my skin’s moisture levels. My skin felt plumper, looked more radiant, and my dehydration lines were visibly diminished.

One of the standout features of this serum is its affordability. At just a fraction of the cost of many high-end serums, it offers incredible value for money. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their skincare routine without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

Hyaluronic acid serums are a must-have for your winter skincare routine. When I use them I notice that my skin is better able to retain moisture throughout the day, which is especially important during the colder months when my skin tends to dry out. The Inkey List Hyaluronic Serum would be my top choice for budget-friendly drugstore hyaluronic acid serums. However, out of all the hyaluronic acid serums I have used over the years, the Medik8 Hydra B5 Intense is the best I have used for long-term skin improvements.

Let me know what your favourite hyaluronic acid serum is in the comments!