Hyaluronic acid is widely celebrated as the secret to obtaining a youthful and glowing complexion. It can be found in a variety of skincare products and aesthetic treatments, but how exactly does it transform your skin?
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
This incredible humectant occurs naturally in the skin where it helps skin cells to hold on to valuable moisture. It doesn’t behave like other acids, including lactic, salicylic or AHAs, because it doesn’t have exfoliating properties.
Instead, it is an incredibly effective hydrator because its gel-like, bouncy texture allows each hyaluronic molecule to hold on to significant amounts of water. In fact, a single molecule could hold its weight in water up to a thousand times over. To put this in context, one gram of this moisturising humectant can hold up to six litres of water.
Top tip: it might be labelled as HA on some skincare products.
What are the Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid?
When incorporated into a skincare routine or forming part of an aesthetic treatment, it can have several core benefits.
1. Hydration
It has the unique ability to draw moisture into the deeper layers of skin, providing comprehensive hydration that goes far beyond the surface layers. This is what allows it to give the complexion a plump, smooth and youthful appearance.
2. Moisture Retention
HA essentially acts as a moisture magnet, drawing in as much as possible from its surroundings and, crucially, locking it in. Incredibly, HA can also regulate the amount of moisture within each cell which essentially prevents them from drowning.
3. Textural Benefits
HA works to condition the skin, leaving it looking radiant and visibly firmed. This also has the added benefit of helping to diminish the appearance of fine lines, thereby promoting a youthful glow.
4. Antioxidant Properties
Research conducted recently suggests that HA also has powerful antioxidant properties, which essentially means that it shields the skin from potentially damaging free radicals caused by factors such as pollution.
Why Should I Use Skincare or Treatments with Hyaluronic Acid?
As we age, the amount of elastin, collagen and HA that naturally occurs in our skin starts to decrease. This process typically starts in our thirties, which causes the appearance of fine lines and deeper wrinkles. Incorporating skincare products and aesthetic treatments that contain HA will help your skin to maintain good moisture levels, keeping your complexion looking smooth, soft and supple.
Importantly, all skin types will benefit from HA and that includes sensitive, oily and acne-prone skin because it hydrates gently without leaving a greasy residue. Think of it as being like giving your skin a big drink of fresh water.
When Should I Use Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic Acid can be incorporated into both morning and evening skincare routines. You may find it beneficial to apply on clean, damp skin where it can really set to work locking in that moisture.
Excitingly, it won’t interfere at all with any other potent ingredients you may also be using to target particular skin concerns.
