Hyaluronic acid: everything you need to know about this fountain of youth

You’ve probably come to know that skin care acids have a very positive role in cosmetics. Some work to remove acne scars and marks, while others hydrate and reduce the appearance of fine lines--just like hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of the main ingredients used in moisturizers, mists, and serums—and it’s found in a wide range of skincare products for a reason. It’s an ultimate miracle ingredient that can help every woman find the fountain of youth: skin that’s hydrated, smooth, plump, and wrinkle-free!

What exactly is hyaluronic acid, and what’s in it to deserve all the attention it’s been getting? The answer lies in this infographic.

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Don’t be deceived by its name. Hyaluronic acid isn’t from a bunch of acids with dangerous chemical formulas but is actually a type of sugar molecule called glycosaminoglycan. Allow us to break down this science bit for you!

A lot of the cosmetic use of HA has to do with hydrating the skin. It’s a humectant, or a substance that binds with water, producing a jelly-like humectant that the skin absorbs for a dewy, plumped, and youthful appearance.

Naturally produced within our bodies, what makes hyaluronic acid even more precious is that it can attract water up to 1,000 times its weight, retaining moisture on the surface of the skin for a gentle hydrating effect.

Just like other things the body naturally produces, hyaluronic acid decreases in supply as we age. Factors like the natural aging process, pollution, sun exposure, and cigarette smoking are the primary reasons that contribute to the lower production of this substance.

Products with HA for the skin cannot reverse this decline, especially since our body uses it daily. But they can slow the rate of moisture loss because of the way they keep the skin moisturized.

The Wonderful Things that Hyaluronic Acid Does for the Skin

Think of HA as the perfect potion for hydration, anti-aging, skin strength, and so much more. That’s why a wide range of skincare products are packed with this powerful ingredient, including moisturizers, creams, serums, and sheet masks. That’s also why it’s widely regarded as a fountain of youth!

Since it has a well-established safety profile, even pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers can use hyaluronic acid. Skin type is never an issue for anyone who wants to experience the benefits of HA since it works well whether you have sensitive, oily, acne-prone, or dry skin. Talk about versatility!

You’ll notice these effects when you add hyaluronic acid to your skincare routine.

1. Hydrated skin with a smooth and healthy complexion

One of the top functions of hyaluronic acid is to deliver water to the skin’s surface, keeping it super hydrated and moisturized as your skin absorbs the water. Just a single gram of this skincare ingredient can hold up to six liters of water, but not in an overpowering way. Thanks to HA working hard and smart to achieve the right balance of moisture, the skin appears smoother and healthier.

2. Instant plump, youthful-looking skin

Moisture getting locked into your skin means it has enough water content to plump up your skin instantly. Hyaluronic acid in gel form can even be injected in sunken areas like those around the eyes to add volume to the skin by drawing water, which immediately creates a filling or firming effect.

If you’re not into injectables, topical forms of HA are likewise efficient in increasing moisture since the skin absorbs up to 60% of skincare products applied to it.

3. Smoothened fine lines and wrinkles

Our skin naturally loses collagen and elastin—the proteins responsible for keeping our skin firm and healthy—with age. As time passes, our skin tends to start using more of these proteins than what our body can produce, so our skin loses its elasticity. The result is dry, saggy skin, with fine lines and wrinkles to boot.

Good thing hyaluronic acid binds itself to water and collagen, giving it potent anti-aging functions and supporting collagen production. With the combined hydrating and anti-aging capabilities of HA, your skin will naturally look fresher and dewier.

4. Firm and healthy skin

Anti-oxidants present in your skincare products also help in maintaining firm skin. These anti-oxidants—which include hyaluronic acid—shield your skin from free radicals that come from smoke, pollution, and UV radiation. Research says that HA offers anti-oxidant benefits, especially the lower molecular weight type, as it penetrates deeper into the skin for a firmer effect.

Should You Use Hyaluronic Acid?

We bet you; you should! Hyaluronic acid is packed with benefits for anyone serious about their skincare journey, which is practically all of us! So whether you want to keep your skin looking younger, free from wrinkles, or simply healthy, HA needs to be in your daily beauty regimen.

For starters, try the L’Oreal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum and L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Plumping Cream Day. Its both powered by micro-HA technology, which allows the smaller HA molecules to penetrate deeper into the skin, replumping it from within. The serum delivers a potent dose of hydration to your skin while the cream seals in all the goodness and locks in all the moisture for best results!

Hyaluronic Acid: The Fountain of Youth in Skincare

Hyaluronic acid—the versatile, hard-working skincare ingredient that hydrates, smoothens, and strengthens your skin—gives you your daily dose of youthful-looking complexion. And who wouldn’t want that?

Looking forward to better skincare days? We have the answers. Know more about other skincare products in the Philippines from L’Oreal Paris.