Everything You Need to Know about Hyaluronic Acid

Do you know what makes your skin moist, soft, and plump? It’s hyaluronic acid, a natural substance your body produces to keep your skin healthy and youthful. But what is it, and why is it so important for your skin? How can you use it in your skincare routine? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, while exploring its amazing benefits for the skin, its types, and the most important products that contain it.

As you age, your hyaluronic acid levels decline, causing your skin to become wrinkled and dry. That’s why you need products to restore your skin’s moisture, elasticity, and glow. Products containing it come in different shapes and types and can suit the needs and goals of different skin types. You can also mix it with other ingredients, such as vitamin C, retinol, or niacinamide, to enhance its benefits and treat specific skin problems, which we will explain to you later.

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about hyaluronic acid for the skin and how to use it effectively. We will explain to you its benefits for different skin types and the best products and posts suitable for your skin type and needs. By the end of this article, you will be able to make the most of this amazing ingredient and get the skin of your dreams. Are you ready, let’s get started.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

It is a natural substance found in many parts of your body, such as your skin, eyes, and joints. It has many functions, but one of the most important is keeping your tissues moist and lubricated. It can attract up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a powerful moisturizer and plumper for your skin.

It also helps your skin heal faster and reduces inflammation and scarring. However, your body’s production of hyaluronic acid decreases as you age, which can lead to dryness, wrinkles, and sagging in your skin. For this reason, many women use products containing it to moisturize their skin and increase its softness.

It is one of the wonderful ingredients that can help you get healthy, glowing, and youthful skin. Therefore, we will now present to you its most important benefits for different skin types. Follow along with us to learn more.

Hyaluronic Acid Skin Benefits

It can benefit different skin types and conditions, such as oily, dry, sensitive skin, and even lips. Below we present to you some of the benefits of hyaluronic acid for the skin:

• For oily skin:

Hyaluronic acid balances the oil and moisture levels in your skin, without making it oily or clogging your pores. It can also help reduce the appearance of large pores and acne scars by giving the skin a plump appearance and softening its texture. It also regulates the secretion of natural oils produced by your skin, prevents the secretion of excess oils and thus reduces the appearance of acne and pimples.

• For dry skin:

Hyaluronic acid provides intense hydration to your skin, by attracting up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It also prevents water loss from the surface of your skin, by forming a protective barrier that traps moisture within the skin. It improves the elasticity of your skin by stimulating the production of collagen, the protein that gives your skin structure and strength. It also works to soothe dry, cracked, and irritated skin by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing.

• For sensitive skin:

Hyaluronic acid soothes and relaxes your skin by reducing redness, itching, and irritation. It can also protect your skin from environmental factors, such as pollution, UV rays, and free radicals, which can cause inflammation and skin damage. It can enhance the skin’s barrier function, by strengthening the outer layer of your skin and preventing the entry of harmful substances and bacteria. It can also help your skin heal faster and prevent scars, by stimulating cell regeneration and tissue repair.

• For lips:

Hyaluronic acid can plump and moisturize your lips, by filling in fine lines and wrinkles around your mouth and increasing the water content in your lip tissue. It can prevent your lips from drying out and cracking, by locking in moisture and creating a protective layer on your lips. It also enhances the color and shape of the lips and increases their softness by stimulating blood circulation and enhancing volume.

Now that you know the amazing benefits that this amazing ingredient offers you, we will enumerate for you the types of products and forms that contain it, and how you can choose the most suitable for you based on your skin type.

Hyaluronic Acid Products

It is available in the market in different forms, and you can use it depending on your skin type and preferences. Here are some common forms of hyaluronic acid:

• Creams:

They are moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid as one of the ingredients. It can help moisturize and nourish your skin, by providing a protective layer that prevents water loss from your skin and locks in moisture. The creams are suitable for most skin types, especially dry and normal skin. It can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, by plumping the skin and improving its elasticity.

• Serums:

They are concentrated formulations containing a high percentage of hyaluronic acid, usually in a low molecular weight form that can penetrate the skin deeper. Serums give a high moisturizing effect and anti-aging benefits to the skin. Serums are ideal for those with oily, combination, and acne-prone skin, because they are lightweight, non-greasy, and do not clog pores. It can also help improve the texture and tone of your skin.

• Masks:

These are treatments that contain hyaluronic acid in the form of a gel, mask, or cream. It can moisturize and rejuvenate your skin, by making it absorb moisture and nutrients. Masks are great for those with dry, dull, and tired skin, as they work to restore the skin’s moisture balance, brightness, and freshness. It can also help soothe your skin, by reducing inflammation and irritation.

• Injections:

These are cosmetic procedures that involve injecting hyaluronic acid into the skin, usually the face, lips, or hands. It can have long lasting effects by plumping your skin and defining your faceIts injections are recommended to alleviate signs of aging, sagging, and wrinkled skin, as they can lift and firm the skin, reducing the appearance of deep lines and folds. It can also improve the shape and size of your lips, by adding volume. Injections are performed in specialized medical clinics and beauty centers, by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon.It requires consultation and follow-up.

There are many hyaluronic acid products on the market, and you should choose them according to your skin needs and type as well. You can make it part of your daily routine, along with the basic skin care products that we present to you in this article: 4 Skincare Products that You Need in Your Routine

Hyaluronic Acid Injections Harmful Effects

Hyaluronic acid injections are not without risks and can cause damage to the skin and other tissues in some cases. Here are some possible complications and side effects of hyaluronic acid injections:

• Pain at the injection site:

Injections can cause pain, swelling, and redness, and bruising or discoloration of the skin may appear. These are common and usually temporary reactions that occur after injection. They can be treated with ice, analgesics, or anti-inflammatory medications. But if they persist or worsen, they may indicate an infection or allergic reaction, and you should seek medical advice.

• Subcutaneous nodes:

These are lumps that form due to its accumulation or the body’s reaction to it. They can be inflammatory or non-inflammatory, and vary in size, shape, and location. They can cause pain, discomfort or cosmetic problems. It is treated with massage, steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or hyaluronidase, an enzyme that dissolves hyaluronic acid. But in some cases it may require surgical removal.

• Infection:

This is a rare but serious complication that can occur if bacteria gets inside the skin during or after the injection. It can cause fever, pus, abscess, or cellulitis, a skin infection that spreads to deeper tissues. It can also lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition that affects the entire body. Infection can be prevented using appropriate sterilization and disinfection techniques and antibiotics. The Treatment is antibiotics or surgery.

• Vascular complications:

This is a rare but serious complication that can occur if hyaluronic acid is accidentally injected into a blood vessel, such as an artery or vein. It can cause obstruction of blood flow, tissue damage, and necrosis or death of the skin and underlying tissue. It can also affect the eyes, nose, lips or brain, causing blindness, disfigurement or stroke. Vascular complications can be prevented by using careful techniques, avoiding high-risk areas, and suctioning before injection.

If you are considering injecting hyaluronic acid into your skin, you should consult your doctor before the procedure and follow his instructions and recommendations. You should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of these complications, and seek medical help if you experience any of them. Injections can be a safe and effective treatment for some people, but they are not without risks, and may not work for everyone.

The Difference between Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate

Have you ever heard of the ingredient sodium hyaluronate? Or have you ever read his name on skin care product packages?

Sodium hyaluronate is a hydrating ingredient like hyaluronic acid, but they’re not exactly the same. Now we will tell you the main differences between them:

• Hyaluronic acid (HA): A natural substance found in your body, especially in your skin, eyes, and joints, it acts as a moisturizer and plumper. But HA has a large molecular weight and does not penetrate the skin easily, so it remains on the surface of the skin and protects it from water loss.
• Sodium Hyaluronate (SH): This is a salt form of HA that is manufactured to have a smaller molecular weight and greater stability, so it can penetrate deeper into the layers of the skin and provide higher hydration than HA. It is suitable for most skin types, but especially for oily, combination and acne-prone skin.

Both are good for your skin but sodium hyaluronate may be more effective for dry skin problems, while hyaluronic acid may be more suitable for aging skin problems. You can also use products that contain both for best results.

How to Use Hyaluronic Acid for the Skin

Now that you know the benefits of hyaluronic acid and the types of products containing it, you may be wondering about the correct way to use it, in order to get the best results. Therefore, my dear, we will give you some advice and recommendations:

• The best time to use it is after washing your skin with the appropriate cleanser, and when it is still moist. This way, the hyaluronic acid can bind to the water molecules on your skin and work to lock in moisture.
• The next step is to apply a hyaluronic acid product, such as a serum, cream, or mask, depending on your skin type and needs. You can use a few drops of serum for a lightweight, concentrated dose, or cream for higher hydration and nourishment. You can also use the mask for a quick and intense treatment. You may want to choose a product that contains only hyaluronic acid, or one that combines it with other ingredients, to target specific skin concerns.
• The final step is to follow it with a moisturizer or oil to prevent it from evaporating and drying out your skin. You can use a moisturizer that suits your skin type, or an oil that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, such as rose oil, jojoba oil, or argan oil. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen and renew it every two hours during the day to protect your skin from ultraviolet rays and free radicals.

You can use hyaluronic acid once or twice a day, depending on your skin’s needs and tolerance. You should try different products and shapes to find what suits you best. It is a versatile and effective ingredient that can help you achieve healthy, radiant and youthful skin.

Hyaluronic Acid Combinations

There are many products containing these ingredients, the goal of which is to enhance its effects and target multiple skin problems. Here are some common combinations of hyaluronic acid with other ingredients:

Hyaluronic Acid with Vitamin C

This combination can enhance the freshness and radiance of your skin, by reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation and unifying skin tone. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can protect your skin from harmful environmental factors, such as ultraviolet rays and pollution, stimulating collagen production.

This combination is considered effective, because it increases the absorption and stability of vitamin C. This mixture is suitable for most skin types, especially dull and sun-damaged skin that shows signs of premature aging.

Hyaluronic Acid with Niacinamide

This mixture balances the oil and moisture levels in your skin, and improves its texture and color. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, and it works to regulate the secretion of natural oils produced by the skin and thus reduce the appearance of pimples. It can also reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, scars, and redness. This mixture is ideal for those with oily, combination, and acne-prone skin, because it is lightweight, non-greasy, and does not clog pores.

Hyaluronic Acid with Retinol

This combination is ideal for combating the signs of skin aging, by reducing the appearance of wrinkles and sagging and unifying skin tone. Retinol is a form of vitamin A that rejuvenates skin cells, promotes collagen production, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In this article, you will find the most important benefits of retinol for the skin: What is Retinol | The 8 Most Important Benefits

This mixture helps relieve dryness and irritation caused by retinol. However, it should be used with caution because retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Therefore, you should always apply sunscreen during the day and renew it every two hours, and start with a low concentration of retinol at night.

Hyaluronic Acid with Ceramides

Ceramides contain a combination of cholesterol and fatty acids, which can mimic the natural composition of your skin’s lipid barrier. It can help repair and restore damaged skin barrier function, protecting your skin from environmental factors, such as pollution, UV rays, and free radicals.

It can also soothe and relax your skin, by reducing redness and itching. The hyaluronic acid in this blend enhances the penetration and effectiveness of ceramides. This mixture is great for those with dry and sensitive skin.

You can choose the combination that best suits you and helps you solve the skin problems you suffer from. Of course, depending on your personal preferences and budget, it alone is a magical addition to your daily routine.

Now we have reached the end of our article. We have learned together about the benefits, types, and contributions of hyaluronic acid, and how you can use it in the correct way that ensures you get the best results. We have listed for you the most important products that suit all skin types.

Although it is a versatile and effective ingredient in achieving healthy, flawless skin, it is not a magic cure and may not suit everyone. Therefore, you should always consult your physician before using any product, especially if you suffer from any medical condition or allergy to any ingredient. You must follow the instructions carefully to get the results that satisfy you.

Always remember that using many products is not enough to get healthy, clear skin. Rather, you must take care of your skin by following a balanced diet, drinking enough water daily, and getting enough sleep. Of course, you must avoid stress and maintain your mental health. These habits can help you maintain your skin’s natural hyaluronic acid levels and prevent premature aging.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it useful and informative. Thank you for your time and interest, and we wish you continued health and prosperity.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hyaluronic Acid

Written by: Hala Belal

Sources:

healthline

medicalnewstoda

webmd