Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a substance that your body produces naturally; almost half of the body's hyaluronic acid is found in the skin, but can also be found in your bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and even in your lips. It is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan, which is unbranched carbohydrates/sugars. Hyaluronic acid is mostly used in skincare as it can help improve the skin matrix and act as a super-hydrate. It can also reduce the formation of wrinkles brought on prematurely when the skin is dehydration.
Hyaluronic acid comes in different sizes as each molecule is assigned a molecular weight which inversely relates to how deep the molecule can penetrate the skin. The lower the molecular weight, the deeper the molecules can go. In contrast, the higher the molecular weight is, the more likely to create a film on the skin surface rather than penetrate deeply into the skin. It is a core ingredient in providing our skin with excellent structure and providing a plumper appearance; the benefits don’t end there!
The benefits of Hyaluronic acid are also known for:
Repairing damaged skin (can treat facial redness, and soothe eczema-prone skin).
A study conducted by Hana Ames back in 2011 found that participants found Hyaluronic acid in foam form was more effective in treating their eczema than a prescribed eczema cream. This 'foam form' came from the skincare products they were using; due to the anti-inflammatory properties of Hyaluronic acid. Plus it can speed up wound healing and redirect blood vessels to damaged parts of the skin.
Acting as an antioxidant to protect skin from damaging molecules called free radicals.
Hyaluronic acid protects the outer epidermal barrier by neutralising free radicals that can damage the skin barrier. This could be any form of external pollutants such as smoke or UV light that can send the body into oxidative stress.
Reducing skin wrinkles and lines.
Hyaluronic acid has important benefits on the skin. In particular, it enables the skin to stretch, reducing the appearance of fine lines. Its powerful moisture retention, combined with building skin elasticity, is why skin is left looking youthful and smooth.
Increasing skin elasticity.
A similar Hana Ames study (2021) discusses how in skincare; Hyaluronic acid is known as a 'humectant'. This is a substance that pulls and holds moisture well. The reason why Hyaluronic acid improves skin elasticity is that the water improves skin hydration and firmness. Thus enabling the epidermis layer to thicken, helping the skin to bounce back and stretch over time.
Treating acne and reduce the appearance of scarring.
Acne is produced when excess sebum is formed by the sebaceous glands clogging the skin's pores. Steph Coelho (2021) points out that Hyaluronic acid can control sebum production due to Its ability to hold onto water. What's more, it’s known to be rich in antioxidants and contains anti-inflammatory properties leaving skin nourished and moisturised without being too oily.
Assisting with wound healing.
As mentioned previously, Hyaluronic acid speeds up wound healing by redirecting blood vessels to any damaged areas of the skin. It also contains antibacterial properties to reduce the risk of infection. A further study by Erica Julson (2018) also supports the notion that Hyaluronic acid is particularly used for easing symptoms of gum disease and preventing bladder pain.
Don’t forget to check out ARLENE'S products that are rich in Hyaluronic Acid: Skin Purifying Face Mask, Enhancing Face Serum and Renewing Face cream. They can all provide the ultimate Hyaluronic effect. Plus, all of these products are packed with an optimal concentration of low and high-weighted Hyaluronic Molecules; therefore being able to provide instant hydration to not just the surface layer of skin but also penetrate deeper skin layers.
Tag us in your photos of your ARLENE product with hyaluronic acid on Instagram: @ampradcosmetics. We would love to see your skincare routine!
References
https://www.healthline.com