Serums 8 min read

Hyaluronic Acid and Serums: The Science of Skin Hydration

By Stellar Healthcare Editorial Team

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in the skin, joints and eyes. In the skin, it acts as a humectant — drawing water from the environment and deeper skin layers up to the surface. A single gram of HA can hold up to 6 litres of water.

Types of Hyaluronic Acid in Skincare

  • High molecular weight HA — sits on the skin surface, providing immediate moisturising and film-forming effect
  • Low molecular weight HA — penetrates deeper into the epidermis for longer-lasting hydration
  • Biomolecular / Vegan HA — produced via biotechnology from non-animal sources, the gold standard in modern formulations

How Serums Differ from Moisturizers

Serums are lightweight, high-concentration formulations designed to deliver active ingredients deeper into the skin. They are applied before moisturizers in the skincare routine. Serums do not replace moisturizers — they complement them.

Hadria Hydrating Serum

Hadria Hydrating Serum by Aurelderma combines biomolecular vegan hyaluronic acid with other hydrating actives to restore moisture balance in dehydrated skin. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and post-procedure skin.

Who benefits most?

  • Dry or dehydrated skin in Nepal's low-humidity winters
  • Post-procedure skin (after chemical peels or laser)
  • Mature skin with reduced natural HA production
  • Oily skin needing hydration without heaviness

Niacinamide Serum — The Multitasker

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) addresses multiple concerns simultaneously:

  • Reduces enlarged pores by normalising sebum production
  • Evens skin tone by blocking melanin transfer to skin cells
  • Strengthens the skin barrier (increases ceramide synthesis)
  • Reduces fine lines and redness

Niafine Serum delivers concentrated niacinamide for comprehensive skin correction.

How to Layer Serums Correctly

  1. Cleanse — start on clean skin
  2. Tone/mist — optional; damp skin helps HA absorption
  3. Serum (thinnest first) — apply Hadria Hydrating Serum or Niafine Serum; pat gently
  4. Eye cream — if using, apply to orbital area
  5. Moisturizer — seals in the serum and adds barrier lipids
  6. SPF (morning only) — always finish the morning routine with sunscreen

Common Serum Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying HA serum to completely dry skin in low humidity — always apply to slightly damp skin
  • Skipping moisturizer after a serum — the barrier is needed to seal hydration in
  • Using too many active serums at once — can cause irritation; introduce one at a time
  • Expecting overnight results — most serums require 4–8 weeks of consistent use

Summary

Hyaluronic acid serums are backed by strong evidence for skin hydration and anti-aging. Hadria Hydrating Serum and Niafine Serum are available from Stellar Healthcare in Nepal. Browse our full skincare catalog.

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Stellar Healthcare is the official Aurelderma distributor in Nepal. Browse 30+ products including sunscreens, moisturizers, serums, anti-acne solutions and baby care.