Hyaluronic acid is one of the most popular skincare ingredients on the market. It’s known for its intense hydrating and anti-aging effects, which makes it a go-to choice for anyone looking to improve their skin health. But what exactly is hyaluronic acid, and how does it work? Let’s take a deep dive into hyaluronic acid and learn why it has become so popular in the world of skincare.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the human body that plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin, joints, and connective tissue. It is a glycosaminoglycan, which means it is a type of sugar molecule that is present in various tissues throughout the body.
Hyaluronic acid is particularly important for skin health, as it helps to hydrate and plump the skin by binding water molecules. This can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve overall skin texture and tone.
In addition to its skincare benefits, hyaluronic acid is also used in medical treatments such as joint injections to help alleviate pain and inflammation.
When hyaluronic acid is applied topically to the skin, it acts as a humectant, meaning it helps to draw moisture into the skin and keep it hydrated. Hydrated skin appears plumper, more supple, and more youthful-looking, which is why hyaluronic acid is a popular ingredient in many skincare products.
Hyaluronic acid also has a unique ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, which makes it an excellent ingredient for providing intense hydration to the skin. This hydration can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve overall skin texture and tone.
In addition to its hydrating properties, hyaluronic acid is also a natural antioxidant, which means it can help to protect the skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV radiation. It can also help to soothe and calm the skin, making it an excellent ingredient for those with sensitive or reactive skin. Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide, which means it contains multiple sugar molecules linked together. These sugar molecules have the ability to bind and trap free radicals, preventing them from causing damage to the skin. Additionally, hyaluronic acid can help to support the skin’s natural antioxidant defenses by stimulating the production of antioxidant enzymes.
Some studies suggest that using hyaluronic acid topically may stimulate the production of collagen, a protein that helps to keep the skin firm and supple.
Hyaluronic acid has a low molecular weight, which means it can penetrate the skin deeply and easily. This allows it to deliver hydration and other beneficial properties to the deeper layers of the skin, where it can provide longer-lasting benefits.
Something to take into consideration when purchasing a Hyaluronic Acid serum is the packaging. While you can’t judge a book by its cover, you can judge a HA serum by its bottle. The container in which hyaluronic acid is stored can make a difference in its integrity and effectiveness. Hyaluronic acid is sensitive to light and air, which can cause it to degrade over time and lose some of its beneficial properties. As a result, it is important to store hyaluronic acid in a container that protects it from light and air.
It is also important to check the expiration date on the container, as hyaluronic acid can degrade over time, even with proper storage. Using expired hyaluronic acid can result in reduced efficacy and potentially cause skin irritation.
Lately, we have seen Hyaluronic acid in lots of products- its become kind of a buzzword in the skin care industry, but is it effective in every product? The answer is no. A cleanser is less effective because it is only in contact with the skin for a short period of time before being washed off. This causes the hydrating and anti-aging benefits of hyaluronic acid to be less pronounced compared to using a leave-on product. While a hyaluronic acid cleanser may have some benefits for the skin, the effects may be more limited compared to using a leave-on product.
At Babyface, we LOVE PCA Skin Hyaluronic Boosting Serum. This smoothing blend of ingredients provides deep, long-lasting hydration on three levels: on the surface, deeper in the skin, and by increasing the skin’s own hyaluronic acid production.
Using this product, you will see instant hydration and smoothing on the surface of the skin and
deeper hydration and fine line reduction.
PCAskin’s proprietary blend encourages the skin to create its own hyaluronic acid, resulting in long-term anti-aging and hydration.
Key ingredients include:
Hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate – attract and hold 1,000 times their weight in water on the surface of the skin for instant smoothing and hydration.
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid – penetrates deeper into the skin, attracting and holding moisture that’s already in the skin, and plumps fine lines from below the skin surface.
HA-Pro Complex™ – a proprietary blend that stimulates the production of the skin’s own hyaluronic acid and delivers 24-hour hydration. It leads to long-term hydration and anti-aging.
Ceramides – support the renewal of the skin’s natural protective layer and forms an effective barrier against moisture loss.
Niacinamide – a potent yet calming antioxidant that reduces moisture loss in the skin and improves barrier function. It also reduces redness and promotes an even skin tone.
Adding hyaluronic acid to any skin care regimen will improve the skin’s look, feel, and overall health. It is safe for all skin types and a good way to hydrate oily, acne skin because it is very light and non-pore-clogging. It can be applied under a moisturizer or on its own, and you will immediately feel the difference in your skin!
Come see us at Babyface, and we can help you decide if an over-the-counter product is the right choice or if you should pursue the advice of a physician.