Is Hyaluronic Acid Effective?
From retaining moisture to filling fine lines and plumping the skin, we explain the two types of hyaluronic acid and what to look for in the ingredient list to be truly effective and get you glowing!
In the beauty industry, many ingredients gain hype in a short period of time. As a consumer it can be difficult to decipher which ingredients are worth the investment and which are simply a marketing ploy. Hyaluronic Acid has been gaining popularity and is seemingly added to almost every product these days; is it all hype or is it a necessary skincare staple? I am both an Esthetician and a consumer who absolutely adores Hyaluronic Acid! I find it to be extremely helpful in treating varying skin concerns.
The Basics: What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic Acid is a molecule that can hold 1000x its weight in water, acting as a humectant and drawing moisture into the skin from the environment. As a name, Hyaluronic Acid often deceives consumers because it is not actually an acid. Hyaluronic Acid is a sugar, also known as glycosaminoglycan, and is the main molecule in our skin responsible for moisture. It is a naturally occurring molecule that our body produces. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) can be found all through the body and aids in hydration, joint lubrication, and cell migration. 50% of our bodies HA is found in our skin. Most of this HA is housed in the deeper layers of the skin known as the dermis. In the skin, Hyaluronic Acid provides necessary hydration for cell growth, aids in healing the skin (great aftercare for sunburns), and the defense against free radicals, as well as adds a plumping effect within the fibers, collagen, and elastin in the skin; reducing signs of aging. It is important to note that Hyaluronic Acid is broken down by free radicals such as UV exposure and is also naturally broken down within our body and skin by the enzyme hyaluronidase and then is slowly replenished. This is why it is so fantastic to use Hyaluronic Acid within your skincare.
What to Look For in a Hyaluronic Acid: Two Types
When it comes to choosing a Hyaluronic Acid product there are a few things to take into consideration. Hyaluronic Acid can come in varying forms. The first and most common is a larger molecular HA that cannot actually penetrate the skin but is effective for dry or lackluster skin because it acts as a protective barrier to the skin and holds in moisture. The second is a smaller molecular HA which is great for aging skin, as it is able to penetrate deeper into the skin, and helps fill in fine lines plumping up the skin. If hydration is your main concern, look for Hyaluronic Acid in the ingredient list of products. If aging or fine lines are your focus then look for the ingredients Sodium Hyaluronate or Hyaluronan. Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is another form of HA that can actually penetrate even deeper into the dermis and has longer-lasting benefits. You also want to be sure the concentration of HA in a given product is at least 1% to be effective.
Talk with a Pomp Esthetician to find the right Hyaluronic Acid product for you. You won’t regret having more hydrated and plumped skin!
