Hyaluronic Acid Benefits: Get the Dewy Glow of Your Dreams
Medically reviewed and edited by If you’re looking for ingredients to address your skin concerns, it’s likely you’ve heard about hyaluronic acid (HA) before.
Skin influencers and celebrities alike have helped this key ingredient become popular in recent years. Now it can be found in just about every skin care product on the market.
From serums and cleansers to creams and toners, there are a variety of ways you can incorporate this ingredient into your skin care regime.
But why should you include it in your routine, and what makes it so great?
In this article, we discuss the many benefits of hyaluronic acid for facial skin and some interesting ways this ingredient can address health conditions.
What is Hyaluronic Acid (HA)?
Hyaluronic acid is a substance containing a group of molecules naturally found in the body’s connective tissues – including the joints, skin, and eyes.
This substance can be made in a laboratory using bacteria, which can help with several bodily functions.
The most common names you’ll see this ingredient listed under in your skin care products are:
Sodium hyaluronate Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid Sodium acetylated hyaluronate
These ingredients are able to reach the inner layers of the skin and help it retain moisture.
Studies show that, over time, the hyaluronic acid that occurs naturally in our bodies depletes. This can be a result of aging and environmental factors such as being exposed to smoke and pollution.
How Does Topical Hyaluronic Acid Work?
The skin barrier is sensitive, and when it becomes dehydrated or damaged, the skin can appear flaky, dry, or rough — becoming more prone to infections.
Hyaluronic acid can repair and maintain the skin barrier through hydration. It may also reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
When applied to the skin, hyaluronic acid attracts and binds water molecules. By doing so, it increases the amount of water in the skin, providing it with a hydration boost.
The Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for Skin Health
Hyaluronic acid is an active ingredient in a wide variety of skin care products. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider using these products in your skin care routine.
Improving skin texture
Hyaluronic acid can considerably improve the skin's texture and combat any dryness you may be experiencing. If a youthful, radiant appearance is your goal, hydrated skin is essential.
Including a hyaluronic acid cream as the last step in your skin care routine, for example, can seal in moisture and prevent skin from becoming dry.
Plumping and smoothing
The intense hydration benefit of hyaluronic acid helps to create plumper, more supple skin by helping your cells retain moisture.
Hydration naturally improves skin elasticity, which can make it look and feel renewed.
Plumper skin may mean reduced fine lines and wrinkles, which are the visible signs of aging many people want to avoid.
For all skin types
As hyaluronic acid is a natural substance in our body, it is typically suitable for all skin types.
It also rarely leads to adverse effects when applied to the skin as it’s a relatively gentle ingredient.
Hyaluronic acid is non comedogenic, which means it doesn’t clog the pores on your skin. So even people with oily or acne-prone skin can safely use it.
Not only is it suitable for all skin types, but it can also be effectively combined with other popular active ingredients such as vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) — and even prescription treatments like tretinoin.
Key Point: Always Remember to Patch Test
Although hyaluronic is generally safe for all skin types, there’s always the risk of allergic reactions. The best way to introduce a new ingredient into your skin care regime is to start with a patch test.
You can do this by applying a small amount of product to a discrete area of the skin (such as under the jawline or the decolletage) covering it, and leaving it on for the day to see if there is a reaction.
If you notice any swelling or redness, it’s possible the product isn’t suitable for your skin. But it’s worth noting that some tingling may be a normal first reaction.
Good for acne
If you have acne-prone skin, this is likely for two reasons:
Your skin produces excess sebum and oil.
You have clogged or congested pores.
Hyaluronic acid addresses acne by balancing sebum production within the skin, potentially reducing the oiliness associated with this condition.
Unlike many other active ingredients, hyaluronic acid shouldn’t result in any breakouts as it doesn’t irritate the skin or clog the pores — especially due to its lightweight nature.
You may be hesitant to use hydrating products on your acne-prone skin if they’ve caused breakouts in the past. But hydration and maintaining a healthy skin barrier are key to controlling acne.
Slowing down skin aging
Several factors can impact how quickly the facial skin ages. These include things like sun exposure and living in environments with high pollution.
Hyaluronic acid is one ingredient that is able to help combat aging caused by environmental factors. It improves environmentally stressed skin through hydration, potentially reducing the signs of aging.
Maintaining a healthy and strong skin barrier is also an important part of preventing the signs of aging, and hyaluronic acid is particularly good for this.
Enhanced absorption
Another skin-enhancing benefit of using items that contain hyaluronic acid is that it helps other products absorb into the skin effectively.
If you’re using serums and moisturizers with other active ingredients for your skin concerns, hyaluronic acid will assist these in penetrating deeper into the skin – potentially leading to better results.
By starting your routine with a hydrating base, you allow other skin care products to work more effectively than if they were used alone.
How Should I Use Hyaluronic Acid in My Skin Care Routine?
The great thing about hyaluronic acid is that you can incorporate it into your skin care routine with ease because it comes in so many different types of products.
Hyaluronic acid can also be used in both morning and evening routines, so it will seamlessly fit into your regime.
After a gentle cleanse, you can use one of the following hyaluronic acid products. Toners
Many toners contain hyaluronic acid. These hydrate the skin and prepare it for subsequent product absorption.
Be sure to choose an alcohol-free toner, as these are gentler on the skin. Serums
This is the most direct way to apply hyaluronic acid to the skin, potentially making it more effective. Apply this immediately after toning and only use a few drops.
Key Point: Can I Use Hyaluronic Acid with Retinol?
Hyaluronic acid and retinol can be used together in your skin care routine. Combining them can reduce the side effects that often accompany retinol usage.
For example, hyaluronic acid’s hydration benefits can counteract the drying effects that retinol sometimes has on the skin.
It’s a good idea to apply your hyaluronic acid product to the skin first, followed by your retinol.
Moisturizers
A moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid will help lock in all the moisture you’ve given your skin throughout your routine.
A hyaluronic moisturizer will also help keep your skin hydrated until your next cleanse. Be sure to choose one that is suitable for your skin type for maximum benefits.
Eye creams
This product targets the delicate area around the eye. When eye creams contain hyaluronic acid, they can provide maximum hydration to this sensitive area.
Always apply eye cream gently with your ring finger to avoid damage and irritation.
Key Point: SPF is a Must
It’s crucial that you wear a good SPF on your skin during the day – especially if you’ve used treatments like BHAs or retinoids in your morning routine.
This will protect your skin against harmful UV damage and prevent the moisture loss that leads to dehydrated skin.
SPF is also one of the most effective ways to prevent your skin from being affected by environmental factors that can lead to aging.
What are the Health Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid?
Aside from achieving healthy-looking skin, hyaluronic acid also has some impressive health benefits.
Several clinical trials have found that taking hyaluronic acid in oral supplements or having it injected into affected areas may be a beneficial treatment.
Acid reflux
This health problem involves stomach acid flowing up into the esophagus. It can be a symptom of a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Hyaluronic acid may relieve the damage to the esophagus caused by stomach acid and can potentially help this part of the body heal faster.
Wound healing
Hyaluronic acid is great for healing wounds beyond just the skin on the face. It also has antibacterial properties, which can also aid in proper wound healing.
This compound regulates levels of inflammation on the skin, which signals the body to build more blood vessels in a wounded area, potentially leading to healing.
Bladder pain
This chemical can also be used to treat health conditions such as painful bladder syndrome and interstitial cystitis.
This is because intravesical hyaluronic acid — which is inserted directly into the bladder — can ease the urge to urinate frequently and potentially reduce pain while urinating.
Knee osteoarthritis
Hyaluronic acid injections may provide pain relief in individuals with knee osteoarthritis, which is when the body loses cartilage in the area.
The chemical may help delay further cartilage breakdown and stimulate the fluids the joints need to help them move.
Dry eyes
Hyaluronic acid eye drops may help relieve dry eye symptoms as it is a natural lubricant. Due to its hydrating properties, it keeps the eyes (and even contact lenses) moist, which can improve eye health.
People with dry eyes may also be prescribed oral hyaluronic acid, but more research is needed to determine if this truly impacts eye health.
Vaginal dryness or pain
As a common ingredient in creams, gels, and lubricants for women, hyaluronic acid may assist in relieving vaginal dryness, pain, and discomfort.
It does this by providing lubrication and while keeping pH and microbiome levels normal.
When to Seek Professional Advice
Consulting a healthcare professional is advised if you’re interested in taking a new medication or adding a new ingredient to your skin care routine.
For skin care
It’s always a good idea to speak to a healthcare provider (such as a dermatologist or skin specialist) before introducing a new product into your regime.
Certain ingredients may not be suitable for your skin, particularly if you are prone to sensitivity or acne.
Getting professional advice means you’ll have a tailored skin care routine that is designed to suit your individual needs and skin concerns.
For health concerns
If you have any of the health problems listed above and believe hyaluronic acid might be the best treatment, it’s important to speak to a doctor first.
While hyaluronic acid supplements are typically considered safe to take, consulting a healthcare provider is always wise before starting treatment.
Where Can I Learn More About Caring for My Skin?
Through LifeMD, you can consult a licensed medical professional who can provide advice tailored to your specific skin type and concerns.
Schedule an appointment to learn more about how to take care of your skin with hyaluronic acid.
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