If you aren’t using the hydrating skin care ingredient already, you’ll want to after reading this.
Hyaluronic acid is one of the top dermatologist-recommended ingredients that you’ll want to look for if you’re searching for skin care products that are designed to help achieve a healthy-looking and dewy complexion. So if the main focus of your skin care routine is hydration and anti-aging, you’ll certainly be happy to hear about hyaluronic acid’s benefits.
But if you’re not sure how to incorporate hyaluronic acid into your regimen, we have all the information you’ll need. Keep reading for all the details and skin benefits of hyaluronic acid, and the different over-the-counter formulas you can find the ingredient in so you can easily add it to your routine.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
So, what is hyaluronic acid? Is it actually an acid? The answer is yes, though it isn’t nearly as intimidating as its name suggests. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a molecule made from enzymes — more specifically, a glycosaminoglycan (a long group of carbohydrates) that has the ability to bind and retain water molecules, per the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).
Your skin naturally produces hyaluronic acid molecules, but as you age, the levels of HA in the body start to deplete. This may be one of the reasons you notice your skin is drier and less plump-looking over time. In addition to being found in the skin, hyaluronic acid is a lubricant that’s naturally found in other bodily tissues and joint fluid, according to the Cleveland Clinic. But we’ll be focusing solely on skin care and the skin care benefits of hyaluronic acid.
As natural levels of HA in the skin decrease over time, skin care products formulated with hyaluronic acid, such as creams, moisturizers, and serums, are able to make up for what we lose with age. The American Academy of Dermatology confirms that hyaluronic acid is often used in formulations meant to help with dry skin and anti-aging because of its ability to give the appearance of ultra-hydrated skin, so wrinkles and fine lines appear less noticeable over time.
Source:
L'Oréal
