HYALURONIC ACID BENEFITS: WHY IT'S SO IMPORTANT IN SKINCARE

As a natural component of the skin, hyaluronic acid has an important influence on preventing wrinkles and hydrating the skin. It is used in many hydrating skincare products. In this article, we’ll cover the benefits of hyaluronic acid, how to use hyaluronic acid for glowing skin, and the best hyaluronic acid products.

Update 05 March 2025

From BIOTHERM

01 WHAT IS HYALURONIC ACID?
02 HYALURONIC ACID BENEFITS
03 WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF HYALURONIC ACID?
04 HYALURONIC ACID FOR ANTI-AGING - HOW EXACTLY DOES IT WORK?
05 PRODUCTS WITH HYALURONIC ACID - VARIETIES FOR EVERY SKIN CONCERN
06 SKINCARE WITH HYALURONIC ACID CAN EFFECTIVELY IMPROVE THE APPEARANCE OF THE SKIN

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluron, or hyaluronic acid, is one of the human body's natural tissue components. A long-chain polysaccharide, it carries out various functions within the cells. Thus, hyaluronic acid is able to bind a lot of water and is therefore the perfect active ingredient for long-lasting hydrated skin. It also plays a role in the mechanical functions of cells, such as maintaining a pressure resistance, and as a lubricant for joints. Hyaluronic acid is also a viscoelastic filler, which provides elasticity in connective tissue and skin. It serves as a general structuring agent and can promote skin regeneration.

Many of the fascinating properties of hyaluronic acid have not yet been fully explored and are the focus of much scientific work. Thus, modifications to hyaluronic acid allow the agents to be specialized and adapted for different applications. For example, the viscosity is changed to either achieve better absorption through the skin or to optimize the hyaluronic acid for its tasks as a lubricant for joints or as a filler for wrinkle support. In addition to acting as a moisturizer, hyaluronic acid can also provide protective effects for premature skin aging caused by UV light.^[1]

Where does hyaluronic acid occur?

Hyaluronic acid is found in the tissues and body fluids of all vertebrates and also in some species of bacteria. In humans, it forms components of connective tissue, cartilage, and synovial fluid. The highest concentrations are found in the following body parts:

Umbilical cord
Joint fluid
Skin
Vitreous humor of the eye
Tendons and ligaments of skeletal muscles
Blood and lymphatic fluid

The synthesis of hyaluronic acid takes place directly in the cells. This formation can be influenced by various factors. For example, in the case of injuries or inflammations, the body reacts with an increased formation of hyaluronic acid, which can promote the healing processes. Hyaluron also plays a major role in embryonic development.^[2]

What is hyaluronic acid used for in cosmetics and medicine?

In cosmetics, hyaluronic acid can be used both externally and internally. It is used for minimally invasive procedures such as for wrinkle injections, facial sculpting, or lip injections. Via cosmetics, hyaluronic acid can penetrate the upper layers of the skin, where it can soften the depth of small wrinkles. Anti-aging products, such as the Life Plankton Regenerating Serum, are specifically adapted to the skin's needs and type are the best solution here. In addition to hyaluronic acid, they contain other ingredients that provide the skin with antioxidants, nourishing lipids and minerals, among other things.^[3]

For clinical applications, hyaluronic acid is used in eye surgery, orthopedics, and rheumatology. It also plays a role in plastic surgery.

Hyaluronic acid benefits

The most important effect hyaluronic acid has on the skin is its ability to store water. Since hyaluron has this property, it is very suitable for plumping and moisturizing the skin. Skin aging happens due to the increasing loss of moisture and elasticity. One of the reasons for this is the decline in the body's own production of hyaluronic acid. Therefore anti-aging treatments include the addition of hyaluronic acid to reduce small wrinkles through its refreshing and moisturizing effect. For example, eye cream with hyaluronic acid can be used for dark circles. It can strengthen the delicate skin under the eyes through its plumping effect.^[4]

Hyaluronic acid can also optimize cell activity and improve the matrix of connective tissue. This results in smoother, more toned, and elastic skin. It is believed that hyaluronic acid has a mitigating effect on cell aging and slows it down.^[5]

Is hyaluronic acid good for the skin?

Yes, because it is a substance produced naturally in the body, where a deficiency becomes noticeable through the increased formation of wrinkles and dryness. Studies ^[6]have shown that treatment with hyaluronic acid promotes a significant improvement in skin elasticity and smoother skin.

What are the different types of hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluron, which is used therapeutically, occurs in various forms. A distinction is made between low-molecular hyaluronic acid and high-molecular hyaluronic acid. The two types have different flow properties, are integrated into the tissue at different rates and speeds. The most important distinguishing factors are the size of the molecules and the expansion of the cross-links of these molecules. The stronger the cross-links are developed, the poorer the utilization of the applied hyaluronic acid in the skin, which is why natural or low-molecular hyaluronic acid is preferred for cosmetic applications. High molecular weight hyaluronic acid is suitable, for example, for osteoarthritis treatments or for surgical purposes.^[7]

Where does hyaluronic acid come from?

Hyaluronic acid used therapeutically or cosmetically was mainly obtained from cockscombs until the end of the 1990s. This procedure has the disadvantage that people with an allergy to chicken egg whites may be sensitive to the hyaluronic acid obtained in such a way. New processes extract hyaluron through biotechnological means, in which the active ingredient is isolated from various basic substances by fermentation with bacteria. For cosmetic products, hyaluronic acid is partially stabilized and modified, as the unstabilized hyaluronic acid would otherwise be broken down too quickly in the body.^[8]

Hyaluronic acid for anti-aging - how exactly does it work?

People often ask: "Does hyaluronic acid help reduce the appearance of wrinkles?" Hyaluronic acid, especially as a low-molecular variant, can positively influence the growth of epidermal cells and thus protect them from premature skin aging. It also improves the water storage capacity of the cells. If the skin is treated with hyaluronic acid, this can lead to smoother and firmer skin due to a better supply of moisture. Skin elasticity can also be improved, which can reduce the depth and number of wrinkles. The connective tissue is strengthened, which promotes a fresher and more youthful appearance compared to hyaluron before and after. The optimal effect is achieved by a balanced combination of different types of low-molecular and high-molecular hyaluronic acid.^[9]

Hyaluronic acid is able to positively influence collagen production in the skin. In doing so, it activates skin cells called fibroblasts, which are capable of producing collagen and elastin fibers.^[10]

Use a combination of active ingredients for optimal skin care

A deep-acting regenerating hyaluronic acid face serum like the Life Plankton Regenerating Serum can reduce the visible signs of premature aging. It stabilizes and protects the skin barrier and supports the body's own activation of cell renewal. In combination with the ingredient collagen, hyaluronic acid can present even better effects. This is where the hydrating Aquasource Hyalu Plump Gel with Biotech Plankton and hyaluronic acid comes in handy. It plumps the skin and gives a radiant glow, while maintaining hydration all day.

Treatment with hyaluronic acid by injection

In addition to the external application of hyaluronic acid in cosmetics for the skin, it is also possible to inject hyaluron directly. This is used, for example, to treat deep wrinkles on the face or to plump up the lips with hyaluronic acid. However, measures such as wrinkle injections or filler treatment require a visit to a specialist and cannot simply be performed at home by oneself.^[5]

Products with hyaluronic acid - varieties for every skin concern

Skincare products with hyaluronic acid provide optimal support to further moisturize the skin and improve its ability to store water. They can be used both daily and for intensive treatments for areas such as the face, chest, hands, and arms. In order to make the most of the effectiveness of these cosmetics, it is advisable to use carefully selected skincare ranges with matching cleansing lotions, day and night products, as well as eye creams and lip balms.

These products include:

Hyaluronic acid serum (such as the Life Plankton Regenerating Serum)
Hyaluronic acid cream (such as the Aqua Source Hydra Barrier Cream)
Hyaluronic acid eye cream (such as the Life Plankton Eye Cream)

Products with hyaluronic acid are recommended when you want to reduce the signs of aging, such as dryness, flaky skin, the formation of wrinkles, and a loss of elasticity. They are ideal for anti-aging treatments that are designed to give the skin a fresher, plumped-up, and smoother appearance. When choosing the right products, you can go by the recommendations of the manufacturers, who have developed them for specific skin concerns, skin types, and age groups.

If you are not sure what skin type you have, you can easily take a useful online test to find out. The Skin Analysis Tool uses a photo you have taken and asks you several questions to provide the most accurate result. It is helpful if you don't wear makeup when taking the photo, take off your glasses and keep your hair out of your face. Following the analysis, you will receive recommendations for the best skincare products for your skin, which can be easily integrated into your daily routine. You will be shown specific ingredients, skincare routines, and products that are ideally suited to your skin type and concerns.

Hyaluronic acid serum with perfectly combined ingredients

You can support the regeneration of your skin with a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid. A facial serum is a highly concentrated liquid, which is characterized by its light texture. It can be quite liquidly or oily. It is best applied under a cream or face mask. You can enjoy this refreshing process as desired, both in the morning and in the evening. You can apply a few drops of hyaluronic acid serum to your face after daily cleansing and gently massage it in. Then apply a day cream as usual. If you want to increase the effects of a regenerative mask, you can apply a hyaluronic serum under this mask.

A serum with hyaluronic acid, such as the Life Plankton Regenerating Serum, promotes the following effects:

Smoother skin texture
Smaller pores
Firmer skin
Reduction of wrinkles
Glowy skin

Choose a lightweight product if your skin is acne-prone. A richer serum with hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, can be beneficial for dry or dehydrated skin.

Face cream with hyaluronic acid for everyday use

Hyaluronic acid cream is especially good for dry skin because it helps to provide your skin with more moisture and also to retain the moisture. Sufficient moisture also promotes an effective skin protection barrier and a healthy glow. With the moisturizing Aquasource Hyalu Plump Gel, you can offer your skin nourishing ingredients and support its regenerative processes. The gel is enriched with highly concentrated Biotech Plankton™. The hyaluronic acid it contains has a plumping and firming effect. Furthermore, the hyaluronic acid applied to your skin stimulates collagen production and can thus contribute to a more youthful appearance in the long term.

Moisturizing eye cream with hyaluronic acid

In order to provide the sensitive and delicate skin around the eyes with optimal moisture and nutrients, it is best to apply an eye cream that matches your skin type every day. For dry skin and signs of aging such as wrinkles, a hyaluronic acid eye cream can provide a targeted supply of increased moisture. Crow's feet and dark circles can be softened. For delicate skin, it is better to dab the cream on gently and pat it in lightly with the fingertips.

Promote the skin's regeneration process with hyaluronic acid ampoules

Hyaluronic acid ampoules are ideal to promote the regeneration of your skin with the use of an intense treatment. You can use this treatment for several days, opening an ampoule in the morning or evening after cleansing your skin and distributing the contents evenly over your face. You increase the effect if you gently massage it into the skin using circular movements. While you're at it, treat yourself to a little extra rest and care to let the refreshing and regenerative products take better effect. You could combine the hyaluronic acid ampoule treatment with a yoga class, meditation, or a relaxing bath, for example.

The serum contained in the hyaluronic ampoules usually has a light and fluid texture. It is absorbed particularly quickly into the skin, leaving it immediately smooth and firm and free of that sticky feeling. After the active ingredients from the ampoules have been absorbed, you can continue with your skincare routine as normal. Apply a protective day cream and use an eye cream if you want to provide the skin around your eyes with extra care.

Hyaluronic acid lip balms for smooth and full lips

Do you want to give your dry or chapped lips a fresher and fuller look? Then you should simply test out a lip balm with hyaluronic acid. A hydrating lip balm with a smoothing and plumping effect provides the delicate skin of the lips with a lot of nutrients and moisture. It can make your lips look plumper and smoother, highlighting a youthful appearance. Since hyaluronic acid also heals wounds, lip care products with hyaluronic acid are excellent for chapped or cracked lips. You can therefore use the hydrating lip balm even if you are prone to dry lips or chapped corners of the mouth.

Skincare with hyaluronic acid can effectively improve the appearance of the skin

Hyaluronic acid has many interesting properties that can promote the regeneration of your skin and give it more moisture, elasticity, and smoothness. Cosmetic application is not limited to wrinkle injections, because with a balanced formulation, hyaluronic acid can also be absorbed into the skin via a serum or cream. The effects are reflected in a firmer and plumper complexion, with reduced wrinkles and more hydrated skin. You can therefore use products with hyaluronic acid to promote a youthful and refreshed appearance, which is evident not only when you look in the mirror, but also when you feel good in your body.

[1] Vgl. Dr. Trommer, Hagen, Prof. Dr. Dr. Reinhardt, H.H. Neubert: Hyaluronsäure – ein vielseitig einsetzbares Biomolekül, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Institut für Pharmazie, Pharmazeutische Wissenschaft, Storckverlag
[2] Vgl. Maier, Julia Katharina: Untersuchungen zur Rolle der Hyaluronsäure im Fettgewebe im Kontext der Entstehung einer Adipositas und Insulinresistenz, Düsseldorf, März 2016, https://docserv.uni-duesseldorf.de/servlets/DerivateServlet/Derivate-40626/Dissertation_JuliaKatharinaMaier_final.pdf (accessed 17.11.2021)
[3] Vgl. Hyaluronsäure: in: www.chemie.de, o. D., https://www.chemie.de/lexikon/Hyalurons%C3%A4ure.html (accessed 16.11.2021).
[4] Vgl. Altmeyer, Med. Peter: Hautalterung (Übersicht), in: Altmeyers Enzyklopädie - Fachbereich Dermatologie, 31.10.2017, https://www.altmeyers.org/de/dermatologie/hautalterung-ubersicht-14453 (accessed 16.11.2021).
[5] Vgl. Communications, Ebcont/K. Fritz: Aktuelle Dermatologie, in: Thieme eRef, o. D., https://eref.thieme.de/ejournals/1438-938X_2006_03#/10.1055-s-2005-921142 (accessed 17.11.2021).
[6] Vgl. Einsatz biophysikalischer Messverfahren zur Untersuchung der hautphysiologischen Wirkung injizierbarer Hyaluronsäure: in: springermedizin.de, o. D., https://www.springermedizin.de/einsatz-biophysikalischer-messverfahren-zur-untersuchung-der-hau/8025148 (accessed 16.11.2021).
[7] Vgl. Lang, Med. Johannes/Ibrahim Güler/Frank Antwerpes/Katharina Klüting: Hyaluronsäure, in: DocCheck Flexikon, o. D., https://flexikon.doccheck.com/de/Hyalurons%C3%A4ure (accessed 16.11.2021).
[8] Vgl. PharmaWiki - Hyaluronsäure: in: pharmawiki.ch, o. D., https://www.pharmawiki.ch/wiki/index.php?wiki=hyalurons%C3%A4ure (accessed 16.11.2021).
[9] Haeusler, H. "Wirksamkeit eines Hyaluronsäure Gels zur Verbesserung des Hautbildes.", https://experchem.com/files/files/file/77926821-f8e2-40f8-9e2d-72548b5f2ba8/Raya-Hyaluronsaure-Gel-WIRKSAMKEIT-ExperChem.pdf (accessed 16.11.2021)
[10] Vgl. Native Hyaluronsäure in der Ästhetischen Medizin Ergebnisse einer Expertenkonferenz: in: Wiley Online Library, o. D., https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/j.1610-0387.2007.06639_supp.x (accessed)

Our Biotherm Skincare Experts

Regina Koegler

Brand Trainer, Our Skincare Expert

What does your skin really need – and why does skincare sometimes feel like a game of chance?

I’m Regina, and as a Brand Trainer at L’Oréal, I work with exactly these questions every day.

My passion is making the world of skincare easy to understand – without complicated technical terms, but with clear explanations you can apply directly in your everyday life. Because skincare isn’t a trend, it’s a system.

For many years, I’ve worked extensively with skin needs, active ingredients, and modern skincare concepts. I’ll show you why your skin changes, what terms like “hydration,” “collagen,” or “skin barrier” really mean – and how you can tailor your skincare to them in a targeted way.

My approach: Your skin works like your body.

You can train it, strengthen it, and build it up over the long term.

The Best Anti-Aging Skincare Routine for Women Over 50

As you approach 50 and beyond, your skin naturally loses firmness and glow. Hormonal changes from menopause means collagen production goes down, dryness increases, and skin sagging starts setting in. More wrinkles and fine lines start to appear.

But only 20% of the signs of aging are inevitable – you can act on the rest.

A healthy lifestyle coupled with the right skincare routine can reduce the skin concerns that women over 50 struggle with. You don’t need a 100-step skincare routine to look and feel good – a simple five-step routine using the most effective ingredients will go a long way:

1. Cleanse your face and neck twice daily with a gentle cleanser (eg. Aquasource Hydra Barrier Cleanser)
2. Use an all-in-one anti-aging serum made for mature skin (eg. Life Plankton Regenerating Serum)
3. Follow up with a moisturizer that has built-in SPF (eg. Blue Peptides Uplift Cream SPF30)
4. Reapply your sun protection throughout the day (with Waterlover Face Sunscreen)
5. Use a retinol-based serum in the evening for skin resurfacing (eg. Blue Retinol Night Serum)

And that’s it! Just five simple steps will give you glowy, firm skin. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of what skincare ingredients to look for and tips for application.

The ultimate 5-step anti-aging skincare routine for women over 50

Step 1. Gently cleanse your face and neck with a cream cleanser

Cleansing your skin is an essential first step to any skin routine – especially for mature skin. Cleansing washes away impurities, prevents buildup, and most importantly, preps your skin for anti-aging treatments and hydration. Cleansing improves the efficacy of any follow up products, since they can penetrate your skin properly.

For this reason, we recommend double cleansing your skin in the evening if you wear makeup.

What is double cleansing?

You first wash off your makeup with a makeup removing cleanser. If you’re wearing heavier makeup, opt for an oil-based cleanser. For light makeup, you can use a micellar water – a rinse-free convenient cleanser that has tiny oil particles called micelles that lift away impurities.

Then, once your complexion is makeup-free, follow up with a gentle cleanser to wash away impurities without stripping your skin.

In the morning, you can either cleanse once with a gentle cleanser. If you have dry skin, you can also splash your face with warm water in the morning if you’ve cleansed the night before.

Now that your skin is clean, you’re ready to move on to the next step – preventing wrinkles, dark spots, and dullness with anti-aging serums and treatments.

Step 2. Use anti-aging serums with healing active ingredients

The right serum can be one of the most effective additions to your skincare routine. The best face serum for over 50 will be concentrated with nutrient-rich actives, minerals, and phytonutrients that target your skin concerns.

If you want to treat a loss of firmness and dullness, go for our Life Plankton Regenerating Serum infused with Biotech Plankton™, a natural living ingredient that increases skin’s bounce, radiance, and tonicity.

It promotes skin cell regeneration, which is essential for getting that dewy, supple look when you’re over 50.

Apply to your face and neck every morning for more radiant, luminous skin. Our studies show that 83% of women noticed a more smooth skin texture after use.

In the evening, apply our anti-aging powerhouse Blue Retinol Night Serum. Retinol is one of the top skincare products for aging – its renowned for fighting wrinkles and clinically proven to improve skin texture and correct tone uniformity.

Blue Retinol specifically has a 2x higher efficacy rate than Pure Retinol, according to findings from our clinical study of 49 women after 4 months. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles fast.

Step 3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Hydration is key to maintaining soft, supple skin and preventing dullness. Moisturize both day and night with an anti-aging face cream after cleansing and applying your treatments and serums.

In the morning, opt for a moisturizer with built-in SPF protection. Sun damage is one of the main causes of accelerated aging. It contributes to dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. Protecting your skin around-the-clock with at least SPF 30 will help slow down the signs of aging and prevent future damage.

Our Blue Peptides Uplift Cream SPF30 not only has SPF 30 built-in, it’s also infused with Biotech Plankton™ that’s rich in 35 nutrients that promote collagen production. That translates to firmer, more radiant (and protected) skin.

If you have especially dry skin with rough and flaky patches, double up on the hydration by first starting with our Aqua Bounce Super Concentrate – a moisturizing serum powered by hyaluronic acid. This powerful ingredient is the go-to for treating dry skin and reducing water loss.

Apply this concentrate after cleansing and before applying other serums or moisturizers for maximum efficacy.

What about your evening skincare routine? You can go for a richer moisturizer that will continue to work its magic while you sleep. The Blue Peptides Uplift Night Cream is a luxurious-feeling night moisturizer that deeply replenishes the skin. Maximum hydration is essential for mature skin, especially when you’re using active anti-aging ingredients, such as Blue Retinol, in your routine.

The Night Spa has an ultra-rich, leave-on texture that feels so good as the last step of your skincare routine.

Step 4. Give your skin some TLC with weekly masks

Once or twice a week, you can give your skin to some extra TLC with a mask treatment. Here you can incorporate Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that makes your skin glow, reduces dullness and improves signs of aging.

The Aqua Glow Flash Mask is infused with the combination of Vitamin C and the Life Plankton we mentioned earlier – a powerhouse duo that intensely hydrates and brightens after one application

Step 5. Protect your skin from sun damage

Getting sun damage from UV exposure is one of the fastest ways to age your skin. It causes sun spots and wrinkles. You not only need to apply SPF in the morning before you go out, but reapply every 2 hours throughout the day for maximum protection.

Take a face sunscreen with you on-the-go, such as the Waterlover Face Sunscreen SPF 50+. Its formulated with our potent photostable filtering technology, the antioxidant niacinamide, and our Biotech Plankton™. All excellent anti-aging ingredients and high protection against UVA and UVB damage.

And that’s it! Follow this step-by-step skincare guide for women over 50 and you’ll be on the right path to improve your skin texture and prevent the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.