Video at the bottom!
If you’re struggling with dry skin, your first instinct might be to reach for a moisturizer. However, this could actually exacerbate the problem due to the surprising effects of hyaluronic acid (HA), a common ingredient in many skincare products. Surprisingly, few YouTubers have thoroughly explained this phenomenon.
The real issue lies in the fact that HA works primarily in the dermis, the deeper layer of skin, while most products are applied on the surface. When you apply a moisturizer that contains HA, it either remains on the surface or fails to penetrate deeply enough. Since HA attracts water like a sponge, it draws moisture from its surroundings. In a humid environment, this isn’t a problem, but in drier conditions, it pulls moisture from the skin itself, leaving it even drier.
You may notice that the day you forget to apply moisturizer, your skin feels particularly parched. This reaction raises an important question: if your moisturizer is truly hydrating, why does your skin feel dry without it? The answer might surprise you. If a product were deliberately engineered to create dry skin, its effects could mirror those of many moisturizers, leaving you reliant on them. The pleasant sensation of applying a moisturizer can mask this issue, creating a dependency that benefits the brands behind these products.
Interestingly, our bodies already produce HA, thanks to fibroblasts that thrive in the dermis. These natural processes are often more effective than any commercial product. Genuine hydration stems from oil, not HA or the water it attracts. The skin produces sebum, which acts as a barrier to reduce trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), effectively locking in moisture.
For optimal skin health, we should focus on nurturing the skin’s natural functions rather than trying to apply ready-made solutions. Much like how we consume raw ingredients to fuel our bodies, our skin requires the right nutrients to function optimally.
It’s also worth noting that hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menopause, can influence skin oil production. Women may experience a marked drop in oil levels post-menopause, leading to dryness. Therefore, the key to combating dry skin is counterintuitive: hydrate your body internally, avoid superficial products that don’t reach the dermis, and turn to oils that can effectively restore your skin’s barrier.
When using facial oils, a couple of drops in the morning can provide a non-greasy barrier, while a more generous application at night can ensure you wake up with hydrated, soft skin. This method is cost-effective since oils are generally inexpensive compared to fancy moisturizers. Personally, I haven’t used moisturizer in years, and my skin remains hydrated even on days I forget to apply anything. By embracing this simple approach, you can avoid the pitfalls of conventional skincare marketing and maintain healthy skin without the hefty price tag.
23 Comments
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I needed this refresh video! I’ve been looking for the right serum for my dry skin. Going to try oils starting today! Thank you!
I have sensitive skin that tends toward oily. This explains why oil-based skincare works so well for me. Do I have oily skin now? I don’t know, I just know my skin is balanced and glowy from the skincare! Haha. Also, YES my scalp has always been oily. I’m 45 and only about three years ago did I catch on that my scalp needed healthy oils after shampooing. I can now go up to three days without washing, but I hate the feeling, so it’s closer to two workouts then wash.
I'm 49 and l wasn't using moisturizer for so long l didn't have to worry about my skin at all. It was always soft and supple. I thought, what the harm and started using moisturizer. Big mistake. I started getting fine lines and wrinkles! I stopped and the adjustment period was even worse. I now use only oil ( only paid a $1) and my skin is back to being soft and radiant again. I look at myself and l can't believe I'm 49.
How far should you go to block UV rays from your home?
I use a good mineral sunscreen in place of moisturizer in the morning and Id say it has a similar effect – creating a comfy barrier layer on the skin.
Thanks , make sense
5 years ago I damaged my skin ph by using castile soap as my daily cleanser for more than 2 months and my skin since then never got healed it gets better in winters but in summers it returns back to its dehydrated and congested state, its so frustrating no matter what i use my skin never got to it's healthy state i feel so sad seeing other people how effortlessly they have intact skin barrier pls help my how do i fix my skin ph
I recommend using beef tallow
I really hate them adding HA everywhere. it dries out my skin in the long run in the dry climate. I totally agree with you.
Cheers!
What about HA used in micro needling? Is that nonsense? And putting HA under oil, is that doing anything?
“Eat olive oil and anoint yourselves with it, for it comes from a blessed tree.” —Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
olive oil is naturally high in squalene — in fact, it’s one of the richest plant sources of this powerful compound.
So happy I found this video and now subbed. Taking you advice and turfing the HA. Everything you said makes sense.
Thank you Mr genius!!!
I have Face and Neck Eczema, so what now?
This is so true I have noticed this especially during cold season
This is why I don't use moisturisers that have HA.
I've been lathering on hyaluronic acid serums and creams like crazy for months trying to fix my dry skin. It's just been getting worse and worse to the point where I think ive got some kind of disease! But this makes a lot of sense, and ive heard this before actually but chose to ignore. I'll try the oils instead
This is misleading. Your definition doesn't match a standard moisturizer in the market.
Basically, standard moisturizers contain three components: (1) humectants like hyaluronic acid, (2) emollients to soften skin, and (3) occlusives to prevent water loss. This combination effectively treats dry skin.
What you're describing is a humectant-only product. People don't use these alone—they typically layer them under moisturizers, creams, or lotions.
Also, oils aren't the best occlusives. They're primarily emollients. True occlusives like petrolatum, mineral oil, and waxy lipids are much more effective at preventing moisture loss.
Ceramides?
But the oils break me out 🙁 All of them. Any occlusion at all makes my skin more red too
I don't produce oil…