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I use hyaluronic acid all the time, and I have had many readers asking what does hyaluronic acid do to your face?
A few weeks ago we talked about what glycolic acid does to your face, so I wanted to share details on another favorite acid of mine.
Hyaluronic acid is unique compared to other acids, and it is great for anyone with dry skin. It has some other amazing benefits too!
What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do To Your Face?
First, what is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is actually found naturally in the body. It is a glycosaminoglycan found in the bodies epithelial, neural, and connective tissues. The average person has around 15 grams of HA in the body!
HA is also a main component in the skin and helps with tissue repair.
This acid has many health benefits too when taken orally, but that is another post for another day. This is all about what it does to your skin!
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for Skin
Since this acid is also found naturally in our skin, it has many topical benefits. Here is what hyaluronic acid does to your skin!
Replenish Moisture
The number one reason I love HA is how well it replenishes moisture. Even though it’s an acid, it is fantastic for dry skin. One gram of hyaluronic acid can hold 6 liters of water! That’s amazing for a molecule like this. And it does this for our skin too. It retains moisture without being heavy or oily. If you want super soft skin, this acid will help you achieve that!
Fights Wrinkles
As we age, the hyaluronic acid in our skin diminishes. This dries out skin and causes wrinkles to begin. By using HA, you can help your skin stay more youthful and fight wrinkles. It doesn’t just work on the top layer like many other acids, but penetrates deeper to fight aging.
Protection from UVB Rays
In some of my research, I have found that hyaluronic acid can help your skin stay protected from the suns UVB rays. According to this article, HA basically protects epithelial cells from UVB injury! UVB rays are the most damaging rays from the sun that cause premature aging, sunspots, uneven skin tone, and also drys out the skin. Protecting against UVB is so important! Regular use of HA is great for this.
Collagen Development
Hyaluronic Acid keeps collagen development up by keeping skin moisturized. Since it doesn’t just work on the top layer, but also goes deeper, this helps collagen to continue forming. Collagen keeps skin supple and young! Read this post about the function of collagen for other parts of the body.
Dark Circles
Recently, there has been information about using HA for dark circles! It is found in many eye creams for this reason. I have noticed a big difference using this for my under eye area. This article from Forbes shares how they even use it for injections! I have never tried injections, but just topical use is enough to drastically improve dark circles.
How to Use Hyaluronic Acid
Serum is one of the best sources of HA. It’s simple to add to your skincare routine. Try to find an organic one to make sure the acid comes from a natural source. I’ve been using Botanic Trees HA serum. It smells amazing and works really well. Read more on it here. Remember to always use water based serums first in your skincare routine, then top with heavier oils. Read more about layering your products in this post about the Ordinary skincare.
Another way to use HA is in a cream. One of my all one favorite creams is this one! I’ve used it for years.
What to Look For On A Label
If you aren’t sure if your product really contains HA or you don’t see it written on the ingredients, here are other terms to look for:
- Sodium Hyaluronate
- Hyaluran
- Hyaluronan
- Hylan
- Sodium Hyaluronate
- Glycoaminoglycane
If you see these on the labels, then it contains hyaluronic acid!
So, what does hyaluronic acid do to your skin? MANY amazing things! I definitely recommend trying it.
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Alexis is an investigative chemist sharing her expertise in cleaning, skincare, gardening, and home hacks. She personally tests out products like the best skincare products or home products then shares not only the science behind how it works, but also her personal results. She is the mom of two living in Texas with her husband. Find her on Instagram for fantastic videos, tips, and behind the scenes.
This is great info Alexis! I’ve been seeing ads for Neutrogena hyaluronic avid product for many years. All I knew was about it’s water holding ability. I would like to even out my skin tone a bit (aging issues). Will this be safe for sensitive skin? What order do I put this on – HA, then moisturizer then sunscreen?
Most HA serums are water based, so you can use it first with any other water based serums, then top with a cream. Then your regular face routine like sunscreen & makeup 🙂 It’s really great for skin tone & I love how soft my skin is!!
I have heard of this before, but I had no idea it was so awesome! THANK you for sharing these skin care tips. They help so much!
It is my favorite acid! And works wonders for the skin:) So glad you enjoy our posts!!
I use a moisturizer that contains HA but did not know you could get it as an individual ingredient. Thanks for sharing!
It is such a great ingredient! And even more powerful on it’s own 🙂
What do I use for extremely dry flaky skin on my face and scalp? I have tryed all types of lotions and potions, but nothing works! I have extremely sensitive skin, which I have to watch out for products that have alcohol in them! I would appreciate any suggestions!
Hi Susan! This is a really great option for dry skin. Have you tried squalane before? It is one of the best for really dry skin. I have very dry skin on my scalp area, and I love to use squalane. Here is a post on it. The last resort would be castor oil which is very therapeutic for flaky skin.
Alexis, I am 65 years old and the top front of my hair is falling out. I have been researching Biotin, Squalane, Collagon and other products but I do not know if I should use one or all of them to slow this hair loss problem ( I understand it is mainly genetic). I do not take any medication but I has been a little stressful due to a death members. Can you please place me on the right path? I respect your opinion because it is based on scientific facts not conjecture.
Biotin and collagen are great to take orally for hair loss. So is hyaluronic acid orally! They won’t necessarily regrow hairloss right away, but it will strengthen hair follicles and overtime grow healthier. Topically, castor oil is a great option.
thank you, Since I never take vitamins or anything else, I was not sure what effects they would have on my body, internal organs etc..
Would any type of caster oil work?
Here is my post on castor oil. It has my favorite brand in there too 🙂
I’m an author, not a chemist, but I’m trying to find info on the tools scientists use to measure the number of contaminants on an article, like clothing, Can you help me?
I think OSHA is the best place to get this information. The CDC has some, but OSHA specializes in this information.