Despite the buzz surrounding hyaluronic acid in the skincare space, there’s still much to learn about it in terms of skin benefits. Some of us may be very familiar with it, while others might not know much at all.
One thing’s for sure – hyaluronic acid is an essential ingredient for keeping the skin looking bright, fresh, and youthful.
As consumers, it’s important that you know the function of every ingredient in your skincare products, so we’re here to bring you a bunch of interesting skincare facts about this one!
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid (also commonly abbreviated as “HA”) is a naturally occurring molecule found throughout the body’s connective tissues. It’s primarily responsible for keeping the skin hydrated and looking plump.
Its production decreases as you age, causing the skin to lose volume and look drier over time. Because of this, it’s been commonly researched and incorporated into different skincare products, such as serums, cleansers, and even makeup, to replenish this loss.
Hyaluronic acid is a safe ingredient for everyone, including those with sensitive or combination skin, because it’s found in and produced by the skin.
1. It gives the skin the hydration it needs
Ageing decreases the body’s capacity to retain water, causing the skin to become dry and less plump. When the skin is drier than usual, fine lines and other signs of ageing tend to develop and appear more prominent.
Hyaluronic acid binds water to the skin, locking in moisture to keep it hydrated and plump. Most forms of HA primarily work on the outer skin layers, while low-molecular-weight HA can penetrate deeper.
Think of hyaluronic acid as a bottle of water for your skin. Just like how you need water to keep yourself refreshed and hydrated, your skin needs it too.
2. It supports the lipid barrier
The lipid barrier is the skin’s natural defense system, made up of naturally occurring fatty acids, ceramides and cholesterol. It blocks harmful external irritants from penetrating the skin and helps prevent moisture loss.
As you age, the lipid barrier becomes weaker, making the skin more prone to dryness, irritation and damage from pollutants and free radicals. This can lead to dehydration, uneven skin tone and more visible fine lines.
Hyaluronic acid helps maintain skin hydration, which supports the lipid barrier’s function. A well-hydrated barrier is better at retaining moisture and protecting the skin from external aggressors.
3. It improves skin volume and texture
Ageing causes the skin’s elastin to break down, resulting in saggy skin and loss of volume.
Try to pinch your skin and see how quickly (or slowly) it bounces back. If your skin snaps back quickly, then it means that you still have enough elastin in your skin.
Hyaluronic acid doesn’t replace lost elastin caused by ageing, but it provides the skin with the hydration it needs to appear plumper and smoother.
Additionally, the moisture provided by hyaluronic acid helps to improve skin texture, resulting in smoother skin that you can see and feel.
4. It stimulates skin cell regeneration
By keeping the skin hydrated and supporting its natural barrier, hyaluronic acid creates an optimal environment for skin cell turnover.
Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean that hyaluronic acid can actually accelerate the cell renewal process! It simply provides the skin with the hydration it needs during the process.
Check out Porcelain Skin if you’re looking for more skincare products to incorporate into your daily skincare routine!
https://www.doctormedica.co/blog/top-30-facts-you-should-know-about-hyaluronic-acid
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/hyaluronic-acid#science-says
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hyaluronic-acid-benefits#acid-reflux
