Hyaluronic acidis a common ingredient in skincare products.
It is also called hyaluronan.
Definition
Hyaluronic acid is an incredibly popular and common ingredient in skincare and cosmeceutical products.
However, hyaluronic acid has little in common with alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy acids such as these.
Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the skin, connective tissues, eyes, and joints.
It helps give structure to the skin, repairs tissue, and lubricates the joints.
The highest amount of hyaluronic acid in the body is found in the skin.
Hyaluronic acid isn’t just a substance that encircles your skin cells.
It’s vital in keeping the skin hydrated.
Hyaluronic acid attracts water from within the dermis and moves it along to the skin surface, the epidermis.
As you age, hyaluronic acid levels in the skin naturally taper off.
Your skin doesn’t manufacture it as effectively as it used to.
That is partly why the skin becomes thinner and drier as you get older.
Hyaluronic acid levels in the skin begin a steep decline after age 40.
Benefits
Hyaluronic acid is often credited as anti-aging, but this isn’t entirely accurate.
It’s more accurately described as skin-hydrating.
Topically applied hyaluronic acid isn’t going to increase your skin’s natural stores of hyaluronic acid.
In fact, hyaluronic acid isn’t going to penetrate the skin much at all.
As a result, it’s not going to have a huge impact on aging.
However, that’s not to say that it doesn’t have an effect on your skin.
It does have plenty of other benefits, as do over-the-counter topical hyaluronic acid products.
Hyaluronic acid products also help reduce transepidermal water loss.
Amazingly, hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water.
Highly moisturized skin looks less crinkly and dewier.
Works on All Skin Types
Hyaluronic acid increases moisture levels in the skin without adding oil.
On its own, it is not an oily-feeling ingredient.
It’s quite light, so it can be incorporated into non-greasy products that feel lovely on oily-prone skin.
Hyaluronic acid can promote regeneration of the skin and help it to heal.
Moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid are often recommended after a chemical peel or laser treatment because of this.
Hyaluronic acid can be injected directly into the skin to help fill deep lines and wrinkles.
Look for hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate on your skincare product’s ingredient label.
Ideally, you’ll want 1% or higher of hyaluronic acid in your skincare product.
Any less, and it’s not likely to have many benefits for your skin.
Most hyaluronic acid moisturizing products will beused twice daily, morning and night.
Be sure to check the directions on your particular product and follow those instructions carefully.
Apply hyaluronic serums after cleansing (and toning, if you use a toner).
Moisturizers go over the top.
During the day, yourSPFwill be your last skincare step.
Most people notice a difference in how their skin feels immediately after applying a hyaluronic acid product.
Dermal Fillers
If you’re looking for even bigger results, injectabledermal fillersare the way to go.
Dermal fillerssometimes called liquid faceliftsgive instantaneous results.
Hyaluronic acid is one of the most popular dermal fillers because it is tolerated well.
It is a natural component of the skin, so the risk of a bad reaction is very low.
Juvederm and Restalyne are common dermal fillers that use hyaluronic acid derivatives.
A fine needle is used to inject hyaluronic acid into areas you’d like treated.
The whole process generally takes less than an hour.
While not entirely comfortable, it’s not a painful procedure.
A numbing agent can be used to ease discomfort.
The drawback, as with all dermal fillers, is that the results aren’t permanent.
The skin will eventually absorb the hyaluronic acid.
Typically HA fillers last between six and 18 months.
Hyaluronic acid fillers can be done at a dermatologist or plastic surgeon’s office.
It’s very gentle on the skin.
The ingredient itself isn’t likely to cause any jot down of issue.
Still, it’s important to take care as you would using any new skincare product.
Give your healthcare provider a call if the irritation doesn’t go away after a few days.
In any case, you may also try a different product or brand.
A Word From Verywell
Hyaluronic acid is a commonly used humectant ingredient in skincare products.
Your current “plumping” or “smoothing” moisturizer product may even already contain hyaluronic acid.
Just be sure to check with your dermatologist before incorporating it if you’re also using any prescription treatments.
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