Ingredient Spotlight: Five Amazing Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid For Hydrated, Healthy Skin
If you’re even the slightest bit interested in skincare, chances are you have heard of the ingredient Hyaluronic Acid. It seriously seems like everywhere you look, there’s a celebrity, beauty blogger, esthetician, or dermatologist raving about it.
It’s found in many products, including serums, sheet masks, moisturizers, eye creams, body lotions, and plenty others, but is this buzzworthy ingredient really worth the hype? Keep reading to learn more about what hyaluronic acid is and how you can get the benefits of this product by incorporating it into your skincare routine.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
According to WebMD, hyaluronic acid is a “natural substance found in the fluids in the eyes and joints. It acts as a cushion and lubricant in the joints and other tissues.” It’s a sugar molecule that is found naturally in our skin and helps bind water to collagen, which keeps our skin hydrated and plump. It also helps with wound healing.
By the way, the hyaluronic acid that is found in cosmetics and skincare products is often sourced from bacterial or microbial fermentation, so it’s safe for use and also vegan.
Did you know that in addition to cosmetic use in products like skincare and facial filler, hyaluronic acid can also be used to treat other conditions like cataracts and osteoarthritis? The more you know!
Why We Love It: 5 Amazing Skincare Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
There’s a reason hyaluronic acid gets all the hype - not only does it help the skin retain moisture (like a big glass of water for your skin), but it can also help with other common skin concerns, like aging or texture. Here are some of the main benefits of this superstar hydrating ingredient - time to add to your skincare routine ASAP if you haven’t already!
Hydrating
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it is a substance that retains moisture and draws moisture in, and it has been known to retain over 1000x its weight in water. Translation: this ingredient is super hydrating! Pro tip: apply hyaluronic acid to wet skin for best results - we suggest spritzing your favorite facial spray prior to application, like a rosewater spray. The reason being is that since hyaluronic acid seeks out moisture, if your skin is dry it has nothing to retain.
Tightening
Hyaluronic acid can help give your complexion a tighter appearance as it binds to water, firming up the skin and giving you a more youthful look. As we age, we lose collagen and elastin in our skin, which can unfortunately give the skin a saggier look. This is why hyaluronic acid is often found in many anti-aging products and is so effective for many skin types!
Smooths texture
Since hyaluronic acid helps to plump up the skin, it can help soften texture and slightly “plump” up scarring, giving the skin an overall more smooth appearance, look and feel.
Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
One of the most common ingredients in many cosmetic injectables and fillers is - you guessed it - hyaluronic acid! According to WedMD, “Injecting a specific hyaluronic acid medical device (Juvéderm Ultra Plus, Allergan) into facial wrinkles can reduce wrinkles for up to one year.”
You can experience somewhat similar benefits by using hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine, so don’t feel like you need to rush out and get fillers right away. But as your skin begins to age, it is something you could always consider and talk to your doctor or dermatologist to see if it's right for you and your skin goals!
Plumping
Similar to how hyaluronic acid can have a tightening effect on the skin, it can also help give the skin a more plump appearance as it helps bind water to collagen, and holds up to 1000x its weight in water. As the HA molecules fill with water, we’re left with plumper, tighter skin.
Our Favorite Hyaluronic Acid Products
Hydrating Under Eye Masks
With so many distractions in modern society, it's so easy to stay up all night on social media (TikTok especially…) or binge-watching your favorite shows, and before you know it, it’s 3 AM and you have to be at work in a few hours. All of those late nights and squinting at small screens in the dark is not doing our eyes any favors, and might leave your eyes feeling puffy with dark circles in the morning.
Luckily, hyaluronic acid is one of the main ingredients in our caffeinated under-eye masks, and it works wonders! Thanks to its plumping and hydrating properties, it helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and soften the look of dark circles and puffiness, so you’ll look bright eyed even if you don’t feel it!
Caffeinated Facial Mask
This caffeinated face mask is like a cup of coffee for your face, targeting the appearance of dullness, fine lines and wrinkles. With coffee extract, green tea extract, and yes, hyaluronic acid, this sheet mask leaves you with a smoother and more radiant complexion in just 15 minutes! The hyaluronic acid helps plump up the skin so it looks more youthful and well-rested.
Hydrating Moisturizers
One of the best ways to incorporate Hyaluronic Acid into your skincare routine is to use a moisturizer formulated with the ingredient. Whether you experience dry or oily skin, hyaluronic acid can help maintain the balance of moisture in your skin, giving it a softer and more hydrated feeling. Plus, with regular use, it can help diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and plump up the skin. For best results, use a hyaluronic acid based moisturizer day and night to keep your skin hydrated and fight dryness!
Are you a fan of hyaluronic acid? Let us know some of your favorite ways to incorporate this superstar hydrating ingredient into your routine below.
