You would have to be living under a rock to not have heard about the hero skincare product Hyaluronic Acid. In fact, you could already be using it in your favourite go-to serum. But what is Hyaluronic acid exactly and why does our skin love it so much?
Many people hear “acid” and immediately get the wrong idea. Not to be confused with other acids, Hyaluronic acid is a hydrator and completely different from Glycolic acid or Salicylic acid which are acids from the BHA or AHA family respectively. Acids such as these are considered chemical exfoliators and are great for sloughing off the top layer of dead skin cells, whilst also assisting those also with acne-prone or discoloured skin.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA), or Sodium Hyaluronate as its sometimes known as, is actually a naturally occurring sugar molecule that our bodies already manufacture by themselves.
HA is found in all of our bones and cartilage, and its fundamental role is to provide moisture to parts of our bodies that require lubrication – think areas such as our connective tissue, joints, eyes and skin. Yes, that’s right, the largest amounts of HA are contained within our skin!
Hyaluronic Acid is imperative to the skin’s framework and is responsible for making sure it stays sufficiently hydrated.
As children and babies we are choc full of Hyaluronic Acid – picture tiny babies with their round cheeks and fat, chubby little thighs and young children with their rosy, flushed cheeks.
As we get older and our bodies start to slow down, so do the all the processes within, meaning we produce less Hyaluronic Acid and produce it less often. Flash forward to an older person whose bones are more prominent thanks to the skin becoming lax and thin, having lost its fullness.
HA is crucial to maintaining the structure of our skin, giving its vitality, firmness and bounce.
Aside from getting older, other factors such as environmental aggressors and unprotected sun-exposure can also wreak havoc and degrade the moisture levels within our skin.
As time goes by we slowly lose moisture, and our skin becomes increasingly dehydrated and depleted of naturally occurring HA. This is why it becomes so important to replenish our skin’s hydration levels with Hyaluronic Acid on a regular basis.
Hyaluronic Acid is commonly referred to as a humectant.
A humectant is a substance that attracts and holds onto water or moisture, and that makes HA the perfect ingredient to assist with replenishing skin’s moisture levels. The really cool thing is Hyaluronic Acid’s ability to hold 1000 times its own weight in water – yes, 1000 times!
When applied topically, it pulls in moisture, binding itself any water it comes across. For anyone whose has applied HA to their skin before, the results are immediately visible with the skin looking plump and juicy.
Because HA also binds itself to collagen within the dermis, regular use can help keep your skin looking fresh and youthful-looking for longer. What’s not to love?
Hyaluronic Acid is also the main ingredient in injectable dermal fillers
If you think of a parched sponge that’s been left out to dry, imagine adding water to that sponge and seeing it expand outwards, becoming hydrated and plump. This is exactly the same thing that happens to our bodies when fillers are injected, hence the name.
When applied topically, Hyaluronic Acid does much the same thing, albeit on a much shallower scale. If you apply a skincare product such as a serum, sheet mask or moisturiser that contains HA as one of its primary ingredients, you will see that it gives an instant, visible reaction.
Your skin will look much more hydrated, full and plump, with fine lines appearing less visible, thanks to the surge in hydration that your skin cells are receiving. When the skin is properly hydrated, your cells can instead focus on other important tasks such as cellular production and turn-over.
Hyaluronic Acid works for all skin types and all ages
Even the most sensitive of skin types, or those prone to breakouts can use HA safely. As it is a naturally occurring substance within our own bodies, HA is safe, non-irritating with no known side-affects. It can be applied during your morning or night routines as it penetrates easily, layers and works well with other ingredients.
No matter what your age or skin condition, Hyaluronic Acid is must-have for everyone. For those concerned with ageing or dehydration it will be a godsend, likewise for those with skin on the younger side will find that it gives an undeniable glow when applied.
Even those with oily skin can use it freely as it is also able to self-regulate moisture levels with the cells, meaning it won’t overload them, instead providing your skin the perfect amount of hydration.
Popular in both topical and injectable treatments, Hyaluronic Acid is a highly touted hydrator that can provide much needed moisture to our skin, making sure it stays looking refreshed, plump and young-looking.
To learn more about skincare call beauty suppliers The Global Beauty Group on 1300 006 607 to find a treatment specialist in your area.
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