Hyaluronic acid is also called hyaluronan, which is a clear and sticky substance, made out of a group of sugar molecules called polysaccharides, that our body produces naturally. It is found in the skin, connective tissue and eyes. It is mainly required to retain water to keep your tissues well lubricated and damp.
Over time, your body’s stores of hyaluronic acid decline due to several reasons. One of the reasons is age, however, smoking and air pollution can also cause the hyaluronic acid stores to decline.
Hyaluronic acid can be incorporated in several products and has a ton of benefits that can be associated with it, which are as follows:
- The key benefit of hyaluronic acid is its uncanny ability to retain moisture.
Skin moisture is highly important not just for the aesthetic appeal of our skin, but also to prevent UV Radiation damage and bacterial infections. When our skin is not well hydrated, it becomes flaky and the skin barrier becomes unstable, that leaves the skin more vulnerable to external damage. Therefore, moisturizing your skin is integral for your overall health.
- It helps to prevent rapid aging!
Well, yes, that’s right! One of the reasons for rapid skin aging is loss of skin moisture and hyaluronic acid can reverse many signs of aging by providing your skin with the moisture it requires. A small study published in May 2016 found that over-the-counter creams containing hyaluronic acid helped decrease the depth of wrinkles around the lips and eyes by 10% to 20% over a study period of 3 months.
- Enhances skin brightness and makes the skin look plump and radiant.
With its unique ability to bind up to 1000 times as its weight in water, Hyaluronic acid makes your skin plump and radiant while also maintaining and benefitting your skin health tremendously.
Three Types of Hyaluronic Acid
- Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid: is a variety of hyaluronic acid that has been broken down into small elements which can penetrate the skin. It does moisturize the skin but is not the best hyaluronic acid variety if one is looking specifically to hydrate their skin. However, it works well with those who have oily skin or combination skin, and would like to avoid over-moisturizing it.
- Sodium hyaluronate: Compared to the first variety, it is much effective in being absorbed deeper in your skin, however, the effects are not as long lasting. It is suitable for people with normal skin as it allows moisture to seep in but does not retain it for a very long time.
- Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate: consists of the benefits of Sodium Hyaluronate, however, with more long-lasting effects. This variety is highly effective for people who need high amount of moisture, such as those with dry skin or those who live in dry or cold climates.
Hyaluronic Acid is known to deliver best results when used in combination with vitamin C. While hyaluronic acid works to moisturize the skin, vitamin C helps to protect the skin from sun damage and fades skin discoloration. Together, they are a power packed duo in reducing signs of aging!
Known to be safe for all skin types, Hyaluronic acid is loved by the skincare industry for its uncanny hydration abilities, making it highly important to enhance skin health, and reduce dryness to prevent skin damage from external environmental factors in the long run.