The Holy Grail of Hydration: Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid, also known as HA, is used in skin care routines to hydrate the skin. It has become extremely popular and we are seeing it everywhere in a variety of products, from serums and moisturizers to night creams and lip products. But what is it and what are the benefits?
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it is a substance that retains moisture, and it is capable of binding over one thousand times its weight in water. It works by attracting large amounts of water molecules an dholding them in the skin. This is essential for maintaining skin hydration and plumpness.
HA is a substance that is naturally found in many areas of the human body, including the skin, eyes, and synovial fluid of the joints. As we age, the production of this key substance, along with collagen and elastin, decreases. As a result, our skin loses volume, hydration, and plumpness. Luckily we have products that contain hyaluronic acid.
Before choosing the right hyaluronic acid product it is important to take a closer look at the type of HA it contains. HA comes in different molecular sizes. Larger HA molecules cannot penetrate into the skin, so when applied topically these molecules sit on the top of the skin and only offer hydration at the very surface. What you want is a product that contains smaller HA molecules, although they bind less water than larger HA molecules, they can penetrate deeper into the epidermis, the topmost layer of skin.
There are many benefits to using HA products on your skin. We already know that it works wonders in hydrating the skin surface, but did you know it also helps protect your skin barrier? Dry skin can lead to a compromised skin barrier, causing flakiness, acne, and roughness. Using a skin care product with hyaluronic acid and other moisture-binding humectants helps ensure that your skin barrier functions properly. HA can also plump up fine lines and wrinkles by increasing moisture in the skin.
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https://www.allure.com/story/what-is-hyaluronic-acid-skin-care
