What is hyaluronic acid and what does it do for our skin?
Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, is a clear, gooey substance. Think of hyaluronic acid like a BIG drink of water for your skin. It is able to hold up to 1,000 times its molecular weight in water. Hyaluronic acid penetrates the skin and binds water to skin cells, infusing all layers of the skin with valuable, rejuvenating moisture.
How does it actually hold the water in our skin?
Humectants are used A LOT in skincare. Think of a humectant like a sponge; it will continue to draw in and hold onto moisture after it is collected. They allow hydrogen bonding and attract water. Examples of humectants in skincare products include ingredients like glycerin, sorbitol (sugar alcohol), hexylene and butylene glycol, and of course, hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid helps enhance our lipid barrier...but wait what does that mean?
When the lipid barrier in our skin is further enhanced and protected by hyaluronic acid, the skin is better able to defend itself against environmental age-factors and pollutants. When it’s not fighting these toxins, the skin remains less wrinkled, brighter, and bouncier longer.
It improves skin texture!
Much in the same way it makes the appearance of the skin look tighter, hyaluronic acid also smoothes the texture of the skin. This results in a silky smooth finish you can see and feel.
Hyaluronic Acid helps reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles retaining moisture to the skin, creating a plumping effect. When the skin is protected and hydrated, increased skin cell production can take place, as the skin isn’t busy fighting for hydration. This leads to smoother, plumper skin cells.
