What’s the Hype Behind Hyaluronic Acid? Find Out Its Benefits Here

Hyaluronic acid is deemed one of the most beneficial ingredients in skin care as it helps smoothen skin and make one’s complexion more youthful. Check out how it works here. 

Understanding the Hype: Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a humectant, which refers to a type of substance that has the ability to retain moisture. It can bind over 1,000 times its weight in water. Aside from that, it is primarily present in many parts of the body, such as the skin, eyes, and even the synovial fluid. Some may also refer to this as hyaluronan.

The production of key substances in the skin like hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin tends to decrease as you age. As a result, skin loses volume, plumpness, as well as hydration. Hence, skincare products and other cosmetics containing the said ingredients help bring back skin moisture and hydration.

In particular, the molecular size of hyaluronic acid available in different products should be taken into consideration. Despite its size and effectiveness to bind water and supply hydration, larger HA molecules are incapable of penetrating the skin. Topical product application would only allow the molecules to provide surface hydration. Meanwhile, smaller HA molecules can get deeper into the skin since they bind less water in comparison to the former. This is why products containing different molecular sizes of HA offer maximum surface hydration than regular larger or smaller kinds.

3 Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is an essential substance that offers a wide selection of roles and benefits for the skin. It works to slow down signs of aging and even in the wound healing process, among many others. 

1. It Offers Skin Hydration

The phrase, “hydration is key” works best even for your skin, and hyaluronic acid can provide that for you. 

In one study, female participants used topical HA as a lotion, serum, as well as a cream. After 8 weeks of use, results showed increased skin hydration by up to 96% across all skin types. 

2. It Helps Heal Wounds

Studies show that the topical application of HA can help reduce inflammation and regulate the process of tissue regeneration. It has been demonstrated that it diminishes wound size and pain more quickly as compared to a placebo or no treatment at all. Thus, healing wounds.

Consequently, the substance also contains antibacterial properties which aid the risk reduction and infection when directly applied to open wounds.

3. It Has Anti-Aging Properties

Skin contains approximately 50% of the body’s total hyaluronic acid. However, changes in this amount, possibly due to UV exposure, can cause wrinkle formation. 

Good thing, hyaluronic acid can substantially reduce the depths of wrinkles while also improving skin firmness, texture, and elasticity.

According to a study, a woman who topically applied the substance twice a day for 8 weeks revealed promising results. The depth of wrinkles was reduced by up to 40% while it increased skin firmness and elasticity by up to 55%.

Furthermore, serums containing the specific acid can help minimize wrinkles, redness, and even dermatitis. Meanwhile, dermatologists may also use injectables with hyaluronic acid fillers to help skin maintain its youthful appearance. 

Learn more about Skin Care and Cleansing here.