Unlocking the Power of Hyaluronic Acid (HA): 8 Key Facts You Need to Know

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan present in the connective tissue of our body. Glycosaminoglycans are typically long unbranched carbohydrates, or sugars called polysaccharides. Our skin’s main component is HA which is responsible for a plump and hydrated look. 

HA is of paramount importance as it is the key molecule that has a high capacity to absorb water, i.e. it is responsible for retaining skin moisture. Interestingly, 50% of the body’s total HA is in the skin. 

HA content decreases in the skin that has been photo-aged by ultraviolet radiations. Decreased HA has been suggested to reduce the elasticity of the skin, and promote the formation of wrinkles. Therefore, to maintain skin function, it is essential to restore HA, which gets attenuated by the UV radiations. Furthermore, HA does not permeate through the skin because it is a water-soluble macromolecule. 

Hyaluronic acid is a common ingredient in skincare products. It is mostly used in moisturizing creams, lotions, and serums because of its ability to moisturise and plump the skin. HA is also used in injectable dermal fillers to help smoothen wrinkles and add volume to the face and lips.

Restoring the contents of HA is essential for maintaining the function of photo-aged skin. Hyaluronic acid products such as serum containing Hyaluronic acid and creams can help your skin look healthier and radiant. Here are some benefits of hyaluronic acid.

Lets understand the miracle of Hyaluronic acid 

1. Skin hydration

Hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant, i.e. it provides moisturization and keeps skin plump and soft.  It prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL). TEWL is the amount of water that evaporates through the skin to the external environment.  

Moreover, HA tackles dry skin and retains moisture. Topical application of hyaluronic acid pulls moisture from the deeper layers of the skin to infuse the top layers of the skin with moisture. 

2.Smooth and Radiant Skin

The ultimate property of HA enables smooth and radiant skin. Also, those fine lines common around your eyes and lips are often signs of dry or dehydrated skin. Highly moisturized skin looks less crinkly. 

Apparently, if the skin is visibly scarred from acne, the hyaluronic acid will not fill in those scars. However, in such cases, HA combined with specific products can make the skin look smoother.

3. Works on All Skin Types

Hyaluronic acid boosts moisture levels in the skin without adding oil. It is quite light and a non-greasy ingredient. Consequently, it can be incorporated into non-greasy products that look appealing on oily-prone skins.

4. Skin Protectant

Hyaluronic acid has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

HA can promote regeneration of the skin and help it to heal. Moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid are often recommended after a laser treatment. 

5. Anti-Aging Property

HA has a unique property in retaining water. Besides, it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by increasing skin hydration. It also has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, protecting the skin from free radicals and environmental aggressors.

6. Rejuvenates the Face 

HA can be injected directly into the skin to fill up the prominent lines and wrinkles. It is also used to recontour the face by repairing the skin cells and adding youthfulness to cheeks. 

Moreover, it stimulates the skin to produce more collagen on its own, thereby acting as an anti-aging agent.

7. Wound healing ability 

Hyaluronic acid, the main component of the extracellular matrix, regulates inflammation and helps in wound healing. HA is already present in the body, but its concentrations increase at the time of damage.  

Inflammation is the body's natural defence mechanism against injuries. It sends signals to the body to build more blood vessels at the site of damage. It also has antibacterial properties that can minimize the risk of open skin wound infection. 

Topical application on wounds has been shown to attenuate the size of wounds and reduce pain. 

8. Lipid barrier enhancement 

The skin acts as a protective barrier against certain harmful toxins that bombard on a regular basis. The epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin comes in contact with such environmental toxins. 

As we age, the lipid barrier slows down its function, thereby depleting our natural hyaluronic acid levels. This further results in damage from pollution and environmental toxins which eventually cause prominent fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and drier skin.

To sum it up, hyaluronic acid has excellent hygroscopic properties, therefore it acts as a remarkable moisturizer. It comes in forms of creams and hyaluronic acid serums. Moreover, it is evident that vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, when used together, act significantly by improving skin texture and smoothening the fine lines and wrinkles.

An anti-ageing skincare routine must contain hyaluronic acid along with vitamin C for rejuvenating effects and excellent results. 

Apart from that, hyaluronic acid can also be used along with sunscreen, which can offer maximum protection from ultraviolet radiations. 

FAQ

1. How to apply hyaluronic acid? 

HA is utilized in the form of serums or drops. Simply apply it on damp skin, then apply a layer of moisturizer on the top. Moisturizer applied over the HA layer will seal the moisture and further promote HA’s absorption.

2. What are the skincare benefits of Hyaluronic Acid?

HA plays an essential role in the production of collagen in the skin. It can hold on to 1000 times its molecular weight in the water, which means that it can intensely hydrate the skin. It helps to soften the skin, decrease the appearance of wrinkles and help remove toxins and waste from the body.

3. What are the possible side effects of hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is very safe to use for all skin types including, acne-prone and sensitive types. Since HA is naturally occurring in the body, it is widely used as a filler in skincare products. Certain skin care products can cause swelling and allergic reactions so, the best way out is to undergo a patch test before using a new skincare product. 

4. Can you use Vitamin C serum and Hyaluronic Acid together?

Hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C can be utilised together in your skincare routine. In fact, better anti-ageing effects are observed by combining these ingredients. Hyaluronic acid acts as a hydrator and anti-ageing ingredient, whereas vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant.