Hyaluronic Acid: Benefits, Uses, Side Effects and Interactions
Nowadays, hyaluronic acid is ‘the’ ingredient that customers are always on the lookout for, be it face masks, serums and moisturizers. And it has eventually become an indispensable part of our skin-care ritual.
But what exactly is this hyaluronic acid? And why is it becoming so crucial in our skin-care regimen?
Hyaluronic acid is a sugar found in our skin that holds water and helps the skin stay hydrated and plump. However, just like collagen and elastin, the production of hyaluronic acid substantially decreases as one gets older.
And this is the reason why hyaluronic acid is being used as a powerful active ingredient in moisturizers, serums and various cosmetic products. Hence, it has become essential to our skincare routine!
Ahead, you will find some amazing facts about this highly touted ingredient.
4 surprising benefits of hyaluronic acid
First, let’s take a closer look into some of the wonders hyaluronic acid can do for your skin.
Nourishes and hydrates your skin
Believe it or not, hyaluronic acid and hydration are best friends!
You can think of hyaluronic acid as a big glass of water. Now, upon application via serum or any cosmetic product, it penetrates deep into your skin and binds water to different layers of the skin. And this infuses your skin with essential, rejuvenating moisture.
Moreover, its lock-in moisture property keeps your skin hydrated for a long time. And you get to sport well-nourished and plump skin!
Increased resilience and better protection
It is the top layer of the skin (or epidermis) that faces all the toxins and harmful UV rays. As we age, the lipid barrier of our skin, which is responsible for reducing the impact of the outside pollutants, slows down. This, in turn, increases the skin’s susceptibility to damage, which results in wrinkles, pigmentation, fine lines, etc.
Hyaluronic acid benefits include strengthening the skin’s natural barrier and keeping the moisture locked in. This lowers the effects of skin damage over time and reduces the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines.
Tightens skin tone and smoother texture
With hyaluronic acid, you can bid goodbye to saggy skin!
With age, the production of elastin decreases, which makes the skin lose its bounce back. Although hyaluronic acid doesn’t replace elastin, it offers a tight appearance to your skin. With its moisturizing effects, your skin feels smoother and gives you a youthful appearance.
So, if you want to feel that silky smooth finish, you know the drill!
Stimulates regeneration of skin cells
Speeding up skin cell regeneration is one of the significant hyaluronic acid uses.
By ensuring adequate hydration and fortifying the skin’s natural barriers, hyaluronic acid promotes the growth of healthier cells and helps prevent discoloration. And you get to sport a more vibrant and radiant complexion!
Moreover, hyaluronic acid usage reduces as well as prevents pigmentation and age spots. It also helps your skin to keep a check on oil production so that you don’t have to worry about breakouts and clogged pores, every now and then!
Now that you are aware of the benefits of hyaluronic acid, let’s see how you can apply this to ensure the best results!
How can you use and apply hyaluronic acid?
While there are a number of ways in which hyaluronic acid can be used, the most popular ones include moisturizers and serums.
Hyaluronic acid serums are your way to get a direct shot of your favorite ingredient. These are extremely lightweight and get absorbed real quick and helps you enjoy an instant refreshed skin glow.
To apply this, first begin with cleansing your face. Then, while your skin is still damp, apply some drops of the serum with the palm of your hands. Now, if you want, you can seal the hydration with a moisturizer. And this can be followed both as a day and night time regime!
There are people who are fond of or really need daily moisturizers. In these cases, using hyaluronic acid moisturizers helps seal all the goodness inside. And, adequate hydration will keep your skin glowing and bouncy, all day long!
You can apply moisturizers infused with hyaluronic acid twice a day. Complete your daily routine of cleansing and exfoliating and then, end the regime with the moisturizer.
Are there any side effects you need to worry about?
Well, this miraculous ingredient is only here to help!
But using hyaluronic acid more than the required amount can prevent you from enjoying the desired results.
Besides, you need to make sure that you are applying it in the right way. And for this, we suggest you follow the instructions provided with the cosmetic product.
Conclusion
Given the environmental pollution and continually growing stress, our skin has to go through a lot, daily!
Therefore, be it through hyaluronic acid serums or other cosmetic products, it is necessary that we nourish our skin and try to prevent or reverse the damage.
So, start incorporating hyaluronic acid in your skin regime, right away and see the results for yourself!