Hyaluronic Acid

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

After so many series of #vanitysparklesexplained we all should have realised that acids are not bad. They are in fact, very beneficial.

Today, lets talk about another acid. Now generally, when we hear about acids, it just sounds drying and something that burns. But not this one. Hyaluronic Acid is just the opposite. Ask any dry skin chick and she will rave about this one.

This gel-like water-holding molecule is a moisture-binding ingredient that helps keep skin plump and hydrated. And, it’s actually something our bodies naturally produce.

Hyaluronic Acid helps retain over 1,000 times its weight in water within the cells of skin, making it an excellent moisturizer.

So why do we need more if our bodies already produce it?

Well, the average human body contains about 15 grams of Hyaluronic Acid. However, one third of that gets degraded and synthesized on a daily basis. We also produce less and less as we age. So we want more of it!

Hyaluronic Acid retains moisture and improves skin elasticity

In the last series we saw that Hyaluronic Acid has great water retaining capacity. 

HA is a substance found naturally in our skin that holds water and helps keep it hydrated and plump. The molecule holds a thousand times its weight in water to not only retain all that moisture in our skin, but also prevent all that moisture from evaporating into the air.

It forms an air permeable layer and penetrates into the dermis, thus boosting the elasticity and hydration of the skin. The protective barrier on the skin locks in moisture, which gives the skin a youthful appearance. It does not let the moisture from our skin  leave.

As we age, skin moisture can drop significantly, which makes the skin lose elasticity and expose the signs of aging on the skin. Hyaluronic acid is a major component of skin, where it benefits tissue repair and protection. 

We all know, Collagen is critical to the skin because it supports skin structure. As body collagen declines, the appearance of wrinkles and discoloration become more visible. Maximizing and protecting collagen levels will keep skin supple. Hyaluronic acid keeps collagen synthesis up, as well as retains skin moisture, which contributes with anti-aging benefits to the skin.

One of the most skin damaging elements are UVB rays from the sun. Hyaluronic acid benefits the skin as it protects the skin from UVB rays (and the scavenging reactive oxygen species they generate), which can cause sunspots.