The power of hyaluronic acid has been touted for many years. So keep an eagle eye open for this ingredient in skincare products. It’s a super-hydrator bar none – because one gram of hyaluronic acid can hold up to six liters of water
Technically known as glycosaminoglycan, hyaluronic acid (HA) is produced in the body and is found in connective tissue, heart valves and lungs. But it’s most abundant in the skin.
Multiple benefits
Unfortunately, as we age, our bodies produce less HA over the years. In addition, environmental aggressors, smoking and excessive sun exposure also deplete HA levels. ‘Lo and behold, instead of a plump, dewy skin, the skin appears dull, dry and old. That’s when the power of hyaluronic acid comes to the rescue.
Being a humectant (and an anti-oxidant to boot!), HA helps skin cells retain water. So when you apply a skincare product containing HA, you can sail forth knowing that it can help keep your skin hydrated 24 hours a day. A very good thing when your skin is feeling dry, itchy and rough.
Best
of all, because an HA-based product is easily absorbed, it feels absolutely
marvellous on the skin.
With
its antibacterial properties, hyaluronic acid also may help with inflammation
and wound healing.
Choosing your HA
skincare product
To
benefit from the power of hyaluronic acid, choose a product with multiple
molecular weights. Reason being, that small molecules penetrate deeper into the
skin, whereas larger HA molecules sit on the skin’s surface. Good skincare
products usually contain a combination of large and small molecules.
More often than not, HA is found in serums, moisturisers, eye creams and body lotions. A few brands also have hyaluronic boosters available.
As
would be the case when adding a new product to your skincare regimen, do a
patch test first to see whether your skin reacts adversely. However, overall hyaluronic
acid is said to be suitable to compromised or acne-prone skin types as well.
Rest
assured, after starting your HA journey, your skin will give thanks to the
power of hyaluronic acid.
