We all may have been introduced to hyaluronic acid as a breakthrough skincare ingredient in the form of serums, toners and moisturisers but it’s an essential component that’s present in our bodies along with other nutrients like ceramides, collagen and elastin. Hyaluronic acid or HA is naturally found in our skin, eyes and synovial fluids that reduce the friction between articular cartilages of the synovial joints. When it comes to skincare what we find most fascinating is this sugar molecule’s ability to retain a thousand times its weight in water. This level of water retention is why many love using hyaluronic acid on their skin. From restoring dehydrated skin to preventing premature ageing, here are 7 hyaluronic acid benefits for the face and body.
1. Hydrates The Skin
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts moisture and draws it into your skin. That’s why it’s a go-to for many to keep the skin hydrated. However, there is a caveat. Hyaluronic acid serum should always be applied on damp skin, which has more moisture for the serum to penetrate deeper. If applied to dry skin, it will attract the natural moisture from the skin, making it dry, which will negate its effect. The ‘moisture sandwich’ technique makes it easier. The first layer is damp skin (water or toner), two-three drops of hyaluronic acid serum and moisturiser. The last layer is relatively thicker which will efficiently keep all the hydration and moisture trapped within the layers of the skin.
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2. Improves Skin Barrier
As we learned earlier, the skin is made of essential lipids and proteins like ceramides, collagen and elastin which retain the natural oils and fats in the skin. When we age, the body stops producing them and can weaken the natural barrier of the skin. As per studies, hyaluronic acid stimulates the production of collagen and ceramides to strengthen the barrier and keep the skin protected from external factors.
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3. Regulates Oil Production
This pointer is especially important if you have oily skin. Excess sebum can make the skin heavy and greasy. Skipping hydration makes the oil glands produce even more oils to compensate for the lack of moisture in the skin. That’s why hydrating oily skin is equally important as it counterbalances the oil glands, making the skin feel soft yet grease-free.
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4. Smooths Out Wrinkles
Fine lines and wrinkles are one of the first signs of ageing due to the depletion of essential nutrients in the skin. A benefit of hyaluronic acid for the face is that a few drops of this humectant-based serum make the skin supple and plump. This is due to the increased water retention in the skin which almost acts like a “filler” for the skin to naturally smooth out excess creases under the eyes, smile lines and forehead wrinkles.
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5. Improves Skincare’s Performance
If you want to reap the full benefits of hyaluronic for your face, then pairing hyaluronic acid with the rest of the skincare products is a great idea. Toners, serums and face creams act as a generous moisture reservoir. This not only helps the product penetrate deeper but also ensures lasting hydration for the skin. This trick can also work wonders on your body's skin. If you have dry body skin, add a few drops of hyaluronic acid serum to any body lotion and apply it on damp skin. Instant softness and oh-so-soothing!
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6. Better Skin Elasticity
Elasticity refers to the skin’s ability to stretch and move without losing its natural shape. As you age, your skin elasticity changes due to the reduction of lipids and elastin. This causes the skin to look and feel saggy and crinkled. Skin elasticity can also be hindered due to dry weather conditions and lack of proper hydration. Hyaluronic acid boosts skin elasticity by stimulating elastin and lipid production. This in turn reduces sagginess and lines while giving your face a smoother appearance.
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7. May Help With Acne Scarring
While hyaluronic acid uses for skin mostly seem limited to skin hydration, a study published in the National Library of Medicine shows that regularly using hyaluronic acid can also help heal acne scars. As mentioned earlier, collagen is a crucial component in the skin to help strengthen the skin barrier. Moreover, it also aids cell renewal by replacing damaged/mature skin cells with new ones. Hyaluronic acid boosts collagen which gradually fades away acne scars.
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8. Bonus: Helps Your Scalp & Hair, Too
One may not immediately think of hair when hyaluronic acid is mentioned. However, if you have dry, frizzy hair and frayed cuticles, this humectant can come to your rescue. Applying a few drops of HA serum to the lengths restores the bonds, seals cuticles and improves hair elasticity. This means less breakage, more shine and softer hair. If you have a flaky, itchy and dry scalp, consider massaging a few drops of the serum to the scalp too. For best results, follow up with a hair serum or leave-in conditioner to properly lock in the hydration.
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