Hyaluronic Acid: you see it all over social media, skincare blogs and at your derm’s office. It’s said to be hydrating for all skin types, but how can that be with an acid? Hyaluronic acid is actually a sugar that is found naturally in our skin that helps to keep our skin hydrated and plump. It holds one thousand times its weight in water. Like many other skin functions, naturally occurring hyaluronic acid decreases in the skin as we get older, which is why it’s a favorite in the skincare game to help replenish that moisture in the skin.
What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid?
- It’s a Humectant: Humectants are substances found in products that are known to draw in moisture and hold the moisture in the skin.
- It’s a Postbiotic: A postbiotic is an immobilized probiotic (like the vitamins you may take) that often can restore homeostasis in the body, specifically in the intestines. Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs as probiotics found in the skin’s microbiome break down, and helps the skin to grow back stronger and healthier.
- It Revitalizes the Skin’s Surface: Because hyaluronic acid can pull in and hold so much moisture, it hydrates the skin from the inside and out. It replenishes moisture under the skin, but also makes the surface of your skin soft and smooth, which can help to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and prevent new ones from occurring.
- It Helps with Anti-Aging: As we age, our skin struggles to hold onto moisture the way it used to. Adding hyaluronic acid to your routine helps to keep skin supple and plump, avoiding wrinkles and contributing to firmness of the skin.
- It Helps to Replenish our Lipid Barrier: Our skin’s main function is to protect our internal organs from toxins and pollutants from the environment, and if your skin is suffering or has a weak barrier, it can negatively affect the body in more ways than one. As we grow older, our lipid barrier, which are the essential fatty acids that prevent irritants from entering the skin, weakens. The use of hyaluronic acid helps to strengthen these barriers and over time stops the deterioration of the barrier.
How can you add hyaluronic acid to your skincare routine?
Hyaluronic acid can be found in many different products out there and can be added into almost any step of your skincare routine depending on your preference and skin type.
One of the most popular ways to incorporate hyaluronic acid into your routine is through a serum or treatment. PCA Skin’s Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum uses sodium hyaluronate to improve surface hydration, goes deeper into the skin and draws in moisture and stimulates the body’s own production of hyaluronic acid for long term skin improvement and hydration. The Allies of Skin Triple Hyaluronic Antioxidant Hydration Serum contains three forms of hyaluronic acid: low molecular weight, high molecular weight and botanical polysaccharide. It also contains 5% Superoxide Dismutaste (which helps to speed up chemical reactions in the body), 5% Resveratrol Ferment (which is a very small molecule that can penetrate the skin easily) and antioxidants to provide your skin with intense hydration and rejuvenation.
If you’re looking for a hydrating addition to your cleanser, Reviva Labs’ INTERCELL Hyaluronic Acid Night Gel is a night cream with hyaluronic acid that helps to restore the skin’s barrier and keep it hydrated, especially in dry climates. You can also try Neostrata’s Hyaluronic Acid Biocellulose Mask for a quick fix for dehydrated and dry skin. This mask contains 0.15% hyaluronic acid and delivers quick and effective moisture to the skin. Jan Marini’s Transformation Face Cream is also a great source of hyaluronic acid in a moisturizer, with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, Vitamins C & E, peptides and alpha hydroxy acid for maximum skin hydration and transformation. Don’t forget about your eyes! The iS Clinical Youth Eye Complex contains hyaluronic acid plus copper tripeptide growth factor to hydrate the most delicate area of the skin.
Be sure to read up on what the best route for your skin type is, and reach out if you have any questions. Get ready to say hello to your best, most hydrated skin with hyaluronic acid!
