What is Hyaluronic Acid and its Benefits for your Skin?

Hyaluronic Acid can be labelled as a superstar ingredient of skincare products. It is a commonly found component widely used in many skin care products to offer different benefits. It can retain moisture and hydrate skin to make it look more plump. With regular usage, it can smooth down fine lines and enhance skin elasticity. In this article, we will be taking a deep dive into how Hyaluronic Acid works. What are its benefits and side effects? Let's check out why Hyaluronic Acid is found in serums to night creams for glowing skin.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring molecule. It is generated in the human body in areas like skin, joints, and connective tissues. Retaining moisture is one of the primary functions of Hyaluronic acid. It can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. In simple terms, one gram of HA can hold approximately 6 litres of water. Isn't that amazing?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is like a hydrating sponge; when actively present in skin, it can make it look plump and elastic. Your skin will look younger and healthier. But as we get older, natural Hyaluronic acid levels drop in the body. And this is amplified by exposure to pollution, UV rays, etc. This leads to fine lines, dryness, and dull skin tone.

What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do for You?

Other than hydrating deeply, there are more benefits of Hyaluronic acid (HA). Below are some of the primary things that HA does to your body, especially to your skin.

1. Deep Hydration: HA can penetrate deep into the skin. It can lock in moisture, because of which it becomes a primary ingredient of many skin moisturizer creams. With regular usage, your skin becomes soft and radiant.

2. Fight Wrinkles: By adding more moisture and holding water in the skin, HA can reduce signs of aging. Your skin will look smoother and wrinkle-free, especially around your eyes and mouth.

3. Skin Repair: Dry skin damage faster, but with HA application, your skin is hydrated enough to repair itself. Hyaluronic Acid supports the skin’s barrier function, which allows it to repair and regenerate quickly.

4. Healthy Skin Texture: With deep hydration, your skin will look younger and smoother. It will be more vibrant and healthy-looking.

How Does Hyaluronic Acid Interact With Other Products?

HA goes well with the majority of other ingredients. If you are concerned about how it reacts, then check out the list below.

• Vitamin C: HA with Vitamin C is a powerful combination. Vitamin C works on brightening the skin, while HA keeps the hydration level high. You get a glowing, even-toned, and radiant skin.

• Retinol: Those who have sensitive skin can face minor irritation due to retinol. But if there is a HA in the product, then it will keep the skin hydrated by fighting dryness. Many night creams have this combination.

• Niacinamide: This combo works on controlling oil and hydration side by side. It also helps reduce inflammation and is best for those who are dealing with acne.

• Peptides: Peptides work on improving the skin's elasticity. When coupled with HA, both work on offering a firm and plump skin.

How Should Hyaluronic Acid Be Taken or Applied?

There are ways you can take Hyaluronic Acid. They are topical, supplements, and injectables. Topical is the most common way to take Hyaluronic Acid. Many serums, moisturizer creams, night creams, and skin whitening lotions have HA as a primary ingredient. Along with hydration benefits, these skin care products have other major ingredients to boost skin health. Like Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Peptides, Aloe Vera, etc. Always use a good moisturizer after a few minutes of using the HA product to lock in the moisture.

The second way to get Hyaluronic Acid is through supplements. It is a popular way to support joints and skin. It can heal your body from within, but results may take time, as per the individual. Also, you must consult a doctor before starting any of these. The third way is to take an injectable. It is taken for instant results, those who want to make their skin and lips look plumper. It is a clinical treatment.

Side Effects of Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is mostly safe for all skin types. It does not cause any kind of major side effects to sensitive individuals or acne-prone skin. But there can be minor side effects, which can be due to overuse or due to some additional ingredients used with it. Here are some of them.

• Mild Redness

• Mild Irritation

• Allergic Reaction

• Breakouts.

You can face mild redness or irritation if HA is combined with some strong actives. Breakouts can appear if there is a pore-clogging ingredient in your skin care product. It is recommended to use a patch test before using a new product. This will help you to find any harsh additive in it and their reaction with the skin.

What’s the Science Behind Hyaluronic Acid?

Here are some of the key reasons why the skincare world is so obsessed with Hyaluronic Acid.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) binds with water molecules, which prevents water loss. This is one of the primary reasons why skin care products widely use HA. It not only hydrates but also stimulates collagen production. This is essential for the skin to look younger.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) molecules can penetrate deeper into the skin, offering a way to hydrate skin deeply. That is why HA is an important part of an anti-aging skincare routine. It is an important component of the extracellular matrix. The space between cells offers them structural support and cushioning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do we need a prescription for Hyaluronic acid supplements?

No, if you are taking it through topical products, then you can use over-the-counter creams or serums. The same applies to supplements, but for injectable fillers, you will need clinical support.

Q. Are there risks associated with prolonged use of hyaluronic acid?

No, HA is mostly safe and does not cause any major issues. It can improve your skin health with time; however, always moisturize properly to lock in moisture. You have to take care that your skin does not dry out.

Q. Is Hyaluronic acid suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

Topical use does not cause any issues during pregnancy and breastfeeding. But it is recommended that you consult your doctor first in case of oral intake.

Q. Can hyaluronic acid supplements replace topical skincare products?

Not completely, many skin care products have a good combination of ingredients that offer surface-level benefits. HA can handle internal hydration, but more is required to keep the overall skin healthy.

Q. Is hyaluronic acid good for acne?

Yes, acne-prone areas are mostly dehydrated. HA hydrates the skin and does not clog pores. It also helps in soothing inflammation and helps in post-acne healing.

Q. Can I use retinol and hyaluronic acid together?

Yes, there will not be any issue. But use retinol first, and then you can apply a layer of cream with HA or serum. This will prevent dryness and irritation. This combo is mostly used in an anti-aging skin care kit.