Drugstore vs. pharmacy: Why women (50+) can find what they really need for ageing skin here…

In the seemingly endless search for products that really work, we are often faced with an important decision: Drugstore or pharmacy?
Both have a huge selection of hyaluronic acid products that promise to make the signs of ageing on our skin disappear in an instant. But what really helps? And does expensive always mean better?
We found out the answers to these questions the hard way – so you can save your wallet and use your time for more enjoyable things.
At first we couldn’t see a pattern in what worked and why it worked, but then a dermatologist drew our attention to this one detail that changed everything…
Once you hear it, it just makes sense and we now always look at it first when we buy a hyaluronic acid product.
So if you don’t want to spend any more money on empty promises and want to look as young as you feel again – then you’ve come to the right place!
And because we know how that must sound to you: Please don’t just take our word for it.
Instead, let us explain to you what hyaluronic acid is all about so that you can understand why our top 5 hyaluronic acid products can really help…

5 scientifically proven anti-ageing effects of hyaluronic acid

Why has hyaluronic acid been the most discussed topic for years? More and more studies confirm the skin-strengthening effect of hyaluronic acid.

This is also the crucial difference compared to other active substances that are not directly recognised by the body.

But what evidence is there? Here is a sample of the latest scientific studies we have found in our research:

1. Study conducted in Munich: the depth of wrinkles is significantly reduced after 3 months

In the clinical study, 20 subjects were divided into four groups. Each group received different hyaluronic acid products suitable for daily use. Before and after the 3-month study, wrinkle depth and skin firmness were measured.

The result: wrinkle depth was reduced by up to 20% after just three months, and the skin was up to 30% tighter. ¹

2. Japanese study: skin is firmer and tighter after 12 weeks

A Japanese study conducted at the University of Tokyo showed, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, that the skin became firmer and tighter after taking hyaluronic acid, and this within 12 weeks. ²

3. University Hospital Basel: Hyaluronic acid slows down ageing

As early as 2012, a joint study by the Medical Faculty of Thessaloniki and the University Hospital of Basel showed that hyaluronic acid could slow down the ageing process. 

It is therefore useful to take preventive measures. ³

4. University of Miami: 96% more moisture and 55% more elasticity

The new nano-hyaluronic acid (complex 4) clearly showed a significant benefit in reducing wrinkle depth (up to 40%). Skin hydration (up to 96%), firmness and elasticity were significantly improved (up to 55%) at the end of the 8 week trial period. ⁴

5. Hungarian study: Hyaluronic acid reaches connective tissue in a measurable way

The Institute of Applied Radioisotopes in Budapest has now proven the link between hyaluronic acid intake and its ability to reach connective tissue in a measurable way. ⁵

There were no side effects in any of the studies.

Myths about 3-hyaluronic acid still circulate

The studies are solid and getting better every year. Despite this, rumours and false claims about the body’s own fuel continue to circulate.

How can hyaluronic acid be so effective and gentle at the same time? And why does the body need extra hyaluronic acid?

We have brought together the three greatest myths and shed light on the darkness.

1. Since your body produces hyaluronic acid itself, you do not need to take it as a supplement to your diet.

Hyaluronic acid is one of the main components of connective tissue. It binds water in large quantities in all layers of the skin and literally softens the tissue.

One gram of hyaluronic acid can bind up to 6 litres of water.

Without hyaluronic acid, the body would shrink like a balloon.

It is therefore true that the body produces hyaluronic acid itself. Unfortunately, the body’s own production is no longer sufficient. So if you want to prevent wrinkles, you have to take it externally.

This is how it is:

From the age of 25, the body starts to produce less hyaluronic acid. After that, the skin loses up to 1% of this substance every year. By the age of 40, our bodies have only 50% of the original amount left. No wonder we get wrinkles.

Studies have shown that an external supply of natural hyaluronic acid helps to replenish the body’s natural hyaluronic acid content, while strengthening the connective tissue.

2. Hyaluronic acid may not work at all.

Some sceptics do not believe in the anti-wrinkle effect of hyaluronic acid. Perhaps because they have tried many products without success. But perhaps also because of a fundamental general scepticism.

This is how it is:

There are many ineffective hyaluronic acid products on the market. This is very problematic, as hyaluronic acid is an expensive raw material. It often fails because of the dose used, which is only a fraction of the amount recommended by scientists.

If the right criteria are met, hyaluronic acid can be very beneficial.

Studies show that when hyaluronic acid is taken in the right composition and concentration, wrinkles can be reduced both quickly and in the long term.

3. It takes a long time to see the results of hyaluronic acid.

Of course, hyaluronic acid cannot reverse ageing overnight. Unfortunately, there is no cure (yet).

But sceptics who think they have to wait months to see a change in their own home can breathe a sigh of relief.

This is how it is:

Hyaluronic acid has almost universally shown striking improvements in skin appearance after only a few weeks in most studies. A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology showed finer skin texture and significant improvement in skin elasticity in 33 women after just two weeks of treatment.

Which hyaluronic acid product is right for me?

In conclusion, one thing is clear. Hyaluronic acid has more than earned its reputation as a wrinkle fighter through well-documented studies. So it’s not surprising that you’re not only losing them, but also encountering a few black sheep.

To get the most out of hyaluronic acid, there are a few things to consider. We will explain them in the following section in a transparent and easy to understand way.

Important criteria to consider when purchasing hyaluronic acid

In order not to make a mistake when choosing hyaluronic acid, a few criteria must be taken into account.

1. The hyaluronic acid in the products must always contain molecules of different sizes.

Smaller particles (called oligohyaluronic acids and of low molecular weight) can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin and store water there. These have a particularly long-lasting effect and have a lasting anti-wrinkle effect.

The larger (high molecular weight) particles, on the other hand, act on the top layer of the skin and literally fill in the wrinkles, resulting in an immediate firming effect.

In summary: the key is to provide the skin with all types of hyaluronic acid.

In this way, an immediate effect and a lasting anti-ageing effect can be achieved. This is the only way to decisively reduce the signs of skin ageing.

Many products contain one, two or at most three different molecule sizes.

We recommend a complex of 4 for maximum effect.

2. It should contain high doses of hyaluronic acid without fillers.

Most products contain only a fraction of hyaluronic acid. To make them look like their high-quality counterparts, fillers and thickeners are usually used. This gives the impression of a higher concentration. Unfortunately, these fillers have no other advantages.

We recommend a minimum of 2%. 3% would be optimal for an ideal result. More than that will not visibly increase the effect.

3. Use a serum, not a cream.

This can be explained very simply. A serum can be much more concentrated. They also contain smaller molecules than creams. Creams are usually very thick and only moisturise the top layer of the skin.

4. Before you decide, listen to your inner voice and check the reliability of the manufacturer.

Hyaluronic acid serums abound in the cosmetic jungle. Our advice: listen to your intuition. What impression does the supplier make on you? Are the customer reviews verified and do they seem genuine? Our intuition is often right.

The great hyaluronic acid test: What is the best serum?

After extensive research and product testing, we have compiled a list of the top five hyaluronic acid serums on the market.

Our evaluations are based on the above criteria as well as on scientific studies and verified user opinions.

Our top 5 hyaluronic acid serum test winners

Here are our top 5 hyaluronic acid products.

Spoiler: with the exception of one element, the first and second place share the first place for efficiency.

1st place: Pro-Aging Super Serum from Plants are Purple

This serum blew us away! I had never heard of Plants are Purple until a friend and dermatologist introduced me to the brand, and I have been recommending it to my readers ever since.

When I recommended Plants are Purple to my friends to combat wrinkles and other signs of ageing, they told me that their boyfriends and husbands congratulated them on their new radiance and silky skin.

The Super Pro-Aging Serum is super light and literally penetrates the skin – without leaving any residue.

The secret of its anti-ageing superpowers? Its unique hyaluronic acid formula.

Thanks to the high-quality natural ingredients such as antioxidants, black truffle and the medicinal mushroom “Snow Fungus”, the anti-ageing effect appeared after only one week of daily use, whereas no other serum has ever worked faster.

2nd place. SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Moisturiser

SkinMedica’s HA5 Rejuvenating Moisturiser may cost a fortune at £165, but if you suffer from stubborn, parched skin, this rich serum could be a great option for you.

It is enriched with 4 different types of hyaluronic acid that work together to maximise hydration, as well as peptides that stimulate collagen production and instantly plump and smooth the skin – while preventing fine lines in the long term.

It comes second instead of first because we got the same results as Plants are Purple, but it costs more than three times as much.

3rd place: SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier

This serum is expensive, but it is very effective in restoring dehydrated skin. It also contains additional ingredients such as licorice root and purple rice, which reduce signs of aging such as hyperpigmentation.

We found that this acid works, but it takes a little longer to be absorbed than the others, so it comes third in my ranking.

4th place: Cosmedica Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Most people are familiar with Cosmedica. This trusted brand contains gentle ingredients that are best suited for sensitive skin and at a reasonable price. It also contains vitamin B5 and ceramides that help reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

This product made our list because of its low price, but we did not get the same results as Plants are Purple or Skin Medica.

5th place: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum

This product contains a very high content of hyaluronic acid as well as silk proteins, zinc, copper, manganese, iron and silicon, which increase the skin’s moisture content and make it softer.

For those who want to avoid minerals in their skincare, this may not be the product for you, but it is extremely moisturising. It’s a bit sticky, which is why we would only use it at night, but it definitely adds plumpness to the skin. The reason why Water Drench comes fifth is that it may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin.

Finally, it’s clear: hyaluronic acid is worth the hype!

Genes, sport and diet all have an impact on our appearance as we age, but not as much as we’ve always thought. And it’s amazing how many confusing claims about the effects of hyaluronic acid products are circulating online.

In short, you need to choose the right product to achieve really positive long-term effects. Too many products only want to use hyaluronic acid in low concentrations and of one type.

It is important that a product contains all the concentrations of hyaluronic acid that have been tested and proven in clinical studies to achieve the desired rejuvenating effect. Are you convinced? Buy the Pro-Aging Super Serum at the online pharmacy now for a unique offer!

How long should I use the serum to see the first results?

Many reviews and testimonials report visible changes after only a few applications (immediate effect). This is probably due to the high molecular weight hyaluronic acid which fills and plumps up deep wrinkles directly.

However, scientific studies are underway for at least three months to really evaluate the lasting anti-ageing effects.

We therefore recommend that you use it for at least three months in order to evaluate its effects in the field.

Our tip: We took a photo of our face without make-up before applying the serum and then a new photo every four weeks. This allowed us to document and compare all the positive improvements in the skin.

Is one treatment enough to achieve long-term results?

There are no studies to prove this. As the body naturally reduces its own production of hyaluronic acid with age, we recommend regular use for best results.

Are there any side effects? No.

No side effects were detected in the studies on the active ingredients.

What age range is the serum suitable for? The Super Serum is suitable for skin of all ages.

The youngest participants in our evaluation were 30 years old.

However, we particularly recommend the serum to women over 40, as we have developed it to meet the high skincare needs of this age group. We have also received good results from women up to the age of 60.

Will it still be useful when I am older (60+)?

It is especially at this time that the use of hyaluronic acid is recommended, as the body’s own production has already largely decreased. The skin is therefore particularly happy to have access to this nutrient again to tighten the skin and fill in wrinkles.