Hyaluronic Acid: A Key Molecule In Skin Aging
In the world of skin care, a new player has been getting some attention, both for its benefits and how to pronounce it. Hyaluronic acid is now being added to everyone’s skin care regimen through a variety of products from washes to creams to serums. Chances are you have thought about adding hyaluronic acid to your routine. Here are a few of the benefits and things you should know about this newly popular product.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Despite having “acid” in the name, hyaluronic acid is a gentle sugar molecule that actually occurs naturally in your skin. It helps to bind water to collagen and traps it in the skin, making your skin look fuller, supple, and more hydrated. Its main purpose in skin care products is to help repair the skin, reverse some signs of aging, and aid in the overall health and hydration of your skin.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
There are dozens of benefits to using hyaluronic acid in some form. Let’s look at just a few of the greatest health benefits to adding hyaluronic acid to your healthy lifestyle.
1. Hydration
Part of the natural function of hyaluronic acid is to retain moisture within your skin. In fact, every molecule of hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. And because around half of the hyaluronic acid in your body is found in your skin, it has incredible hydrating benefits for the skin. Especially in the months of extreme heat or extreme cold, including a form of hyaluronic acid in your day can help to keep your skin from drying out and cracking.
2. Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
A favorite feature for many is hyaluronic acid’s ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This happens mainly through hyaluronic acid’s ability to hold water, especially in the skin, making your skin appear plumper, fuller, and making fine lines and wrinkles seem to disappear.
3. Firms and tones
Another benefit to the hydration benefits of hyaluronic acid, your skin will look firmer and more toned. This is again thanks to the plumping effect of the hyaluronic acid holding on to the moisture and binding it to the collagen in your skin cells.
4. Lightweight and penetrates the skin easily
Hyaluronic acid tends to be almost watery in its nature and is therefore a lightweight skin care product, despite its heavy-hitter hydration. As lightweight as it is, you will still notice a difference as you use it. You can layer it with a moisturizer for added benefits.
5. Antioxidant UV protection
Naturally occurring in hyaluronic acid are certain antibiotics that have shown to increase your defense against ultraviolet light damage on your skin. Without protection, the free radicals in UV light can break down collagen and elastin in your skin, making the signs of aging even more noticeable. Plus, sun damage can cause dryness in your skin, making the aging process even more noticeable.
6. Low-risk for allergic reactions and acne
For those with acne-prone skin or skin allergies, hyaluronic acid might be the product for you. Because it occurs naturally in our bodies, there tends to be a lower risk of an allergic reaction. And while hyaluronic acid won’t directly address your acne woes, it’s often included in products meant for acne, which will help fight off the drying effects of other ingredients.
7. Gentle skincare
If you have sensitive skin, you might be afraid to try new products. But hyaluronic acid is remarkably gentle, even easy on rosacea and allergies. One reason might be the fact that it occurs naturally in our bodies anyway. Don’t let the term “acid” scare you away! It might be your new favorite product.
8. Supports healing
A reason hyaluronic acid is thought to support healing is its ability to help regulate inflammation levels in your body, while also telling the body to build additional blood vessels in an area affected by damage. It also has antibacterial properties, reducing your risk of infection when applied to open wounds and sores. It can even help in the fight against gum disease!
Some Common Questions About Hyaluronic Acid
I already use Vitamin C and Retinol. Can I also use hyaluronic acid?
Absolutely! Hyaluronic acid is a team player among skin care products and pairs well with others, especially vitamin C and retinol.
What are the different ways I can use hyaluronic acid?
For your skin, your best bet is a serum, though hyaluronic acid is being added to moisturizers and other skin care products. You can actually take it orally, as well, in the form of a supplement.
How much hyaluronic acid does a product need to be effective?
You’ll find you see the best results with something that has at least 1% hyaluronic acid. And make sure to use hyaluronic acid as your first layer in your skin care regimen.
If it’s found naturally in our bodies, why do we need it?
As we age, we lose collagen and elastin, plus our skin just doesn’t hold moisture like it used to. Adding a little hyaluronic acid can help reverse some of these signs of aging, along with bettering your protective skin barrier.
Take-aways
Whether you want the anti-aging benefits, the UV protection or the hydration, you get it all with hyaluronic acid. Add in the low risk for having a reaction and the great results so many people are seeing and it’s a no brainer. One product you can pair with your hyaluronic acid is our Vitamin C Serum with Dandelion Extract and Vitamin E.
It works well for all skin types and will brighten your skin, especially when paired with a hyaluronic acid to give it a youthful, dewey look. RosyRadiant’s Vitamin C Serum also encourages the production of collagen, helping in your fight against fine lines and wrinkles. The boost to your immunity doesn’t hurt either! Order yours today!