· By Sara M, Founder
Everything You Need To Know About Hyaluronic Acid
We all know this: Hyaluronic Acid (HA) has been making a splash in the beauty industry for its outstanding hydrating and skin-rejuvenating properties, and, of course, with good reason. Specifically, hyaluronic acid plays a crucial role in combating skin aging and is essential for maintaining youthful, resilient skin.
It’s for sure a powerful component of many skincare products, but its benefits really go beyond just complexion perfection.
In this skincare guide, we’ll deconstruct hyaluronic acid from the cellular perspective to the cosmetic level, shedding light on what it is, how it works, and why you might want to consider incorporating it into your daily skincare regimen.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
At its core, hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the human body. It’s a clear, a little gooey natural substance that is incredibly efficient at retaining moisture for up to 1,000 times its molecular weight in water.
This high moisture-absorbing capacity makes Hyaluronic Acid a star ingredient in skincare, which helps pull in hydration and lock it into the skin. Specifically, in human skin, hyaluronic acid contributes to the rejuvenation of the skin by enhancing its moisture content, which is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity, reducing pigmentation, and supporting the structural components like collagen and elastin.
So naturally, hyaluronic acid can be found in the eyes, connective tissues, and skin, where it plays a key role in tissue repair.
What does Hyaluronic acid do for your skin?
In our search to combat aging, maintain a youthful glow, or just simply improve our skin’s texture and health, hyaluronic acid is really our best mate.
By supporting the skin’s moisture barrier, it enhances firmness, elasticity, and plumpness, which can smooth out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by hydrating and rejuvenating skin cells at every layer. For those with dry skin, it’s a veritable oasis, delivering the much-needed moisture that traditional moisturizers can’t achieve alone, thus promoting skin hydration and ensuring the skin's moisture balance is maintained.
When used consistently, hyaluronic acid can support long-term skin health, retaining a smooth, soft texture and even tone, by infusing skin cells with valuable moisture and enhancing skin hydration.
What is Hyaluronic Acid Made of?
As already discussed, naturally, hyaluronic acid is synthesized in the body through a complex biological process involving enzymes and various other elements. However, for commercial use, hyaluronic acid is often produced through bacterial fermentation, a bio-technical technique that yields a pure, consistent product. The resulting gel-like substance can be used in various products, from skincare to joint supplements.
What to Combine with Hyaluronic Acid? How does it interact with other products?
To truly maximize the benefits of hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine, it's wise to pair it with products that complement its properties. Look for serums or moisturizers containing ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, or squalane, which can help seal the moisture that hyaluronic acid pulls in.
When applied to damp skin, hyaluronic acid can create a moisture sandwich, with water being drawn into the skin, followed by hyaluronic acid, and a product on top to lock it all in.
On the other hand, avoid using HA with exfoliating acids too close together, as it may lead to skin irritation in some individuals.
Different ways of taking Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid can be introduced to your skincare routine through a number of methods.
There are topical treatments, such as serums and creams, that can be applied directly to the skin. Hyaluronic acid gel and hyaluronic acid powder are also popular in skincare products, offering enhanced skin hydration and rejuvenation benefits. For those who may benefit from more intensive or targeted treatments, there are also professional facials and in-office treatments, such as microneedling therapies and hyaluronic acid filler injections for medical treatments.
Finally, hyaluronic acid oral supplements are available, promising systemic hydration benefits for the entire body. Since it is also taken in the form of dietary supplements, it's known to improve skin, eyes, lungs, joints, and bladder health, with studies highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing skin moisturization and reducing wrinkles.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Supplements for Skin and Hair
While topical products are the go-to for many individuals, supplements can offer a systemic approach to reaping the benefits of hyaluronic acid.
Supporting overall skin health from the inside out, HA supplements claim to promote skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and support wound healing.
When it comes to hair, hyaluronic acid's potential hydrating and revitalizing effects could lead to reduced frizz, improved texture, and even scalp benefits.
Is Hyaluronic Acid Good for Acne?
Hyaluronic acid is generally considered safe for acne-prone skin and may be beneficial due to its non-comedogenic properties.
However, with any new product, it's essential to introduce it gradually into your routine and look out for any adverse reactions.
In some cases, the right hyaluronic acid product can actually help manage acne by providing much-needed moisture without adding pore-clogging oils.
Try Svens Skincare Hyaluronic acid with Vitamin C and Vitamin E serum for Best Results
When looking for a serum that packs a hydrating punch, consider Svens Skincare Hyaluronic Acid featuring topical hyaluronic acid.
This powerhouse blend seamlessly amalgamates the hydrating and plumping effects of topical hyaluronic acid with the skin-brightening and collagen-boosting properties of Vitamin C and the antioxidant-rich benefits of Vitamin E. Topical hyaluronic acid is renowned for its ability to enhance skin rejuvenation, improve skin quality, and diminish signs of skin aging through its physiochemical properties that boost collagen production, skin hydration, and elasticity.
It’s a trifecta that’s hard to beat when it comes to rejuvenating your skin, making it an ideal choice for those looking to leverage the benefits of topical hyaluronic acid in serums for enhanced skin hydration and rejuvenation.
Potential Side Effects of Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid Injections Reaction
The redness, tenderness, pain, swelling, bruising, and itching at the beginning can result from some of the hyaluronic acid fillers. These reactions normally are mild, and the symptoms usually last for some days.
Rare Allergic Reactions
This condition applies only in rare cases when allergic reactions can be noticed. This is often characterized by redness, swelling, itching, rash, wheezing, coughing, and even throat constriction.
Lumps or Bumps
A lump or a Bump might be formed under the skin as a result of the filling material collecting in one place on the body. Often, the experience can be short-term, but with a bit of rubbing, migraine aches can disappear sooner.
More established and long-lasting hard lumps usually get treated by a doctor using hyaluronidase injection that breaks down the filler molecules.
Breakouts
Even though relatively infrequent, people complain of breakouts from hyaluronic acid serums. Sometimes, the products trigger you to have reactions such as having comedogenic ingredients in their formula. Trying to apply a product that is non-comedogenic and oil-free can be a good help to prevent acne and pores from clogging.
Dryness
Hyaluronic acid, being a hygroscopic substance, keeps and binds the moisture. Yet, in drier climates, it can wiggle the water out of deeper layers of the skin, and thus, further dryness results.
To avoid the risk of the moisture evaporating, finish off by placing a layer of occlusive moisturizer to lock in the hydration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you use hyaluronic acid every day?
Hyaluronic acid can be used every day to prevent aging or spots. It's only necessary to verify that your application is correct. In general, use Hyaluronic Acid on greasy skin and lock them into moisturizers.
What does hyaluronic acid do to your skin?
It can help with smoother, softer, and more hydrated skin by how hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant to draw in and hold onto moisture, providing lasting skin hydration. This action not only helps to lubricate joints and tissues but also offers significant benefits for the skin, eyes, hair, and joints.
What is hyaluronic acid made of?
Hyaluronic acids can be obtained from the biotech industry. This can be obtained only by fermentation using lactic bacteria. The liquid is then extracted, dried, and formed into powders. Additives are mixed with water to create gels.
How long does hyaluronic acid purging last?
Normally, cleansing takes 4-6 weeks after you add prescription products.