Hyaluronic Acid: What It Is, Benefits & How To Use

IN THIS ARTICLE:

• 01 What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do For the Skin?
• 02 What Are The Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid?
• 03 How To Know If Your Skin Needs Hyaluronic Acid? 
• 04 What To Look For In A Hyaluronic Acid Serum?

Youthful skin is a goal for most - a soft, smooth, and supple complexion with only subtle traces of aging. You don’t need to go under the knife or spend your life’s savings to achieve this. Tap the power of a naturally occurring substance in the body and defy age naturally. Hydrate parched skin with hyaluronic acid (HA). 

Read on to learn more about this skincare superstar and how you can use it to your skin’s advantage.    

What is hyaluronic acid? 

DEFINITION Hyaluronic acid is a group of molecules found mostly in connective tissues. This substance draws in moisture which helps to increase the skin’s water content.

What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do For Skin? 

Hyaluronic acid is a powerful hydrating agent considered a humectant or a substance that acts like a sponge, taking in water and holding it in to prevent moisture loss in the upper layers of the skin. In this way, skin dryness and even dehydration is prevented as well as the development of signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines. HA helps fill these lines in, leaving skin plump, smooth, and visibly refreshed.  

HA molecules can absorb and retain moisture up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This ability makes HA a highly effective hydrating agent providing much needed moisture and protection for the top layer of the skin. 

Sadly, just like collagen, the body produces less of this good substance as you age. By the time skin aging has peaked, there may be less HA to ward it off. The good news is that there are a ton of HA-infused topical products that you can use to somehow replenish your body’s HA stores.

What Are The Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid?

If you’re looking into the benefits of using HA, you only need to remember how your skin was like when you were younger and your HA supply was not an issue - plump, smooth, and clear. 

Here are some of the reasons why you should include HA in your daily routine:

✓ Hydrates skin - The top layer of the skin is refreshed with just the right water content thanks to the unique ability of HA molecules to attract and retain moisture. 

✓ Diminish wrinkles and lines - HA will not erase wrinkles, it fills in fine lines which helps to reduce their appearance on skin. 

✓ Tightens and improves flexibility - HA fills in and plumps facial skin giving you a tightened and lifted appearance, naturally.  

✓ Smoothes skin - A properly hydrated complexion looks and feels smoother, skin tone appears more even. 

✓ Supports the skin barrier - HA also fortifies the natural lipid barrier by preventing moisture loss and creating a protective shield against outside irritants.

✓ Supports cell renewal - Proper moisture levels in the skin facilitate a healthier skin cell renewal process. 

✓ Brightens complexion - Improved skin cell turnover gives you instantly refreshed and brighter skin. 

✓ Helps clear skin - The right amount of moisture helps balance the skin’s production of natural oils. This helps prevent the formation of blemishes.  

How To Know If Your Skin Needs Hyaluronic Acid?

Since hyaluronic acid is a substance your body is familiar with, it works for virtually all skin types with no known side effects. HA molecules, no matter the weight, also penetrate the skin easily that’s why it gives off almost instant effects. 

You might already have your preferred skincare product by now, but here are some instances where hyaluronic acid seems to be the best choice.  

Because your skin feels dry or dehydrated

Hyaluronic acid works great on parched skin by attracting moisture and holding onto it to help increase the skin’s water content.  

Because your skin is showing signs of aging

HA’s ultra-hydrating properties help fill in fine lines and wrinkles which in turn gives off a tighter and smoother-looking complexion.  

Because you live in a dry climate

No matter how efficient your skincare routine is, dry air will still suck out your skin’s water content. Moisturizing with an HA-infused product is best for keeping the skin’s hydration levels in check. 

What To Look For In A Hyaluronic Acid Serum?

Serums contain concentrated doses of active ingredients to target skin issues quickly and effectively. Luckily, HA also comes in serum form. How to pick the best hyaluronic acid serum for your skin?

• Antioxidants. The Project E Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Serum contains antioxidants vitamins C and E. Antioxidants can help reverse the signs of skin aging and even sun damage. 
• Check for allergens in the ingredients list. What to not look for in an HA serum: skin-drying alcohol and a strong scent that can trigger contact dermatitis.  
• Low molecular weight. HA with low molecular weight can better penetrate the skin and are more effective in reducing wrinkles. 
• Water content - A water-based formulation helps boost the effectiveness of a HA serum. 

Love the skin you're in!

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     written by Olivia Khader

 

References:

https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-beauty/hyaluronic-acid-definition-benefits-and-the-best-serums/

https://www.elle.com/uk/beauty/skin/a35378/what-is-hyaluronic-acid-and-how-does-it-work/