Hyaluronic acid for skin care has become the go-to for many products for plumping and hydrating the skin. Hyaluronic acid can be used in a variety of ways to help multiple skin issues, particularly for aging skin by adding moisture back into it. Because the body naturally makes it, it is a safe skin care ingredient for most users.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a carbohydrate sugar molecule that is found naturally in the body that binds water to collagen to make certain body parts more elastic. The collagen in the dermis forms the structure of the skin and natural hyaluronic acid binds to collagen on one side and links to water molecules on the other. This is what gives skin a plump appearance.

HA is found in the highest concentration within the body in the skin, joints, stomach, and eyes. Studies have indicated that it keeps bones healthy and strong and may assist in the production of new bone tissue. Although we are born with a substantial amount of hyaluronic acid molecules, the production of this substance decreases as we age, similar to what happens to the body’s production of collagen. In addition to aging, sun exposure can lower the amount of this substance found naturally in the skin.

When it is used in skin care products, hyaluronic acid adds moisture to the skin as it penetrates the surface.  Because of its ability to hold water well, it can be used as a humectant in a skin care routine as it will moisturize skin throughout the day.

What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do?

Hyaluronic acid works because it takes water from the air and gives it to the skin. It traps water in the skin so it appears plumper and more hydrated. Its water retention capacity is high making it an effective hydrator. Because of its high molecular weight, it retains approximately 1,000 times its weight. This enables HA to give skin its structure, repair tissue, and lubricate the joints.

Environmental conditions such as the use of heaters in the winter, harsh weather, and certain skin care products can create small breaks in the protective skin barrier, which allows water to escape. A topical hyaluronic acid can help to ‘seal up’ those small breaks and lock moisture in.

The effectiveness of this molecule is backed by studies. One study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that a topical application of 0.1% of hyaluronic acid significantly improves skin hydration and elasticity.

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

There are many benefits of hyaluronic acid for the skin, especially for mature or dry skin.

Hydration: Topical skin care products that contain this substance can hydrate the skin because of its unique ability to retain water so it is locked into the skin.

Anti–aging: As we age, skin becomes drier, and wrinkles are more pronounced. Wrinkle depth may also be reduced with the consistent use of hyaluronic acid in skin care products.

Improved Elasticity: The high-water content of this substance also improve the elasticity and firmness of dry and aging skin. The result is a more youthful appearance.

Skin Protection: HA possesses antioxidant properties to protect skin from environmental conditions such as harmful free radicals, chemicals and sun exposure, all of which can cause unwanted wrinkles.

Reduce Puffiness:  Hyaluronic acid can increase moisture in the skin so inflammation is reduced, particularly in the eye area.

Speeds Wound Healing:  A wound on the face due to acne can be irritating. HA will also aid in the healing process.

Non-irritating:  For most users, skin will not be irritated with the use of beauty products that contain this ingredient. Most can use it without any side effects.

Another benefit of this substance is that it works very quickly and penetrates easily to hydrate the skin. Within 15 minutes of application, hyaluronic acid gets moisture from the air and allows your skin to absorb it. The more it is used properly, the more benefits the skin will receive. However, it can take up to 8 weeks to see the full effect of this acid on fine lines and wrinkles.

How to Incorporate Hyaluronic Acid in Skin Care

The main benefit to adding hyaluronic acid to topical skin care products is to keep the skin hydrated. Most often, hyaluronic acid is used in skin care in serums or moisturizers. It can also be added to foundation or concealer to make them more moisturizing. Skin care products with hyaluronic acid introduce the substance to the skin to help it remain hydrated.

For the best results, skin care products should contain at least 1% of the acid. It works well in conjunction with vitamin C, which further combats dryness and protects skin against free radicals or vitamin B5, which softens and smooths the skin. Either of these vitamins are a good complement to this ingredient. It can be paired with peels, retinols, and other acids.  The only exception is glycolic acid, which has a low pH level and may reduce the efficacy of the hyaluronic acid.

The Difference Between Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate

Hyaluronic acid has a counterpart called sodium hyaluronate that is its salt form. Sodium hyaluronate is more stable and less likely to oxidize.  While both can be used in skin care products and are often marketed under the term ‘hyaluronic acid’, there are some differences.  Sodium hyaluronate has a smaller molecule size which allows it to penetrate the skin better. Molecular weights of the ingredient are often listed on the product label. The lower the molecular weight, the deeper it can penetrate the skin. One with a higher molecular weight will rest on the surface of the skin, and may create a film, but little will penetrate it.

Sink care products are a solution form that is approximately 1% to 2%, with the rest of the solution comprised of water. Too much of this solution will actually dry out the skin, which is why it is important to get the formula in a product correct. Most skin care products do have a range of 1% to 2%, which is effective.

Not all products have the same amount of hyaluronic acid or have the same effects. For example, some have the acid as the main ingredient to provide anti-aging benefits. Other skin care products have a smaller amount that acts as a humectant.  For either hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate to penetrate the skin, it must be engineered to have a lower molecular weight. It can retain its hydrating benefits when it is able to penetrate the skin for longer lasting effects.

Who Can Use Hyaluronic Acid

The answer to who can use hyaluronic acid is just about everyone. Since hyaluronic acid is produced naturally in the body, there are very few side effects associated with it. All skin types can benefit from the incorporation of this in their skin care routine. It is lightweight so it will not clog pores for those that are acne prone or cause reactions for those with sensitive skin. Those with eczema or rosacea should perform a patch test prior to use.

Those with dry or mature skin will gain the most benefits from the use of this enzyme. Choosing a product that is designed for the skin type is the best bet as this ingredient can be found in serums, moisturizers, and eye creams.

How to Use Hyaluronic Acid for Skin

When not used correctly, HA can have a counter effect and actually dehydrate the skin. Without any moisture on the surface on the skin or from the air, it will instead take the moisture from deep inside the skin. Moisturizers and serums are the most common forms for products. The following steps are how to best use this product:

1. The serum or moisturizer with the hyaluronic acid should be applied on damp, clean skin will prevent this from occurring.
2. It assists in the delivery of active ingredients so it can be layered under another moisturizer to trap the water-binding effects on the skin’s surface.
3. It can be sealed with another layer of facial oil.
4. Moisturizer with hyaluronic acid can be applied up to twice a day.

As long as the topical solution has the right formulation, hyaluronic acid for skin will make it appear younger with better elasticity and plumpness. And because it is a powerful ingredient, HA should be used in only one skin care product.

The positive effects of hyaluronic acid for the skin make it an optimal ingredient for skin care products. Skin care products that contain hyaluronic acid can make up for the fact that it diminishes with age by hydrating the skin. In addition, it improves fine lines and skin elasticity. More consumers are searching for products that contain HA because of its many advantages. Evora Worldwide can provide you with information about the use of hyaluronic acid for skin care products.