When you want to lock in moisture and fight signs of aging, consider this all-star skin care ingredient your go-to.
Here you can learn how it works and what to look for in the ingredient list. If there's one skincare ingredient that can give you hydrated skin fast, it's hyaluronic acid. You'll find it as an active ingredient in almost every category of skin care products (serums, cleansers, moisturizers, etc.).
There's a reason it's everywhere: Hyaluronic acid is not only great at keeping skin hydrated, but it also minimizes signs of aging, since plump, hydrated skin can make fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable.
Here's a scientific guide explaining the basics of hyaluronic acid. What is hyaluronic acid? According to research, it's technically a group of sugar molecules called polysaccharides.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that these molecules act as buffers and lubricants and are found naturally in the body's connective tissue.
Over time, the amount of hyaluronic acid stored in the body decreases. Research suggests age is a cause, but another study suggests environmental factors such as smoking and air pollution can also speed up the process. This is bad news.
The good news is that topical products containing hyaluronic acid, whether as part of a moisturizer's ingredient list or as the main ingredient in a serum, can help replenish these depletion supplies, says Dr. Bonnie Gasquet is an intern at Studio Health Medical Center in Belchur, Louisiana.
"Hyaluronic acid attracts water molecules, binds them and increases the skin's hydration level," says Dr. Shari Marchbein is a board-certified dermatologist with a private practice in New York City. Doctors say it can absorb more than a thousand times its own weight in water. Marchbein.
What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid? The main benefit of hyaluronic acid is hydration and its incredible ability to retain moisture. Marchbein says to understand how important moisture is for skin, you first need to know that dehydrated skin (when the top layer of skin doesn't have enough moisture) can appear dry, rough, and flaky. This is not just an aesthetic issue. Dry skin can be dangerous. "Skin that is dehydrated cannot maintain a sufficiently intact skin barrier, making the skin more susceptible to damage from external and environmental sources," says Marchbein.
One study shows that if the skin barrier is incomplete, bacteria can get in, leading to infection. A weakened skin barrier may be linked to a number of skin conditions, including dry skin, atopic dermatitis, rosacea and acne, one study suggests.
Then Hydrated Skin is for you. "Skin hydration is important because hydrated skin looks plumper, healthier, and more energetic," says Marchbein. It will also look younger if that's one of your goals.
According to research, skin aging is linked to skin moisture loss, and hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient in fighting or reversing these signs. "Due to its water-absorbing properties, hyaluronic acid can improve dry, dimpled or 'wrinkled' areas and combat skin aging," says Dr. Gasquet.
One study found that an over-the-counter anti-wrinkle cream containing hyaluronic acid reduced the depth of wrinkles around the lips and eyes by 10 to 20 percent over three months. Skin firmness is also improved by 13% to 30%.
Gasquet recommends using products containing hyaluronic acid, especially in the winter when skin is driest. But even those who don't struggle with dryness want to incorporate hyaluronic acid into their skin care routine.
It's responsible for giving skin a healthy glow, says board-certified plastic surgeon Kenneth Rothaus, MD, of Rothaus Plastic Surgery in New York City. Marchbein recommends a hyaluronic acid-rich moisturizer suitable for people of all ages.
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"It's never too early to start good skin care," she says. 3 Types of Hyaluronic Acid: How They Are Different. There are three types of hyaluronic acid: Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is hyaluronic acid that has been broken down into elements small enough to penetrate the skin, says Gasquet.
It's hydrating, but not the most hydrating option, so it's best suited for people with oily or combination skin, as these skin types want to avoid over-hydrating. Gasquet says sodium hyaluronate can penetrate deeper into the skin and provide better results, although the results won't last as long.
"Sodium hyaluronate is best for people with normal skin because it allows moisture to penetrate, but doesn't necessarily require intense, long-lasting results." This is an ingredient you might find in a serum.
Acetylated sodium hyaluronate has the benefits of sodium hyaluronate but with longer lasting results. It is most suitable for people who need moisture, such as: B. People with dry skin, people living in dry climates. Or those looking for something suitable for dry winter months.
There’s also ingestible hyaluronic acid, a capsule filled with active ingredients. One study shows that by taking suppl
