Many people have heard of hyaluronic acid because this nourishing carbohydrate molecule provides the foundation for many of the dermal filler products that are commonly used today. The body makes hyaluronic acid, or HA, as a way to cushion the joints and moisturize the eyes, connective tissue, and skin. As vital as hyaluronic acid is to beauty and wellness, the natural aging process depletes the body of this sugar compound. The gradual decline in the production of hyaluronic acid is, as you may know, a contributing factor to aging skin.
What Hyaluronic Acid Does for the Skin
Although one of the most recognized uses of hyaluronic acid involves reducing the appearance of lines and creases on the face and hands, several others benefits stem from making this an ingredient you demand for your skin.
Hyaluronic acid is:
Hydrating
It’s easy to see that hyaluronic acid improves hydration in the skin by observing what it does. Whether made naturally or introduced topically or sub-dermally, hyaluronic acid’s task is to bind with water molecules. This carbohydrate binds to 1,000 times more water molecules than its weight. That’s a lot of water, and it doesn’t only benefit the skin’s appearance from the inside out. Hyaluronic acid, when applied to the skin in a quality skin care product, adheres to the surface to hold moisture in.
Protective
The skin has a protective barrier that is made up of lipids. These are thicker than water and necessary for keeping pollutants and free radicals from greatly affecting the epidermis. Additionally, a strong lipid layer supported by HA offers a minor degree of UV protection (but you still need sunscreen). Because hyaluronic acid sits on the skin to preserve the moisture and lipid barrier, it is an ingredient that is particularly beneficial for people with eczema.
Combative
We don’t typically like things that are combative unless there is a measure of protection in it for us. What hyaluronic acid combats are aging and acne, two common problems that are difficult to avoid. When used as a skincare ingredient, HA inhibits the overproduction of oil, a major contributor to clogged pores and acne flare-ups. This ingredient also offsets the drying effects of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, which are commonly found in acne-fighting products.
Get the help you need for your skin in our general and cosmetic dermatology practice in Spring Lake, NJ. Call (732) 449-0167.
