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It’s easy to get lost in the realm of skincare, but where trends come and go like whispers in the wind, there’s one ingredient that has remained a constant in everyone’s regimen- Hyaluronic acid. But what is hyaluronic acid and what does it do? From its name and it being categorized as an acid, it might seem like a super drying agent but on the contrary, Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring molecule found throughout our bodies. In fact, 50% of it resides in our skin and is crucial for the moisture and elasticity of our skin. But unfortunately, when we age, the production of this magical ingredient gets severely impacted.
In skincare and cosmetics, it emerges as a hero, offering hydration, plumpness, and a lit-from-within glow as the most common hyaluronic acid skin benefits and since winters are here that’s exactly what our skin needs right now, hydration.
So, let's deep dive into all the hyaluronic acid benefits for our skin
1. Hydration
At its core, Hyaluronic Acid is a moisture magnet. As a humectant, HA draws water from the environment into your skin, preventing it from becoming a parched desert. It has the incredible ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, the hyaluronic acid serum uses this to ensure your skin binds with the water, giving you a more healthy looking and plump skin.
Another great thing about adding it to your skincare regimen is that it goes perfectly with almost any other ingredient in your routine, in fact, the more hydrated your skin is, the better will be the absorption of the rest of the ingredients.
2. Enhances lipid barrier
Our skin protects us from harmful toxins getting bombarded at us daily—everything from UV rays to pollution to even our lifestyle changes. Being in an urban setting, we have a variety of toxins attacking our outer layer of skin (epidermis) every day. All of the pollution, dust, grime, and sun damage takes a toll on the skin barrier. As we age, the lipid barrier in the epidermis slows further down. This damage results in fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and even drier skin.
Solidifying the skin’s natural barrier to help lock in moisture while also slowing down the skin deterioration with age is one of the biggest hyaluronic acid benefits
3. Tighter skin
As we start to age, the elastin in our skin starts breaking down which makes the skin lose its elasticity. In simple terms, if you stretch your skin and it comes back it has elasticity but with ageing it doesn’t happen with this ease, and won’t regain its natural shape. Another hyaluronic acid benefit to note down is that it helps the skin by maintaining optimal levels of hydration, which in turn results in visible tightness of the skin.
HA may not directly contribute to replacing elastin but it fills the skin with moisture and firms the facial contours to give you more youthful-looking skin making this another one of the hyaluronic acid skin benefits
4. Clear skin
Another hyaluronic acid skin benefit is that it keeps the skin adequately hydrated, preventing any excessive dryness that can trigger the overproduction of oil. Maintaining this very delicate balance, it helps in regulating sebum production and reduces any chances of clogged pores and breakouts. It also helps in fighting pigmentation by prompting cell turnover and preventing and gathering of dead skin cells that add to uneven skin tone.
Another hyaluronic acid skin benefit is that it creates a plumping effect, diminishing the appearance of fine lines.
5. Revitalizing sun shield
Sure getting that perfect tan in the sun is important but the damage that the skin bears through that process is a challenge. Saving your skin from this sun damage is another of hyaluronic acid benefits as it acts as a natural barrier against the harsh effects of UVB rays, and keeps the skin from getting parched which in turn brings a load of other skin problems.
To reap the hyaluronic acid benefits, add this miracle ingredient to your post-sun care routine. You can go for either a lighter serum or a deeply nourishing moisturizer. We recommend the former, as one of the best hyaluronic acid serum uses is its gentle cooling down effect.
Types of hyaluronic acid
There are three major types of hyaluronic acids that can be used in skincare and beauty products. Based on their chemical structure, they offer different kinds of benefits. And while it is not an active ingredient, hence not that reactive, to reap the best hyaluronic acid benefits, we suggest you consult a dermatologist.
1. Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid
This form undergoes a process called hydrolysis, meaning the larger HA molecules have been broken down into smaller fragments to easily penetrate the skin’s deeper layers. It also stimulates the collagen synthesis and promotes elasticity. It offers the best hyaluronic acid benefits for people with oily or combination skin as it provides hydration without the sticky feeling that comes with creme-based moisturisers and lotions.
2. Sodium hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of HA which has a smaller molecular size, allowing for better absorption into the skin. This form is effective in retaining moisture and gives even better results by going deeper into the skin though it doesn’t have a very long-lasting effect. It is the type that a regular hyaluronic acid serum uses and is best for people with normal skin who don’t need a heavy-duty but rather allow moisture to seep in.
3. Sodium acetylated hyaluronate
This is a modified form of sodium Hyaluronate, where acetyl groups are added to enhance stability and skin penetration. It is known for its prolonged moisturising effects and offers the best hyaluronic acid benefits for those with dry skin.