The Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for Skin Care

(2 ½ minute read)

Hyaluronic acid has been steadily gaining popularity as an ingredient in skin care products in recent years. And with its ability to lock moisture into the skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve elasticity, it's not hard to see why.

In this article, we explore the incredible benefits of hyaluronic acid (also known as hyaluronan or hyaluronate) for skin care and discover how it works to keep skin looking youthful and healthy - something we all want for our skin!

Hyaluronic acid is an increasingly popular skin care ingredient (image source: Canva)

Understanding the benefits of hyaluronic acid for skin care

Hyaluronic acid is a clear, gooey substance naturally produced by our bodies which helps lubricate our tissues. It plays a role in various bodily systems and functions including skin health, wound healing and bone strength. The largest quantities are found in our skin, connective tissue and eyes. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant - a substance that retains water. This helps keep tissues lubricated and moist.

Restoring moisture and hydration levels

Hyaluronic acid is known for its ability to restore moisture and hydration levels in the skin. It draws moisture from the environment and binds to it. In fact, it is capable for binding over 1000 times its weight in water!

With ageing and exposure to things like pollution and UV radiation, the natural production of hyaluronic acid in our skin decreases, along with other substances like collagen and elastin. This results in loss of volume, hydration and plumpness (oh no!). To help counteract this, some skin care brands are adding hyaluronic acid to their product formulations and this ingredient is now touted as a powerhouse anti-ageing ingredient. Hyaluronic acid used in skin care is mainly produced in a laboratory via a process called biofermentation.

Reducing the signs of ageing and improving elasticity

Adding products containing hyaluronic acid to your skincare routine can contribute to healthier and younger looking skin through a reduction the appearance of wrinkles, improved elasticity and skin texture, along with restored suppleness. For people with dry, flaky or ageing skin, products containing hyaluronic acid can help keep skin looking smooth and hydrated.

Which skincare products contain hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is used in a variety of skincare products including moisturisers, sunscreens and makeup. The LAMAV Hyaluronic Moisture Cream utilises hyaluronic acid to help increase moisture levels and plump up the skin for a firmer, more lifted appearance. The INIKA Organic Hyaluronic Hydration Complex is a lightweight and oil-free serum with 2% multi-weight hyaluronic acid - created to give you plump, dewy skin. Sanctum use hyaluronic acid in a couple of their certified organic moisturisers including the Sanctum Moisture Replenish which is, after all, all about restoring moisture to your skin. INIKA Organic's best selling liquid foundation also contains hyaluronic acid for improved skin elasticity and plumpness. Even some self-tanning products include hyaluronic acid for its hydation benefits - check out Eco Tan Face Tan Water.

Hyaluronic acid may be a mouthful to pronounce but, with its hydration and anti-ageing benefits - and its ability to penetrate easily when applied topically - we think it will be a popular skin care ingredient for many years to come.

Sources: Healthline; health.harvard.edu

Disclaimer: Naturally Safe Cosmetics and the author are not health professionals. Any information or advice in this article is of a general nature only and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. For medical advice regarding your own personal circumstances, we recommend you contact your GP or other healthcare professional.