Unlock Healthy, Glowing, and Hydrated Skin with Hyaluronic Acid

The one skincare ingredient that is the faster gateway to healthy hydrated skin is Hyaluronic Acid (HA). It is also the key to minimizing signs of aging, as healthily, hydrated and plump skin makes fine lines and wrinkles less visible.

You can find this active ingredient in most skincare products: cleansers, serums, sheet masks, moisturizers, injectables, and more. 

But what exactly is Hyaluronic Acid? Let us tell you all about it and why you should incorporate it into your skincare routine.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Also known as hyaluronan, HA is a clear, gooey substance naturally produced in and found in the human body. It is found largely in your skin, connective tissue, joints, and eyes. Its main function is to retain water to keep human tissues moist and well-lubricated. 

It has numerous uses and it can be taken as supplements, topical serums, eye drops, and injectables as well.

What is the importance of Hyaluronic Acid in skincare?

As we age, the amount of naturally occurring HA decreases, just like that of collagen and elastin. To maintain a youthful complexion, HA is as much necessary as elastin and collagen.

Lack of HA means a lack of hydration and moisture in the skin, meaning your skin will look dehydrated, and dull, and will show visible signs of aging. 

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid on the skin:

Retains moisture: It helps hold and replenish cell moisture, leading to more hydrated, plump, and firmer skin. It not only retains all the moisture in our skin and connective tissues but also prevents all that moisture from evaporating into the air.

Provides hydration: It holds a thousand times its weight in water, thus giving your skin ample hydration. It attaches itself to the water molecules to give you a dewy and glowy look.

Has anti-aging benefits: A well-hydrated skin is a key to a supple and youthful appearance. When the skin is dehydrated, it can cause and worsen wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. Since HA replenishes lost moisture, it helps in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Helps in healing wounds: "HA, the main component of the extracellular matrix, is considered one of the key players in the tissue regeneration process."

It helps wounds to heal faster by signaling the body to build more blood vessels in the damaged area. The application of HA directly to the open wound can help in reducing the size of the wound and decreasing the pain. It also has antibacterial properties, so it help reduce the risk of infection when applied directly to the wound.

Characteristics of Hyaluronic Acid:

• It is fast absorbing: It quickly absorbs into the skin, unlike many skincare products
• It is non-irritating: It is a safe ingredient to use as it is non-irritating and can be used on all skin types
• Can be used in multiple forms: There are many options to use HA. For example, as a topical serum, supplement, or injection
• Is available over-the-counter: You can find this gem of a skincare ingredient in many skincare products easily at most beauty and drugstores
• It is safe to use as filler: Since the composition of HA is quite similar to what is found in our body, it can work as a filler without irritating the skin. It can add volume to the areas like lips and cheeks as they naturally lose volume over time. 
• It is a short-term injectable: When it is used as a filler, it lasts for around a year. It dissolves naturally, which means it doesn't require in-office treatment from a doctor to remove the filler.
• Can be used with other ingredients: It blends with most of the other skincare ingredients. It can easily be paired with retinol, vitamins, and other acids. 

Possible side effects of HA:

Since the human body produces HA naturally, it generally doesn't have any side effects or allergic reactions. 

HA’s effects during breastfeeding or pregnancy have not been studied thoroughly. So it is normally advised to those who are pregnant and breastfeeding to be cautious of it and to avoid its supplements.