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Hyaluronic Acid: What is it, and Should You Include it in Your Skincare Regime?

Most skincare products nowadays contain hyaluronic acid. It has become a key ingredient in many face creams, sheet masks, serums, moisturisers, and more.

However, have you ever wondered what hyaluronic acid is and why it is in so many skincare products? What advantages does it have for your skin? Should you include it in your regular skincare regime?

Let’s find out.

 

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is not an acid, if that had you worried. In fact, it is a large sugar molecule that occurs naturally in your body.

Yes, your body produces hyaluronic acid naturally. It binds water to collagen, providing moisture and making your skin appear hydrated and plump. Hyaluronic acid increases the hydration of your skin, making it look fresh and bouncy.

However, as you age, your skin loses collagen and hyaluronic acid. This causes your skin to get dehydrated more easily. That is why supplemental hyaluronic acid becomes important in the form of creams, serums, injections, or even oral supplements.

 

When should you use hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a natural humectant. A humectant is a substance that keeps your skin hydrated. Hyaluronic acid keeps skin hydrated by pulling water from the upper layers of the dermis. It is suitable for all skin types. Even those with sensitive skin can use hyaluronic acid since it does not trigger allergies, acne, or rosacea.

In fact, it’s safe to say that this exceptional ingredient has little to no adverse side effects.

If you have mature skin, you can benefit tremendously from hyaluronic acid, as ageing reduces your body’s natural production levels. Don’t think for a second that this limits the benefits to the elder generation, though. You’ll find this skincare solution a terrific topical treatment for all age groups.

If you are struggling with dry, dehydrated skin, you should definitely consider including it in your skincare regime. You don’t have to go far to find several products on the market with hyaluronic acid as a key ingredient.

Dermatologists worldwide also frequently use this substance in dermal fillers.

When used as a dermal filler, it is injected in areas such as under the eyes and around the mouth to generate lost volume and recreate the structure. Since hyaluronic acid attracts moisture and hydrates the skin, it reduces the sunken or sagging appearance of the skin. It is also beneficial in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

 

person with healthy looking skin  reading a book while sitting on bed and drinking from cup

Should you include hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine?

In a word – yes!

Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in your body, so there are no adverse side effects. It can hold water several times its weight, pumping your skin full of hydration. It is also incredibly effective in diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. So if you’re after a lightweight topical solution to revitalise your skin and endow it with a dewy radiance, this naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan won’t steer you wrong.

If you have not yet included hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine, you should seriously consider doing so. Here’s why:

 

It is extremely hydrating

Hydrated skin is healthy skin. Our skin is the largest organ we have. So, it is not surprising that it needs a large amount of water to function and look its best. Unfortunately, most people lack adequate hydration due to poor habits and lifestyle choices.

Dehydrated skin is often dry, flaky, and feels tight and stretched.

Drinking enough water is a habit everyone should develop to ensure your body remains hydrated. Choosing skincare products that contain hyaluronic acid can also boost the hydration in your skin.

 

It slows down skin ageing

Biology determines skin ageing, but external factors often have a big role to play as well. Exposure to UV rays of the sun is one of the biggest factors of premature ageing.

Regardless of your age, protecting your skin from the sun is one of the first things you should do to prevent premature ageing. Besides skin ageing, another downside to UV ray exposure is dehydration. Even those with oily skin can experience the ill effects of dehydration.

Using a sunscreen with hyaluronic acid could protect your skin from the sun and keep it hydrated all in one. Signs of ageing manifest as fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Hyaluronic acid can decrease the depth of fine lines and wrinkles and boost skin elasticity and firmness.

 

It smoothens your skin

Ageing causes your body to produce less collagen and hyaluronic acid. As a result, your face, especially your cheeks, could lose volume and appear sunken or sagging. These changes can often have an adverse psychological effect on people – one that only makes things worse.

Hyaluronic acid gives you much-needed hydration, which plumps up your skin. It also reduces the roughness of your skin, making it appear smoother and more radiant. Not to mention, it also increases skin elasticity, thus helping to further prevent sagging skin.

 

closeup of person with healthy skin and frizzy hair looking right at camera, effects of hyaluronic acid

It protects your skin

Research shows that hyaluronic acid contains antioxidants that are great for skin health. When applied topically, it also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties.

Hyaluronic acid also boosts skin regeneration, helping it heal. That is why many dermatologists recommend using a moisturiser with hyaluronic acid after a chemical peel or laser treatment.

 

It can rejuvenate your face

Topical application, despite its many benefits, may not be as effective as injectable forms. Hyaluronic acid can be injected directly into your facial skin to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Dermatologists also use it to recontour the face, adding more volume to the cheeks or lips.

 

How to add hyaluronic acid to your skincare routine

Moisturisers and face serums are perhaps the most common way to add hyaluronic acid to your skincare routine. Switching your moisturiser with one that contains hyaluronic acid is an easy way to incorporate it into your daily routine.

You should use a hyaluronic acid-infused serum or moisturiser immediately after washing your face. Remember, damp skin absorbs moisture a lot better than dry skin. Take a few drops in your hands and press them onto your face using the palm of your hands.

Hyaluronic acid also works well with other skincare products such as retinol, AHA (alpha-hydroxy acids), and BHA (beta hydroxy acids). If you use any of these products in your skincare routine, do not worry. You can safely use hyaluronic acid too.

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