What Is Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, is a clear, gooey substance that is naturally produced by the body. The largest amounts of it are found in the skin, connective tissue and eyes. Its main function is to retain water to keep tissues well lubricated and moist. Over time, body’s stores of hyaluronic acid decline. Age is one reason, but other factors, such as smoking and air pollution, also accelerate this process. The good news is that topical products that feature hyaluronic acid can help rebuild those depleted stores.
How It Works
Hyaluronic acid attracts and binds to water molecules and increases the water content of the skin. Poorly hydrated skin is unable to maintain an appropriately intact skin barrier, leaving the skin more vulnerable to damage from external and environmental sources. Skin aging is associated with loss of skin moisture, and hyaluronic acid is the key ingredient when it comes to combating or reversing these signs.
Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid acts as humectant which means it will continue to draw in and hold onto moisture after it is collected. Humectants allow hydrogen bonding and attract water. Over time, this can help slow down the the deterioration of the lipid barrier and help protect and fortify it.
When the lipid barrier 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. Hyaluronic acid is not going to replace elastin but, it can help with the appearance of tightness in the skin.
As it fills the skin with moisture, hyaluronic acid tightens the overall complexion. It helps firm facial contours for a more youthful appearance. Moreover, 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.
Hyaluronic acid also helps promote skin cell regeneration by offering extra hydration and barrier protection to the skin. This naturally leads to healthier cells and a more vibrant complexion. And when there is increased cell turnover it helps reducing and preventing age spots and pigmentation issues.
When oily skin is stripped of hydration it overcompensates to hydrate the skin by producing oil. A big misconception is that oily and acne prone skins don’t need hydration, but in fact, they do. By promoting proper moisture balance in the skin, hyaluronic acid prevents the over-production of oil that clogs pores and causes breakouts.
Food Sources
Hyaluronic acid can be found in certain foods. Plus, some of them provide nutrients human body uses to boost hyaluronic acid production. Here are 7 healthy foods that are high in hyaluronic acid or its building blocks:
- bone broth
- oranges
- tofu
- kale
- almonds
- edamame (a type of immature soybean)
- sweet potatoes
Our Skincare Top Picks
Hyal Ceutic
Hyal Ceutic intensively hydrates and protects the skin all day long thanks to an optimal concentration of high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acids. A combination of powerful ingredients including aloe vera enhances its soothing and repairing action. Prevents signs of skin aging. Anti-pollution action. For dehydrated skin and the first signs of skin aging. All skin types, ideal for oily to combination skin. Fragrance-free. Hypoallergenic.
Active Ingredients: 5.5% hyaluronic acid solution, 10% aloe vera extract solution, jojoba oil, vitamin E ester, shea butter
Best for:Â Providing non-oily, long-lasting hydration. Suitable for all skin types, including oily/acne-prone.
ha densimatrix
Intensive concentrate that combines hyaluronic acid in several molecular structures for penetration at different levels. Provides anti-aging, plumping and filling action. Suitable for all types of skin. It contains ha densimatrix complex, a combination of HA (cross-linked, high, middle and low) for a long-lasting deep moisturizing. The action of anti-hyaluronidase complex protects from HA degradation and blocks the action caused by external aggressions. Antiaging pro complex promotes collagen and elastin synthesis to provide the skin with firmness and elasticity.
Active Ingredients:Â hyaluronic acid, anti-aging pro complex, anti-hyaluronidase complex
Best for: Perfect for all ages and suitable for all skin types! Give it a try ;).
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