Hyaluronic Acid: What It Actually Does For Your Skin And The Best Ways To Get It

Hyaluronic acid is one of the most recognised ingredients in skincare. You will find it in serums, moisturisers, masks, dermal fillers, Profhilo and injectable skin boosters. It is often described as the secret to hydrated, glowing, plumper-looking skin.

But what does hyaluronic acid actually do?

In simple terms, hyaluronic acid helps the skin attract and retain moisture. This is why it is so closely linked with hydration, smoothness, elasticity and a fresher-looking complexion.

At Hannah London, hyaluronic acid plays an important role in several advanced aesthetic treatments, including dermal fillers, Profhilo and skin boosters. Each treatment works differently, so understanding the difference between topical hyaluronic acid and injectable hyaluronic acid can help you choose the most suitable option for your skin.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid, often shortened to HA, is a naturally occurring molecule found in the body. It is present in the skin, joints, eyes and connective tissue, where it helps retain moisture and keep tissues lubricated.

In the skin, hyaluronic acid acts like a moisture magnet. It helps bind water, which gives the skin a smoother, more hydrated and more supple appearance.

When skin is well hydrated, it often looks fresher, brighter and healthier. When it is dehydrated, it may look dull, crepey, tight or tired, and fine lines can appear more noticeable.

This is why hyaluronic acid is so widely used in both skincare and aesthetic medicine.

What does hyaluronic acid do for your skin?

Hyaluronic acid supports the skin in several important ways.

It helps improve hydration by attracting and holding water within the skin. This can make the skin look smoother and feel more comfortable.

It can help soften the appearance of fine lines caused by dehydration. These are not always deep wrinkles, but surface-level lines that become more visible when the skin is dry.

It supports a plumper-looking complexion by improving moisture levels. Hydrated skin naturally appears fuller and more refreshed.

It can improve the look of dull or tired skin, especially when dehydration is one of the main concerns.

It can also support skin quality when used in injectable treatments such as skin boosters and Profhilo, where hyaluronic acid is placed beneath the surface of the skin rather than simply applied on top.

Why does the skin lose hyaluronic acid?

The skin naturally changes with age. Over time, the body produces less collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. This can contribute to dryness, reduced elasticity, fine lines, volume loss and changes in skin texture.

Lifestyle and environmental factors can also affect how hydrated and healthy the skin looks. These include:

Sun exposure
Smoking
Pollution
Stress
Poor sleep
Dehydration
Harsh skincare
Hormonal changes
Natural ageing

This is one reason many people begin with hyaluronic acid skincare, then later explore injectable treatments when they want more noticeable or longer-lasting results.

Topical hyaluronic acid: what does it do?

Topical hyaluronic acid is found in skincare products such as serums, creams and masks. It works mainly by helping the skin hold onto moisture at the surface and within the upper layers of the skin.

A hyaluronic acid serum can be a helpful addition to your skincare routine if your skin feels dry, tight, dull or dehydrated. It is generally well tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin, although the full formula matters. A product is not only its hero ingredient.

Topical hyaluronic acid is best for:

Daily hydration
Supporting the skin barrier
Softening dehydration lines
Creating a fresher-looking glow
Layering under moisturiser
Improving comfort in dry or tight skin

However, topical hyaluronic acid has limits. It can support surface hydration, but it cannot replace lost facial volume, remodel the skin or deliver the same result as injectable treatments.

How to use hyaluronic acid serum properly

Hyaluronic acid works best when used correctly. For most people, it should be applied to clean, slightly damp skin, followed by a moisturiser to help seal in hydration.

A simple routine could look like this:

Cleanse your skin gently
Apply hyaluronic acid serum to slightly damp skin
Follow with moisturiser
Use SPF in the morning

If you apply hyaluronic acid to very dry skin without moisturiser afterwards, it may not feel as effective. The goal is to attract moisture and then help lock it in.

Injectable hyaluronic acid: how is it different?

Injectable hyaluronic acid is different from topical skincare because it is placed beneath the surface of the skin by a trained medical or aesthetic practitioner.

There are different types of injectable hyaluronic acid treatments, and they do not all have the same purpose.

Some are designed to add volume and structure. These are usually known as dermal fillers.

Some are designed to deeply hydrate and improve skin quality without adding obvious volume. These are often known as skin boosters.

Some, such as Profhilo, are designed to spread beneath the skin and support hydration, firmness and overall skin quality.

This is where many people get confused. Hyaluronic acid is not one single treatment. It is an ingredient used in different ways.

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers

Dermal fillers are injectable treatments that use hyaluronic acid gel to add volume, shape or structure to specific areas of the face.

At Hannah London, dermal fillers are used to hydrate, volumise and structure facial features, helping to balance and enhance the face. Treatment areas may include the lips, cheeks, chin, jawline, temples, tear troughs and other areas, depending on your suitability and goals.

Dermal fillers are commonly used for:

Restoring lost facial volume
Enhancing lips
Softening facial folds
Improving facial balance
Defining the jawline or chin
Supporting areas affected by ageing

The key difference between fillers and skin boosters is that fillers are more structural. They are often used where shape, contour or volume is desired.

Hyaluronic acid skin boosters

Skin boosters are injectable treatments designed to improve skin hydration, texture and overall skin quality. Rather than adding obvious volume, they work more subtly by placing hydrating ingredients, often including hyaluronic acid, into the skin.

Skin boosters may be suitable for people who are not looking to change their facial shape, but want their skin to look fresher, smoother, more radiant and less crepey.

They can be used to support:

Dull skin
Dehydrated skin
Fine lines
Crepey texture
Loss of glow
Reduced elasticity
Tired-looking skin

At Hannah London, skin boosters are part of a wider menu of advanced injectable treatments designed to hydrate, nourish and support healthier-looking skin.

Can hyaluronic acid remove wrinkles?

Hyaluronic acid can help soften the appearance of some lines, especially those caused by dehydration. When the skin is better hydrated, fine surface lines can look less noticeable.

However, hyaluronic acid does not work in the same way as anti-wrinkle injections. It does not relax muscle movement. It also will not remove deep lines permanently.

For deeper lines, volume loss or more advanced skin laxity, injectable treatments may be more suitable. In some cases, a combination approach may be recommended, such as skincare, skin boosters, Profhilo, dermal fillers or other aesthetic treatments.

Is hyaluronic acid suitable for all skin types?

Hyaluronic acid is generally considered suitable for most skin types because it is focused on hydration rather than exfoliation or oil control. It can be used by people with dry, oily, combination or sensitive skin.

However, if you are using a topical product, the full formulation matters. Some products include fragrance, active acids or other ingredients that may not suit sensitive skin.

Injectable hyaluronic acid treatments also require proper assessment. They may not be suitable if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have certain medical conditions, have an active skin infection or are not suitable for injectable treatments.

This is why consultation is so important before any aesthetic procedure.

Is hyaluronic acid safe?

Topical hyaluronic acid is widely used in skincare and is usually well tolerated.

Injectable hyaluronic acid treatments should always be carried out by an experienced practitioner in a clinical setting. As with any injectable treatment, there can be side effects, including redness, swelling, tenderness, bruising or temporary unevenness. More serious complications are rare but possible, which is why practitioner skill and clinical standards matter.

At Hannah London, your treatment begins with a consultation so your practitioner can assess your skin, discuss your goals and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.

How long do hyaluronic acid results last?

This depends on how hyaluronic acid is used.

Topical hyaluronic acid works temporarily and needs to be used consistently as part of your skincare routine.

Dermal filler results can last several months or longer, depending on the product used, treatment area, your metabolism and your individual treatment plan.

Skin booster and Profhilo results also vary, but they are often recommended as a course of treatments for best results, followed by maintenance sessions.

Your practitioner will advise on the most suitable schedule based on your skin and goals.

Which hyaluronic acid treatment is right for you?

If your skin feels dry or dull, start with skincare. A good hyaluronic acid serum, moisturiser and SPF can make a visible difference to everyday hydration.

If you want glow, hydration and better skin texture without changing your facial shape, skin boosters or Profhilo may be more suitable.

If you want to restore volume, enhance lips, define facial features or improve facial balance, dermal fillers may be the better option.

If you are unsure, a consultation is the best place to start. Many people do not need every treatment. They need the right treatment for their skin.

Hyaluronic acid treatments at Hannah London

Hannah London offers a range of hyaluronic acid-based aesthetic treatments in London, including dermal fillers, Profhilo and skin boosters.

Our approach is personalised, skin-led and clinically considered. Rather than treating hyaluronic acid as a trend, we use it as part of a tailored plan to support hydration, skin quality, facial balance and natural-looking results.

Whether you are new to aesthetic treatments or already use hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine, our team can help you understand the difference between your options and choose the most appropriate next step.

FAQs about hyaluronic acid

What is hyaluronic acid in skincare?

Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating ingredient that helps the skin attract and retain moisture. It is commonly used in serums, moisturisers and masks to support smoother, fresher-looking skin.

Is hyaluronic acid good for your face?

Yes, hyaluronic acid can be beneficial for the face, especially if your skin feels dry, dehydrated, dull or tight. It helps improve hydration and can make the skin look plumper and more refreshed.

Is hyaluronic acid a filler?

Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient, not one single treatment. It is used in some dermal fillers, but it is also found in skincare products, skin boosters and Profhilo.

What is the difference between hyaluronic acid serum and injectable hyaluronic acid?

A hyaluronic acid serum is applied to the skin’s surface to support hydration. Injectable hyaluronic acid is placed beneath the skin by a trained practitioner and can be used for hydration, skin quality, volume or facial structure, depending on the product and technique.

Is Profhilo hyaluronic acid?

Yes, Profhilo is an injectable hyaluronic acid treatment. It is designed to hydrate the skin from within and support overall skin quality rather than add obvious volume like a traditional filler.

Are skin boosters the same as fillers?

No. Skin boosters are usually used to improve hydration, texture and glow, while dermal fillers are often used to add volume, contour or structure. Both may use hyaluronic acid, but they are used differently.

Can I use hyaluronic acid every day?

Most topical hyaluronic acid skincare products can be used daily, depending on the product and your skin type. For best results, apply it to slightly damp skin and follow with moisturiser.

Where can I get hyaluronic acid treatments in London?

Hannah London offers hyaluronic acid-based treatments including dermal fillers, Profhilo and skin boosters at its London clinics. Book a consultation to find out which option is most suitable for your skin.