If hyaluronic acid isn't part of your overall skincare regimen yet, sad to say, you're wasting out on a lot of its beauty benefits! Sure, it might not sound like a household name, but you have nothing to be scared of – it isn't a chemical exfoliator - neither are beta- or alpha-hydroxy acids!
Hyaluronic acid is an effective hydrating component, and it can be teamed with other natural ingredients. In this article, we’ll talk more about the techniques to optimise the hyaluronic acid’s moisturising capabilities, how it can benefit skin health, and how to incorporate it into your routine.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
According to Emily Newsom, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Centre, Hyaluronic acid is a long-chain carbohydrate present in our body and our skin. Although HA can also be found in many other places such as the spaces between muscle fibres, connective tissue, and the fluid-filled sacs that cushion and lubricate your joints, the skin contains the highest concentration of the substance–HA is most abundant in skin, a study suggested.
Because of its organic plumping properties, it also makes an active ingredient in other skincare products, such as dermal fillers. Ryan Turner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, also shares that hyaluronic acid is a total humidifying agent, which means that it draws and holds water in the skin–it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water.
Therefore, It acts like a sponge, as it draws and absorbs moisture, it puffs up, helping to hydrate and plump the skin. Your complexion seems brighter and smoother as a result, and fine wrinkles can be less obvious.
What advantages does hyaluronic acid mostly offer?
Let’s start with the most important one: maintaining well-moisturised skin. Hyaluronic acid's other claim to fame is that, despite its intense moisturising properties, it is a very lightweight, non-greasy substance. According to specialists, this is one of the reasons why everybody and everyone should consider utilising it.
Hyaluronic acid products work wonders for almost all skin types. However, those with combination or acne-prone skin, both oily and dry in spot, searching for a deeply moisturising product that isn't overly thick or occlusive may find special benefit from hyaluronic acid products.
Additionally, studies have shown that HA can reduce the dryness that is frequently associated with topical retinoids. It may also be crucial for wound healing, as seen by a review that revealed HA to have antioxidant qualities, reduce inflammation, and even have the potential to stimulate the formation of collagen.
Dr. Turner notes that although it's always possible that other ingredients in HA products could cause an allergic reaction or irritation, know that hyaluronic acid itself is unlikely to cause negative effects.
Lastly, since your HA gets along with everyone, there's no need to worry about mixing and matching it with other ingredients. If you wish to get the best results for your skin, doctors recommend to pair with natural exfoliators and skin health revitalisers like the Vitamin C.
Click here to learn more about the effects of the HA and Vitamin C combo.
Conclusion
We've driven home the point: hydration is the most important benefit of hyaluronic acid. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that moisturisers frequently contain it.
Hyaluronic acid serums and face mists are other items that contain it, and layering them with other skin care products will help you add even more hydration. It's possible that it will be classified as potassium hyaluronate (the potassium salt form) or sodium hyaluronate (the sodium salt form), just in case.
While low- and medium-molecular-weight HAs perform the traditional function of attracting and binding water, forms with a higher molecular weight tend to have a more occlusive effect and sit on top of the skin, sealing in that hydration.
Still it’s important to note that not all topical hyaluronic acids are created equal. Hyaluronic acid can have a high, medium, or low molecular weight, and research suggests that these versions have slightly different effects.
But if you find a skincare product that adjusts itself depending on your skin type, something like TONIK, then you’re in for a treat!
