WHAT IS HYALURONIC ACID?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a type of sugar found naturally in the skin that holds water and helps keep the body hydrated and plump. It is a lubricating clear substance that is naturally produced by the body and found in large concentrations in the skin, inside the joints, within the eye sockets, and in other tissues. It is known to retain collagen, increase moisture, and provide elasticity to the skin.
Some of the important functions of Hyaluronic acid include keeping the skin moisturized, speeding up wound healing, holding up the structural components of collagen in the skin, and creating a barrier against microorganisms.
Hyaluronic Acid occurs naturally in our body and plays a very important role in keeping our skin looking younger and supple.
It is no secret that the moisture in our skin decreases with age, prompting the need for a rehydration solution. This often leads to the use of supplemental hyaluronic acid, which is available in various forms. Some of these forms include:
- Oral Supplements
- Topical Creams
- Serums
- Injections
In this article, we will concentrate on the benefits of hyaluronic acid-based skincare cream and serum. Here are 7 evidence-backed benefits of using hyaluronic acid for the face and body. This post also explains how often hyaluronic acid-based skincare products can be used.
- Hydrates your skin
- Reduces inflammation & regulate tissue repair
- Smoothens skin texture
- Anti-aging benefits with skin cell regeneration
- Reduces dermatitis
- Soothes fine lines & wrinkles
- Provides antioxidant benefits
1. Hydrates your skin
Hyaluronic acid is a hydrator, so some of the changes noticeable in the skin after regular use are finer pores, skin plumpness which creates a huge reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, a massive reduction of under-eye bags and a smooth silky and soft skin.
According to a report by the journal of clinicals and aesthetics dermatology, a study involving female participants applying topical hyaluronic acid as a lotion, serum or cream, demonstrated a 98% increase in skin hydration after 8 weeks of use across the different skin types.
2. Reduces inflammation & regulate tissue repair
According to Healthline roughly half of the hyaluronic acid in one’s body is present in the skin, where it binds to water to help retain moisture. Hyaluronic acid helps the skin maintain moisture and helps the tissue regeneration process involved in healing wounds. Due to the natural aging process and exposure to things like ultraviolet radiation from the sun, tobacco smoke, and pollution; hyaluronic acid levels in the skin are dramatically reduced, slowing the healing process.
A 2016 study concluded that applying hyaluronic acid to the skin to heal wounds can help relieve inflammation and regulate tissue repair. It also has antibacterial properties, so it helps to reduce the risk of infection when applied directly to open wounds.
3. Smoothens skin texture
Aging and other environmental factors affect the quality and elasticity of the skin. You start to notice changes like drier and rough skin, slower healing time, undereye bags from lack of adequate rest, excessive sebum production which leads to acne, larger pores, UV damage, and chemical irritants from exposure to harsh products, just to name a few. These issues can cause adverse psychosocial effects on an individual's self-esteem. Luckily, hyaluronic acid in your skincare line combined with what naturally occurs in your skin can help reduce all the aforementioned changes to the skin with consistent use while boosting a tighter and brighter moisture-rich skin.
Much in the same way it makes the appearance of the skin look tighter and brighter, hyaluronic acid, a potent hydrator also smoothens the texture of the skin, reducing fine lines and pores. This results in a silky-smooth finish you can see and feel. Hyaluronic Acid is however NOT going to replace your elastin.
4. Anti-aging benefits with skin cell regeneration
As quoted earlier, most of the body’s total hyaluronic acid is present in the skin. Changes in this amount, possibly due to ultraviolet sun exposure, can lead to the formation of wrinkles.
While it won’t speed up the cell renewal process, hyaluronic acid does help promote skin cell regeneration by offering extra hydration and barrier protection to the skin. This naturally leads to healthier cells and a more vibrant complexion.
Hyaluronic acid can significantly decrease the depth of wrinkles and enhance skin firmness and elasticity. We know this because a government study that involved women applying hyaluronic acid topically twice daily for 8 weeks, showed a 40% decrease in the depth of wrinkles and an up to 55% increase in skin firmness and elasticity compared to participants who did not.
Learn more about treating wrinkles here.
5. Reduces dermatitis
Hyaluronic acid can help to improve the symptoms of mild to moderate eczema. It helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. Smooth on cream with hyaluronic acid for an extra boost of moisture and to ease flaky, dry skin.
Participants in a 2011 study on dermatitis also found that hyaluronic acid in foam base was more pleasant to use and improved their eczema more than ceramide-containing emulsion cream.
Learn about the different types of eczema here.
6. SOOTHES FINE LINES AND WRINKLES
It’s never too early to start protecting and nourishing the skin.
A study, published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, showed hyaluronic acid clearly demonstrated a significant benefit in decreasing the depth of wrinkles by up to 40%.
Hyaluronic Acid helps reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles retaining moisture in the skin, creating a plumping effect. When the skin is protected and hydrated, increased skin cell production can take place, as the skin isn’t busy fighting for hydration. This leads to smoother, plumper skin cells.
Typically, the skin around the eye area is one of the first to show fine lines and wrinkles. Using an eye cream twice daily will help keep the skin supple and hydrated, and prevent new lines from forming.
7. PROVIDES ANTIOXIDANT BENEFITS
Hyaluronic Acid neutralizes toxic free radicals from UV radiation created during sun exposure and man-made sources like tanning beds and welding torches which causes damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA in the skin.
You may already know that daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen and avoiding harsh skincare ingredients combats UV rays, but you might not know that hyaluronic acid's antioxidant and skin-replenishing properties go a long way toward mitigating those issues. But, while it has beneficial effects, topical hyaluronic acid is not a replacement for sunscreen.
Can one use Hyaluronic Acid every day?
How often a person can use hyaluronic acid will depend on the type.
According to the journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, a person can use skincare products that contain hyaluronic acid twice a day, but it is essential to read the instructions as products will vary.
Summary
Hyaluronic acid is an extremely versatile ingredient in skincare and it's important in tackling numerous skin issues. Using skincare products containing hyaluronic acid can help you maintain a youthful appearance and tackle many signs of aging.
For more information on Hyaluronic Acid Serum and Skincare products please visit us at Wenmedics.com
