Long live hyaluronic acid. Skincare enthusiasts believe this powerful moisturizing ingredient because it can retain 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a true hydration hero.
But what exactly is hyaluronic acid? What is it good for the skin? Here, we break down everything you need to know about this incredible ingredient, from its origins to its ability to plump and smooth skin tone.
We’ll even help you find the best hyaluronic acid creams and serums for your skin type. Let’s get started.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the human body. It is abundant in the skin and helps keep the complexion hydrated and plump. Up to 30% of the skin’s natural moisturizing ability is responsible for hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid is a moisturizer that absorbs water from the environment through the epidermis (the top layer of the skin) and penetrates deeply to provide long-lasting moisture. A wetting agent is a substance that absorbs and retains water like a sponge.
This moisturizing property makes hyaluronic acid an effective ingredient in skin care products. When applied topically, it can help plump and moisturize the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
As we age, our bodies produce less and less hyaluronic acid, which can lead to dry skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. But don’t worry—topical hyaluronic acid products can help replenish the skin’s stores of this important ingredient, improve hydration levels, and give a more youthful-looking complexion.
The skin benefits of using hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid has several benefits that make it a must-have for skin care. You’d be surprised how versatile this ingredient can be!
Here are some of the skin benefits of hyaluronic acid:
hydration
Imagine a substance that can hold 1,000 times its molecular weight in water. It’s a refreshing gulp for your skin. This action of hyaluronic acid, which absorbs moisture into the skin, makes it an excellent choice for dry skin tones or conditions (think winter). This added moisture makes your skin look extra soft.
If you’re looking for a product to help combat dryness, look for an effective hyaluronic acid cream or serum with a high concentration of ingredients, around 1-2%. You can also use it as a supplement to improve your skin’s hydration levels from the inside out.
Enhanced skin barrier
The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin that acts as a shield, protecting the fragile inner layer from environmental invaders such as pollution and harmful UV rays. A healthy skin barrier is essential for keeping skin hydrated, complete, and youthful.
Hyaluronic acid helps strengthen the skin barrier by increasing the identical lipids as the skin, which are naturally occurring fats in the skin. This action helps to lock in moisture and keep environmental invaders out, resulting in a healthy, glowing complexion.
When the skin barrier is further strengthened and protected by hyaluronic acid, the skin can better resist environmental aging factors and pollutants. When not fighting these pollutants, the skin stays younger and healthier for longer due to this strengthening.
If you are looking for a hyaluronic acid cream that will strengthen the skin barrier, look for one that contains ceramides. Ceramide is a lipid that helps strengthen the skin barrier, making it stronger and more resistant to environmental damage.
Prevent wrinkles
In addition to promoting hydration, hyaluronic acid can help prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. This is because it helps support collagen production, a protein that gives the skin structure and firmness.
It is ideal for under-eye bags and skin loss of firmness. It tightens the complexion and fills the skin with its natural moisture. It can improve your facial contours by filling in and out them, making you look younger.
If you’re worried about wrinkles, look for a hyaluronic acid serum or cream with added antioxidants, such as vitamin C or e. These nutrients help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which can cause premature skin aging.
Skin texture
Hyaluronic acid can also improve the skin’s overall texture by reducing inflammation and smoothing out rough spots. If you have dry, flaky skin, hyaluronic acid moisturizers can help gently hydrate and exfoliate, leaving your skin softer and more radiant.
When the epidermis is protected and hydrated, more skin cells are produced. Because the skin doesn’t need to be busy fighting dryness, it can focus on producing smoother, fuller skin cells.
Hyaluronic acid also helps to reduce and prevent age spots and skin discoloration, increasing cell renewal.
anti-aging
Hyaluronic acid is often an anti-aging ingredient because it improves hydration, reduces wrinkles, and plumps skin. If you’re looking for a product that will make your skin look younger, look for one that contains hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid also protects the skin from free radicals, which cause cell damage and premature aging. For this reason, it is often used in combination with other anti-aging ingredients such as vitamin C or retinol.
Sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin, hyaluronic acid is a good choice because it is gentle and soothing. This ingredient will not irritate your skin or cause any redness or inflammation.
In fact, hyaluronic acid is often used to treat eczema and psoriasis because it reduces inflammation.
Relieve joint pain
Hyaluronic acid acts as a lubricant in joints, helping keep the space between bones free from friction. That’s why people use it to relieve joint pain and make activity easier.
If you’re looking for a natural way to reduce joint pain, try taking hyaluronic acid supplements. You can also find topical products that contain this ingredient.
Accelerate wound recovery
Hyaluronic acid can also help speed wound healing by reducing inflammation and promoting cell regeneration. This is an excellent option for those with acne scars or other blemishes.
How do I use hyaluronic acid on my skin?
Here are some tips on incorporating hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine.
First, clean your face with a gentle cleanser. Avoid harsh soaps or detergents, which can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated.
Then, apply hyaluronic acid serum or cream to your face and neck. If you’re using a serum, use it before moisturizing. If you’re using a face cream, you can use it instead of a moisturizer.
Always use sunscreen! Although hyaluronic acid won’t make your skin more prone to sunburn, you must apply sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days. This protects your skin from cancer-causing UV rays while maintaining the moisture and softness of hyaluronic acid moisturizers.
Remember to drink plenty of water. This will help your skin retain moisture from the inside out.
Finally, support your topical products by eating a healthy diet. A balanced diet is essential for overall health, including the health of your skin. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and alcohol.
How to choose hyaluronic products
When purchasing hyaluronic acid products, it is essential to consider the concentration of the ingredient. The higher the concentration, the better the hydration and anti-wrinkle effect.
It’s also essential to choose the right product for your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, look for a hyaluronic acid cream or serum labeled “for sensitive skin.”
You should also pay attention to other ingredients in the product. If you have dry skin, look for a hyaluronic acid cream that contains moisturizing ingredients like glycerin or shea butter. If you’re worried about wrinkles, look for products that contain antioxidants, such as vitamin C or E.
Does hyaluronic acid have side effects?
Hyaluronic acid is a safe and gentle ingredient suitable for all skin types. However, some people may experience mild side effects, such as redness, itching, or irritation, which are usually due to other ingredients in your product.
If you experience any of these side effects, stop using the product and consult a dermatologist. Choose a product with fewer ingredients.
My skin is oily; do I need hyaluronic acid?
Yes, we do! Even if you have oily skin, you still need to hydrate it. Hyaluronic acid is suitable for all skin types, including oily skin. It helps regulate sebum production and keeps skin hydrated.
When oily skin lacks moisture, it produces more oil to moisturize it, which can lead to acne and other skin problems. It’s a common misconception that oily and acne-prone skin doesn’t need to be hydrated, but that’s not the case.
If you have oily skin, look for a hyaluronic acid product that is as pure as possible, without preservatives or other added ingredients. Be sure to use it with a light, oil-free moisturizer.
Can I use hyaluronic acid around my eyes?
Yes, we do! Hyaluronic acid is safe for use around the eyes. It is often used in eye creams and serums because it moisturizes and plumps the skin.
When applying hyaluronic acid around the eyes, use a small amount. The skin around your eyes is thin and fragile, so you don’t want to use too much product. Apply a pea-sized product to your finger and gently pat the orbital bone.
If I use hyaluronic acid, do I need to use moisturizer?
It depends. If you have dry skin, use a moisturizer in addition to hyaluronic acid products. This will help lock in moisture and prevent skin irritation or dryness.
If you have oily or combination skin, you may not need a separate moisturizer. However, you can try different products to see what works best for your skin type.
When collagen binds to hyaluronic acid
If you’re looking for a solid anti-aging product, a combination of collagen and hyaluronic acid is the way to go. Together, these two ingredients can significantly improve wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging.
Collagen is a protein that occurs naturally in the skin. It helps the skin’s structure and firmness. Our bodies produce less collagen as we age, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin.
Hyaluronic acid is also found in your body and helps keep your skin hydrated and plump. When used together with hyaluronic acid, collagen can improve the appearance of aging skin.
Suppose you are interested in trying a collagen and hyaluronic acid cream. In that case, we recommend our Ingredient Secret Night Youth Concentrate Cream.
The most effective hyaluronic acid cream
Our anti-aging overnight hyaluronic acid cream is designed for tired, dehydrated skin. It combines with the natural regeneration process at night, so you wake up with noticeably firmer, smoother, plump, and hydrated skin.
This patented formula has been tested in advanced clinical studies. It has proven effective in fighting wrinkles, providing shine and deep, long-lasting hydration.
96% of the ingredients are all-natural, perfect for sensitive skin. These include red algae, which promotes natural collagen production; IceAwake, an antioxidant with long-lasting anti-fatigue effects; and matrixyl, an anti-wrinkle ingredient comparable to retinol but without any stimulation.
Other ingredients you know and love are Marine collagen, coenzyme Q10, and vitamins C and E. These work together to produce an immediate and noticeable volumizing effect, which became more pronounced after three weeks of continuous use.
Pick up an Ingredients Secret Night Youth Concentrate Balm bottle and enjoy firming, plump, deeper hydrated skin.
