Definition, Advantages, and the Best Serums for Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is the one skin-care product that will get your skin moisturized quickly. It is an active component in almost every type of skin care product available, including cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and more. Hyaluronic acid is widely used for a reason: in addition to being incredibly effective at hydrating the skin, it also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles since hydrated, plump skin hides them.

Hyaluronic Acid: What Is It:-

According to research, it is actually a class of sugar molecules known as polysaccharides. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these chemicals are naturally present in the body's connective tissues and function as lubricants and cushions.

Your body depletes its hyaluronic acid reserves over time. While evidence indicates that age is a contributing factor, other studies suggest that environmental variables like smoking and air pollution also hasten this process. The bad news is that.

Fortunately, topical products containing hyaluronic acid—whether as the main ingredient in a serum or as part of a moisturizer's ingredients list—can help replenish those depleted stores, according to Bonnie Gasquet, MD, an internal medicine specialist at Studio Health medical center in Belle Chasse, Louisiana.

The water content of the skin is increased by hyaluronic acid, according to board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD, who practices in private practice in New York City. According to Dr. Marchbein, it can absorb water at a rate greater than 1,000 times its weight.

What Advantages Does Hyaluronic Acid Offer:-

Hydration and hyaluronic acid's remarkable capacity to hold onto moisture are its main advantages. To comprehend the significance of moisture for skin, one must first recognize that dehydrated skin, resulting from insufficient water in the epidermis, has a flaky, dry appearance, according to Marchbein.

It goes beyond aesthetics alone. Skin that is too dry might be hazardous. Marchbein states that dehydrated skin is less able to keep its natural skin barrier intact, making it more susceptible to environmental and external aggressors. A study found that when the skin barrier is compromised, bacteria can enter and cause infection. Numerous skin diseases, such as rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and dry skin, can be attributed to compromised skin barriers.

Thus, you want skin that is hydrated. According to Marchbein, "skin hydration is important because hydrated skin looks more plump, healthier, and more vibrant." If looking younger is one of your aims, it also looks younger. Research indicates that loss of skin hydration is a marker of aging skin, and the secret to preventing or treating these symptoms is hyaluronic acid. According to Dr. Gasquet, "hyaluronic acid can refine and age-rewind in those dry, sunken, or 'crepe' areas because of its water-pulling qualities." Hyaluronic acid-containing over-the-counter anti-wrinkle treatments were shown in one study to reduce the depth of creases around the lips and eyes by 10 to 20 percent over the course of three months. There was also a 13–30% improvement in skin stiffness.

Gasquet advises using hyaluronic acid-containing cosmetics, particularly in the winter when skin is typically at its driest. Even yet, people who do not suffer from dryness should incorporate hyaluronic acid into their skin care regimen. According to board-certified plastic surgeon Kenneth Rothaus, MD of Rothaus Plastic Surgery in New York City, it's in charge of giving the skin a radiant, healthy appearance. For persons of all ages, Marchbein suggests a moisturizer that is loaded with hyaluronic acid. "It's never too early to begin taking good care of your skin," she advises.

The Three Kinds of Hyaluronic Acid and Their Differences:-

1. According to Gasquet, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is hyaluronic acid that has been broken down into components that are small enough to permeate the skin. It's ideal for those with oily or combination skin types since they want to prevent over-moisturizing, even if it's not the most moisturizing option.
2. According to Gasquet, sodium hyaluronate produces even better results by penetrating deeper into the skin, but the effects wear off quickly. "Those with normal skin types benefit most from sodium hyaluronate because it allows moisture to penetrate, but a strong, long-lasting effect is not really necessary." This is the component that serums most likely include.
3. The advantages of sodium hyaluronate are also present in sodium acetylated hyaluronate, but the effects stay longer. It works well for those who require moisture, such as those who have dry skin, reside in arid areas, or are seeking for a solution to use throughout the dry winter months.

Additionally, ingestible hyaluronic acid is available as a capsule containing the active component. According to one study, the theory behind taking a supplement is that it will result in stable levels of hyaluronic acid and long-lasting results. And it seems to be effective: The subjects' overall skin condition and wrinkles improved after taking 120 mg of hyaluronic acid daily for 12 weeks, according to the study's findings. On the other hand, more investigation into oral hyaluronic acid is required.

Are There Any Noticeable Side Effects of Hyaluronic Acid:-

According to Marchbein, hyaluronic acid is generally safe for all skin types and rarely causes any negative side effects when administered topically. Dr. Rothaus states that since hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in our skin, no issues should arise. "Patients who report rashes or other issues with hyaluronic acid-containing products typically have an issue with another ingredient, like one of the preservatives." Preservatives help a product last longer, but some might cause irritation, including as isothiazolinones, parabens, and formaldehyde emissions, according to DermNet.

Marchbein notes that hyaluronic acid is also present in many injectable fillers. Although the substance is harmless in and of itself, the operation can be dangerous and should only be carried out by a physician who has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Dermatology.

Applying Hyaluronic Acid: Qualities to Consider in a Topical Solution:-

Any skin care category you can think of likely has a product with hyaluronic acid in it. The component is present in a wide range of products, such as:

• Serums
• masks on sheets
• creams for the eyes
• hydrators and cleaners
• lip care procedures 

Take these actions before making a topical product purchase:

Inspect for Vitamin C and Allergens:-

Keep an eye out for any components that you are allergic to or have previously irritated you, advises Gasquet.

Choose a hyaluronic acid product where vitamin C is listed as an ingredient. The Cleveland Clinic claims that the two components increase efficacy in combination.

Find the Molecular Weight of It:-

Look for the product's molecular weight while conducting a search for it. Even while it's not always the case, it's still worthwhile to search for as it may provide insight into the product's potential effectiveness. One study found that acids with lower molecular weights (50 kilodaltons versus 2,000, for example) can permeate the skin more readily and are more efficient at reducing wrinkles. Although most treatments include 1 or 2 percent, that study showed that even a 0.1 percent concentration of hyaluronic acid boosted hydration and suppleness.

Check to See if It's Included:-

The moisturizing properties of this chemical may be negated by alcohol. According to Gasquet, isopropyl alcohol is extremely drying and might cause skin to crack, which could let germs and irritants penetrate areas where they shouldn't. Furthermore, the "drying effect" may have the exact opposite impact of what we want, making the cells less plump. See if alcohol is included among the ingredients, she advises. According to Gasquet, if an element is among the first six listed in order of concentration, the product can be drying.

Steer clear of fragrances:-

Avoiding products with additional scent is advised for those with sensitive skin as it may irritate or trigger breakouts. Nazanin Saedi, MD, is the department cochair of Dermatology Associates of Plymouth Meeting in Pennsylvania. According to Cleveland Clinic, fragrance can also result in contact dermatitis, a skin rash that can develop minutes to days after coming into touch with a trigger.

Never Back Out of the Water:-

Frequently, the first ingredient on your hyaluronic acid product will be water. Although it appears to be a pointless ingredient and dilutes the product, it actually increases the effectiveness of the hyaluronic acid. A product that is more water-based than one that is cream, oil, or gel-based will be able to permeate the skin more readily, according to Gasquet.

Dermatologists' Top 5 Hyaluronic Acid-Based Skincare Products:-

1. Sensitive skin might handle the moisturizing Neutrogena Hydro Boost moisturizing Serum (Neutrogena.com).
2. Sodium hyaluronate and the absence of scent in Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Lipid-Replenishing Hydrator Moisturizer (Ulta.com) make it mild on sensitive skin.
3. The mild, easily accessible CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum (Ulta.com) blends moisture-retaining ceramides with hyaluronic acid.
4. Hyaluronic acid is concentrated at 1.3 percent in the cult favorite SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier (H.A.) (SkinCeuticals.com).
5. The makeup remover and cleanser Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleansing Gel & Oil-Free Makeup Remover With Hyaluronic Acid (Neutrogena.com) is made to moisturize skin.