Hyaluronic acid is an increasingly popular ingredient in skin care products and it can do wonders for your complexion. This molecular sponge has the capacity to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it perfect for dehydrated skin as well as mature skin that needs help with wrinkles and fine lines.
Hyaluronan, also known as hyaluronic acid, can be found in the extracellular matrix – where your body stores essential nutrients like oxygen and calcium – of both skin and dermis. Mostly located on epidermis and dermis layers, hyaluronan serves to support and nourish collagen and elastin fibers while acting as a growth factor for these structures.
The good news is that hyaluronic acid is safe to use topically and commonly found in skincare products, particularly serums and moisturizers. Plus, it’s less invasive than filler injections; you can get it at your local drugstore or beauty supply store in cream, lotion or gel form.
This molecule is an extraordinary moisturiser and suitable for all skin types, from sensitive to dry to oily and acne-prone. Additionally, it works as an effective anti-aging ingredient by keeping your skin hydrated, firm and smooth – thus diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Water molecules bind to this ingredient, increasing your skin’s moisture levels and improving elasticity.
Hyaluronic acid not only moisturizes your skin, but it can also repair and protect its lipid barrier. This is essential in shielding it from external aggressors like pollution. Furthermore, hyaluronic acid helps speed up wound healing by hydrating the area which in turn speeds up recovery time.
Dr Justine Kluk, consultant dermatologist at the London Skin Clinic, recommends that HA is an anti-inflammatory to help soothe sensitive skin. Not only does it reduce redness, swelling and irritation on contact, but Dr Justine Kluk believes it to be an effective treatment for eczema and psoriasis as well.
To maximize the effects of hyaluronic acid serum, select one that has been clinically tested and proven effective. Look for products with a high concentration (around 1 or 2 percent) of HA that can penetrate deeply into skin layers to impact its dermis.
When looking for hyaluronic acid, one important factor to consider is its molecular weight. This indicates how easily the acid can penetrate your skin; low-molecular weight acids tend to penetrate deeper than their higher molecular weight counterparts and may provide better anti-wrinkle benefits.
Hyaluronic acid can be a boon for those with acne-prone skin, as it helps restore the body’s natural protective barrier against bacteria and pollutants. Furthermore, it prevents excess oil buildup within pores which could otherwise lead to breakouts or clogged pores.
