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Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, is a clear, sticky substance that is naturally produced by your body. The largest amounts of it are found in your skin, connective tissue, and eyes. Its main function is to retain water to keep your tissues well lubricated and moist. Unfortunately, as we age, the concentration and molecular weight of hyaluronic acid substantially decreases. Because of this, hyaluronic acid has been widely researched and formulated as a powerful active ingredient in serums, moisturizers, and other cosmetic products. Here are ten benefits of utilizing products containing hyaluronic acid:
1. Hydration
Think of hyaluronic acid like a BIG drink of water for your skin. It can hold up to 1,000 times its molecular weight in water. Hyaluronic acid penetrates the skin and binds water to skin cells, infusing all layers of the skin with valuable, rejuvenating moisture.
Pure hyaluronic acid serums can be layered with other products. It also does not need other ingredients and fillers to be effective. In fact, hyaluronic acid is the perfect example of how limited-ingredient skincare can deliver real results.
2. Humectant
Humectants are used very frequently in skincare. Think of a humectant like a sponge; it will continue to draw in and hold onto moisture after it is collected. They allow hydrogen bonding and attract water. Examples of humectants in skincare products include ingredients like glycerin, sorbitol (sugar alcohol), hexylene and butylene glycol, and of course, hyaluronic acid.
After infusing the epidermis (top layer of the skin) with valuable moisture, hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant and continues to draw moisture in from the surrounding environment. This provides lasting hydration for the skin.
3. Lipid Barrier Enhancement
Our skin’s main function is to protect our body from the outside world, especially from harmful toxins present in our environment every day. The top layer of the skin (the epidermis) takes the brunt of outside damage (toxins). As we age, the lipid barrier (fatty acids that trap in water and prevent irritants entering the skin) in the epidermis slows down. Everything from UV rays, to environmental pollution, to lifestyle choices (like smoking) can cause damage. This damage results in more fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, and drier skin.
Hyaluronic acid fortifies the skin’s natural barriers to help lock moisture in for an even more dramatic hydrating effect. Over time, this can help slow down the deterioration of the lipid barrier and help protect and fortify it.
4. Increased Resilience
Pure hyaluronic acid serums add hydration, help protect the lipid barrier, and are recommended for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. A lot of people with oily or acneic skin want to apply harsher chemicals to “strip” the skin of oil. But it’s important to know that most acne-prone skin doesn’t have a strong lipid barrier, which encourages inflammation and irritation. Look for products with limited ingredients and not a lot of preservatives. Preservatives can break down your barrier by killing off the good bacteria that also defend the surface of your skin against toxins. The result is a loss of moisture, as well as potential irritation and even infection.
When the lipid barrier is further enhanced and protected by hyaluronic acid, the skin is better able to defend itself against environmental age-factors and pollutants. When it’s not fighting these toxins, the skin remains less wrinkled, brighter, and bouncier longer.
5. Tighter Skin Tone
No one wants saggy skin. As we age, the elastin in the skin breaks down, and skin loses its snap, or ability to bounce back. A quick trick to check your elastin is to pinch the skin on the top of your hand. If it snaps back quickly, you still have a lot of elastin. Hyaluronic Acid is NOT going to replace your elastin but, it can help with the appearance of tightness in the skin. As it fills the skin with moisture, hyaluronic acid tightens the overall complexion. It helps firm facial contours for a more youthful appearance.
6. Smoother Texture
Much in the same way it makes the appearance of the skin look tighter, hyaluronic acid also smooths the texture of the skin. This results in a silky-smooth finish you can see and feel. If skin is visibly scarred from acne, the hyaluronic acid will not fill in those scars. But, combined with a tool like a dermaroller, it can make skin look smoother over time.
7. Less Visible Fine Lines and Wrinkles
It’s never too early to start protecting and nourishing the skin. Hyaluronic acid is truly an ingredient that gives benefits to 20 and 80-year-old skin. Hyaluronic acid helps reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles retaining moisture to the skin, creating a plumping effect. When the skin is protected and hydrated, increased skin cell production can take place, as the skin isn’t busy fighting for hydration. This leads to smoother, plumper skin cells.
The skin around the eye area is one of the first to show fine lines and wrinkles. Using an eye cream twice daily will help keep skin supple and hydrated and prevent new lines from forming.
8. Stimulates Skin Cell Regeneration
While it won’t speed up the cell renewal process, hyaluronic acid does help promote skin cell regeneration by offering extra hydration and barrier protection to the skin. This naturally leads to healthier cells and a more vibrant complexion.
9. Pigmentation
Another benefit from increased cell turnover is the reduction and prevention of age spots and pigmentation issues. But hyaluronic acid cannot do this on its own. When looking to treat dark spots, a vitamin C serum and vitamin C booster product should be paired with hyaluronic acid.
Also, no amount of sun damage can be undone without first protecting the skin from future sun damage. An SPF of at least 30 should be worn daily, even the days you don’t plan to be outside.
10. Clarity
When oily skin is stripped of hydration (water) it overcompensates to hydrate the skin by producing oil. A big misconception is that oily and acne prone skins don’t need hydration, but in fact, they do. By promoting proper moisture balance in the skin, hyaluronic acid prevents the over-production of oil that clogs pores and causes breakouts.
Hyaluronic acid has many health benefits. It is even used to help joint pain by keeping bones well lubricated, to soothe acid reflux symptoms, and to relieve dry eye discomfort. Many people take it as a supplement, but it’s also used in topical serums, eye drops, and injections. To take advantage of hyaluronic acid’s benefits for your complexion, try our Hyaluronic Quench Mask to nourish, repair, and firm your skin. It’s great for all skin types. For a more targeted approach with highly concentrated ingredients, try our Pure Sodium Hyaluronate Serum. This superior hydrating and cellular plumping serum transforms skin from the inside out. This serum is especially great to combat dry skin, whether it be from Midwest winters or menopause. Stop in to shop our collection today. We’re located at 1605 Associates Drive, Suite 102E in Dubuque, Iowa. More information about our products is also available on our website
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583886/
https://www.aad.org/public#