If you frequently purchase high-quality serums and moisturizers, you’ve probably seen hyaluronic acid in the ingredients list. This popular skin care ingredient has seen a lot of press in recent months, but many people still don’t understand what it does and why they should look for it in facial products. Some people might even feel wary about adding anything with the word “acid” in it to their face.
Fortunately, hyaluronic acid is nothing like corrosive types of acid. In fact, it’s one of the most gentle and beneficial ingredients you can put on your face. Your body creates hyaluronic acid naturally, but production slows down as you grow older. Babies have a very high amount of naturally-occurring HA in their skin, which is why they are so irresistibly soft.
Even though it’s impossible to keep your dermal layer as soft and healthy as a baby’s, you can harness the power of hyaluronic acid to keep it from drying out and becoming rough as you age. If you’re still wondering “What does hyaluronic acid do to your face?” here a few of the top benefits this powerful ingredient provides.
Retains Moisture
One of the most common causes of facial wrinkles is dehydration. Even if you drink a gallon of water a day, your skin could still feel dry and papery from lack of water. This is because it becomes less efficient at holding onto moisture as it ages. That’s why it’s so important to apply hydrating serums and moisturizers directly to your face.
Hyaluronic acid is an incredibly moisturizing ingredient that can hold an impressive amount of water. Many skincare formulas contain this ingredient, but it’s hard to find products that contain effective amounts. Hyaluronic Acid Serum contains twice the amount of HA found in most formulas, so it’s a great option for those who really need the extra hydration.
Tones and Firms
No one wants saggy, loose skin, but that’s exactly what happens as you age and your body slows down its natural production of hyaluronic acid. Fortunately, you can minimize and slow down the aging process by applying products that contain hyaluronic acid to your face.
HA helps your dermal layer appear more youthful and tone by plumping it and helping it hold on to moisture. It’s important to understand that HA will not replace your body’s natural elastin, but it will tighten your overall complexion by enriching and hydrating the pores.
Supports Healing
When your skin is dehydrated and inflamed, it can no longer heal itself effectively. As a result, wrinkles, sun spots and other damage tend to set in more quickly. One of the most notable hyaluronic acid benefits is its ability to help you turn the clock backwards on skin damage and wrinkles. It does this by reducing inflammation and supporting your body’s natural ability to heal its own outer layer. It also soothes the face and gives it the support it needs to recover from damaging environmental toxins, pollutants and UV rays.
Reduces Appearance of Wrinkles
Applying HA-containing products to your face is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. HA plumps the skin so it doesn’t sag or hang loosely around your eyes and mouth. Many people turn to Botox for similar effects, but HA can achieve the same results without requiring invasive injections. There is also a lower risk of side effects when you use hyaluronic acid to diminish the appearance of wrinkles.
Strengthens Skin
As you age, your skin thins out and becomes less effective as a protective barrier for your body. If you’re dehydrated, your outer surface becomes even more vulnerable to infection, damage from UV rays and injury. Applying HA to your face can actually strengthen it and make it a more effective first line of defense for your body. It does all this while simultaneously softening your epidermis and making it feel smoother.
Provides Protective Antioxidants
Hyaluronic acid is an antioxidant, which means it protects the skin from harmful free radicals. As your body’s largest organ, the dermal layer is tasked with the important role of protecting you from oxidative stressors that contribute to aging and disease. Common oxidative stressors you encounter every day include:
- Pollution
- Cigarette smoke
- UV radiation
- Unhealthy foods
- Emotional and physical stress
When you’re young, your body is more adept at producing antioxidants to balance the negative effects of oxidative stress. However, your ability to produce sufficient antioxidants to keep you healthy in your environment diminishes as you age. It’s important to replenish your antioxidants both internally and externally. Consuming colorful fruits and vegetables is a great way to increase your internal antioxidants. To increase the antioxidants in your skin, it’s important to apply quality skincare products that contain known antioxidants, such as hyaluronic acid.
When you combine HA with a product that also contains vitamin C, you can achieve maximum protective results. Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that also boosts your skin’s collagen production and helps you combat sun damage and age. It can also reduce inflammation and irregular pigmentation so you have a smoother, healthier-looking complexion. Timeless Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin C Serum is an antioxidant-rich product that kicks free radicals to the curb and can work wonders for your face.
Reduces Inflammation
Excess inflammation can cause problems throughout your body, including your dermal layer. Eczema and acne have been linked to inflammation in various studies and may be improved with regular applications of products containing HA. Using hyaluronic acid for acne is an effective way to clear up your blemishes because the powerful ingredient has been shown to reduce inflammation and aid in tissue regeneration. While HA is beneficial for all skin types, people with eczema or acne can experience maximum benefits from this inflammation-fighting ingredient.
While there is no way to completely stop the effects of aging on your face, there are things you can do to slow it down. Maintain your youthful beauty and build a layer of supple, radiant skin with the help of quality hyaluronic acid products.
