Hyaluronic acid is one of the most popular ingredients in skincare today, and for good reason. With its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, it’s seen as a miracle worker for providing hydration and plumping the skin. But despite its popularity, there’s still a lot of confusion and misconception surrounding hyaluronic acid. Many people believe that it can cause skin dryness and irritation, but is this really true? In this article, we’re going to look at the truth behind hyaluronic acid, and find out if it really causes dryness. We’ll explore how it works, the benefits it offers, and how to use it for maximum hydration. With this information, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about whether hyaluronic acid is the right product for you.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, is a naturally occurring molecule in the skin and throughout the body. It can be found in large quantities in the joints, eyes, and skin – making it the go-to ingredient for hydrating and plumping the skin. It can be found in many skincare products, including serums, gels, and creams, where it’s used for its ability to hold 1,000 times its weight in water. This makes it incredibly useful for keeping the skin hydrated and plumping the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced in the body as we age. As we get older, the amount of hyaluronic acid in our skin decreases. It can also be depleted through sun damage, inflammation, stress, and other environmental factors.
Does hyaluronic acid cause dryness?
This is a common misconception about hyaluronic acid. The ability to hold 1,000 times its weight in water doesn’t mean it’s going to suck all the moisture out of your skin. In fact, it does the exact opposite – it’s especially good at locking hydration in. The molecules of hyaluronic acid are much larger than water molecules, meaning they can attract water and hold it in the skin. This gives the skin a plumping effect, filling in fine lines and wrinkles. It also gives the skin a youthful glow, as it’s able to maintain its natural hydration levels. The misconception around hyaluronic acid causing dryness may come from the fact that it can temporarily reduce the appearance of oil on the skin. This happens because it binds water to the surface of the skin, temporarily reducing the appearance of oil. But once the water is drawn into the skin, that oil is also drawn in and restored.
Benefits of hyaluronic acid
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles - As we get older, the amount of hyaluronic acid in our skin decreases, causing it to become less hydrated. This means that fine lines and wrinkles become more apparent as the skin loses its elasticity and ability to stay hydrated. Hyaluronic acid can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by keeping the skin hydrated and plumping the appearance of lines.
- Maintains skin’s natural barrier function - The skin’s natural barrier function is what keeps it hydrated and protected from infection. The barrier function of the skin is composed of many layers, the top layer is approximately 10-20% hyaluronic acid, making it essential for maintaining hydration levels.
- Protects against UV damage - UV damage is thought to be one of the main contributors to the depletion of hyaluronic acid in the skin, and is the number one cause of premature aging. Hyaluronic acid can help protect against UV damage by retaining water in the skin and therefore reducing dehydration.
- Increases collagen production - Hyaluronic acid has been shown to increase collagen production, boosting skin health and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
How to use hyaluronic acid correctly
Ongoing research has yet to reveal the ideal and correct way to use a hyaluronic acid product. However, there are a few things you can do to get the most from it.
- Cleanse and hydrate your skin - Hyaluronic acid is best used when the skin is clean and hydrated. Cleansing the skin removes dirt and excess oil, and hydrating the skin keeps it from becoming too dry.
- Apply hyaluronic acid to clean and dry skin - Using hyaluronic acid on oily, dirty skin can cause the molecules to bind with the oil on your face, rather than water molecules. This will only result in increased oiliness and a reduction in the acid’s effectiveness.
- Use the right type of hyaluronic acid - Hyaluronic acid serums come in different forms and molecular sizes. If you’re new to using HA, start with a smaller molecular size and work your way up. If you’ve used hyaluronic acid in the past and didn’t notice much of a difference, try a different type.
Types of hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid serums come in many different forms, such as gels, creams, and sprays. The texture and consistency of a product will determine the amount of time it takes to be absorbed into the skin.
-Hyaluronic acid gels are a water-based form of the acid and absorb into the skin quickly. They’re great for oily or acne-prone skin, as they don’t clog pores.
-Hyaluronic acid serums are a more viscous form of the acid, so they take a bit longer to be absorbed into the skin. They’re a good option for skin that’s between oily and dry.
- Hyaluronic acid creams are a thick, emollient-like formula that absorbs more slowly than gels and serums. They’re a good option for dry or aging skin, as they can provide intense hydration and nourishment.
- Hyaluronic acid sprays are a quick way to hydrate and plump the skin. They’re best used when travelling or on days when you’re short on time.