You've probably already heard of hyaluronic acid (HA), a molecule that's all the rage in the world of cosmetics. It offers several benefits due to its moisturizing, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. Read on to learn more about hyaluronic acid and its benefits for the skin.

What is hyaluronic acid?

German biochemists Karl Meyer and John Palmer were the first to discover hyaluronic acid in the vitreous humour of a cow's eye. It is a substance that dissolves easily in water and has gel-forming properties, making it easy to incorporate into various cosmetic products.

Although it is found in various places in the body, HA is present in large quantities in the skin, mainly in the dermis, between collagen and elastin. It has immense hydrating power and can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water!

The use of hyaluronic acid in cosmetic products

In the skin, fibroblasts are responsible for the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Over time, factors such as cell ageing, pollution and UV rays cause fibroblasts to break down, resulting in a decrease in the level of HA in the skin.

One way to counteract the decline in natural hyaluronic acid in the skin is to use cosmetic products that contain it. Indeed, as hydration is essential for skin health, all good anti-wrinkle creams have HA as an ingredient. Some skin supplements also contain HA and offer benefits to the skin.

There are two types of HA that can be used in products. The first is high molecular weight HA. Because of its size, it cannot penetrate the skin and remains on the surface. It nourishes and softens the skin and helps to reduce the appearance of signs of ageing, such as fine lines. The second type is the low molecular weight type which penetrates deep into the skin. It works from the inside to moisturise the skin and restore its supple, smooth appearance.

Some cosmetic products contain both types of hyaluronic acid, while others use one or the other. It should be noted that this substance makes the skin a little sticky until the cream has been completely absorbed.

The 10 benefits of hyaluronic acid on the skin

HA is one of the most widely used molecules in cosmetic products and for good reason. It should be part of every good skin care routine because of its multiple benefits:

#1 Hydrates and plumps the skin

Hydration is the secret behind beautiful, plump skin. Hyaluronic acid products retain water molecules in the skin, ensuring adequate hydration. In turn, the skin regains its volume for a plumped up and plumped up appearance.

#2 Repairs and strengthens the skin barrier

The skin barrier is made up of the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis. It is important to care for it, as a healthy skin barrier protects against irritants, bacteria and pollution. Good protection keeps the skin smooth, soft and hydrated.

When the barrier is damaged, the cells are no longer firmly joined, allowing water to escape and causing the skin to become dehydrated. In addition, external toxins and bacteria can penetrate the skin. The result is dry, rough and red skin.

If your skin is tight, itchy or dull, your skin barrier may be damaged. Hyaluronic acid can help restore it by increasing moisture levels and restoring the protective film on your skin.

Although hyaluronic acid can help you repair your skin barrier, prevention is always better than cure. That's why it's important to take good care of your facial skin and maintain a good routine.

#3 Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Cosmetic products with large HA molecules form a barrier on the skin that prevents water loss and maintains moisture. In addition, the cream or serum fills the spaces between the cells that are responsible for the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

Through this process, the appearance of the signs of ageing is greatly reduced and the skin is given a more youthful appearance. This is why hyaluronic acid is found in many anti-ageing products.

A 2014 study showed that applying hyaluronic acid to the skin twice a day for eight weeks could reduce the depth of wrinkles by 40% and increase skin firmness and elasticity by 55%.

#4 Protects the skin from external pollution

One of the benefits of hyaluronic acid on the face is the protection of the skin. This is because, as mentioned above, high molecular weight HA forms a protective layer on the skin. This layer helps protect against environmental toxins, including pollution and cigarette smoke. This helps to maintain the health of your skin and prevents it from becoming dull.

#5 Promotes skin regeneration

The small molecules of HA can penetrate deep into the layers of the skin. Once in the skin, they stimulate cell regeneration and restructuring. In addition, they stimulate the skin cells to increase their production of hyaluronic acid and collagen.

Cell regeneration is essential for maintaining the youthful appearance of the skin. It is important to remove old skin cells and replace them with healthy new ones to prevent aging. If you want to maximise the anti-ageing effect of hyaluronic acid, you can exfoliate your skin regularly.

Scrubs not only remove dead skin cells, but also prepare the skin to receive cosmetic products. This is because once the layer of dead skin cells is removed, the products can penetrate deeper, increasing their effectiveness.

#6 Improves the appearance of scars

Applying hyaluronic acid to the face has a healing effect on scars. In fact, since the molecule stimulates skin cell regeneration and keeps cells hydrated, it can help reduce the appearance of scars more quickly. So if you have a scar on your skin, it's worth applying hyaluronic acid products daily to make it more discreet.

#7 Strengthens skin elasticity

The elasticity of the skin decreases with age, which means that it loses its ability to stretch and return to its original shape. Over time, the skin becomes loose and wrinkled. Areas of the skin that are often exposed to the sun, such as the face, are particularly susceptible to loss of elasticity.

Fortunately, it is possible to prevent or at least delay the loss of facial elasticity. One way to do this is to apply products containing hyaluronic acid, such as anti-ageing serums or creams. Taking supplements that contain hyaluronic acid can also provide benefits to counteract the loss of elasticity.

#8 Reduces eczema symptoms

Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a condition characterised by a defective skin barrier. As a result, water can escape and irritants can penetrate the skin more easily. The result is dry, red, cracked and inflamed skin.

One way to reduce the symptoms of eczema is to help the skin stay hydrated as much as possible. As hyaluronic acid is one of the most water-holding molecules, it can provide a lot of relief for those suffering from dermatitis.

#9 Fights skin inflammation

When the skin is damaged or suffers an injury, it often becomes inflamed and red. Hyaluronic acid can help in the healing process by controlling the inflammation reaction.

When tissues are inflamed, their need for hyaluronic acid increases by about 200%. Applying the ingredient to inflamed skin is a way to ensure that the needs are met and that the water balance can be restored to reduce the swelling of the skin.

#10 Give the skin a glowing complexion

No one likes to have a dull complexion and hyaluronic acid is a great ingredient to have a luminous complexion. Since it keeps the skin well hydrated, calms inflammation, increases skin elasticity and promotes cell regeneration, it helps to keep the skin young and glowing!