Hyaluronic Acid is a substance found naturally in the body but it’s also added to skincare products for it’s excellent hydrating qualities. Hyaluronic acid has the potential to completely revitalise your skin by boosting moisture content, this can help those suffering from dry skin and aging. Read on to find our more about hyaluronic acid, and how it can benefit you.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic Acid, also referred to as Hyaluronan, is a Glycosaminoglycan, or simply a substance naturally produced by the body. Roughly 50% of the Hyaluronan present in the body is found in the skin where it’s primary function is to hydrate[1]. Hyaluronic Acid can hold up to 1000x it’s weight in water, to put this into perspective 1 gram of Hyaluronic Acid can hold 6 LITRES of water[2]. It is no question that it’s an excellent hydrator working to keep your skin supple and soft.
How Can Hyaluronic Acid Benefit My Skin?
As with collagen and elastin, the amount of Hyaluronic Acid present in the skin decreases as we age. Loss of this principle molecule responsible for retention of water is what leads to the characteristic dry skin we experience as we age. Reduced moisture in the skin is the primary contributing factor to skin aging.
This is where serums and supplements come into play, to replenish the Hyaluronic Acid in your skin. The key benefits are as follows:
Key Benefits of Hyaluronic ACid
Replenish lost moisture
As previously mentioned, Hyaluronic Acid is an excellent hydrator and humectant. This means it can draw water from the surrounding area, boosting skin moisture. This means soft, supple looking skin.
Anti-aging
The hydration Hyaluronic Acid provides immediately reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In addition to these immediate effects, it can slow the ageing process with continued use by providing the moisture usually lost as a result of aging.
A study conducted on the efficacy of topical Hyaluronic Acid found that, “After 2,4, and 8 weeks of treatment, the skin was significantly more hydrated than the untreated skin” and “an improvement of skin elasticity (r7) was measured in comparison to untreated skin and demonstrated a significant improvement after two weeks of treatment and continued throughout the study”[2]
Stimulates Cellular Regeneration
By providing the skin with adequate moisture and a protective barrier, Hyaluronic Acid can promote the cellular regeneration process. This will lead to a brighter, youthful complexion.
How to Use Hyaluronic Acid
Use Hyaluronic Acid serums twice daily, preferably in the morning and night after cleansing. Generally Hyaluronic Acid serums are water-based, and so should be applied prior to heavier creams/oil-based treatments.
It is recommended that you do not mix Hyaluronic Acid with low-pH acids, such as Lactic Acid as this can reduce the effectiveness of the product. In general however, Hyaluronic Acid is safe to use with most treatments including Retinol and Vitamin-C. If this is your first time using Hyaluronic Acid as with any serum, ensure you patch test an area first for compatibility. Although as it is a naturally occurring substance, probability for irritation is relatively low.
Oral Hyaluronic Acid supplements are also available. A research study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of oral Hyaluronan, the findings state that “Skin lustre and suppleness significantly improved after 12 weeks in all groups compared with the baseline” after having used such supplements [3]. When taken orally, results may take a little longer than when applied topically.
14 responses to “What is Hyaluronic Acid? And How It Can Benefit Your Skin”
[…] We do recommend combining Retinol with Hyaluronic Acid, as this will combat the dryness associated with using Retinol. If you’re not familiar with Hyaluronic Acid, be sure to read What is Hyaluronic Acid? And How It Can Benefit Your Skin. […]
[…] bodies. Roughly half of the Hyaluronic acid in our bodies is present in our skin. Be sure to read What is Hyaluronic Acid? And How It Can Benefit Your Skin for an in-depth explanation of the Acid, a summary of the key benefits is as […]
[…] The Inkey List – Niacinamide. A no-nonsense serum with 10% Niacinamide and 1% Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic Acid is an excellent hydrator working to keep your skin soft and supple and reduce […]
[…] Glycolic acid is an excellent AHA with many benefits to help you achieve your skin care goals. Whether this be to get rid of acne, minimise fine lines and wrinkles, or to brighten your skin tone; Glycolic acid might be the one for you. Also make sure you check out Salicylic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid. […]
[…] and a rich moisturiser for brighter, plumper looking skin. We recommend using a moisturiser with Hyaluronic Acid for optimal skin […]
[…] Hyaluronic Acid is an excellent skin hydrator and humectant which works to restore moisture in the skin. Hyaluronic acid plumps the skin which can reduce the appearance of blood vessels around the eye, minimising darkness. While drinking caffeine might be causing dark circles, applying caffeine serums has the opposite effect. Using caffeine under-eye serums can help to reduce inflammation around the area to brighten dark circles. This is less researched however, use at your own discretion. […]
[…] Hyaluronic Acid […]
[…] restores lost hydration from the cleansing process, and will keep your skin soft and supple. Hyaluronic Acid is an excellent hydrator and humectant found in moisturisers that works to keep your skin […]
[…] We recommend you only take ONE serum, the one that you need to most to conserve space and keep your skincare simple. The last thing you want to be doing whilst away is spending ages on your skincare routine. The serum you take will depend on your skin concern, if you’re prone to breaking out in the heat try a serum with glycolic acid or salicylic acid, two excellent exfoliating and spot fighting acids. If you suffer from dry skin and are visiting somewhere cooler, try a serum with hyaluronic acid. […]
[…] as a result of excessive skin dryness, try using a serum or moisturiser that includes hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a phenomenal skin hydrator which can hold up to 1000x it’s weight in […]
[…] People often forget that whilst oily skin can lead to the formation of blackheads, overly dry skin can also lead to this also. Ensure you are using a moisturiser that is suitable for your skin type and not just what your partner or friends use. If your skin is oily, try a moisturiser that is oil-free and non-comedogenic to ensure a light, non-pore blocking experience. If your skin is dry, try a moisturiser which includes hyaluronic acid. […]
[…] a.k.a hyaluronic acid is a coveted ingredient in the skincare world for it’s excellent moisture boosting […]
[…] acid works deep into the pores to regulate sebum production, and hyaluronic acid provides optimal hydration and minimises fine […]
[…] Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring molecule found in our bodies, particularly in our skin and connective tissues. It’s known for its ability to retain moisture, making it a popular ingredient in many skincare products. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of hyaluronic acid for skin. […]