A Guide to Hyaluronic Acid
You are likely to hear of hyaluronic acid everywhere you go. Celebrities swear by it, it is all over television ads, and even your friends who aren’t inclined to skincare as much say they can’t live without it.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic occurs naturally in our bodies in small amounts. It has many uses within the body, such as acting as a shock absorber and cushioning the joints. It is also used clinically to treat patients with joint inflammation such as arthritis and in eye surgery.
Most acids, such as salicylic and glycolic, have an exfoliating effect. They work by sloughing dead skin cells to reveal the fresh, new skin underneath. However, hyaluronic works differently. It is a moisturizing acid. It offers intense hydration to the skin.
How does it work?
Hyaluronic acid draws water from its surroundings to keep itself moist. It is a humectant. When you apply a hyaluronic acid treatment to your skin, it absorbs moisture from the surrounding, pulling it to the skin’s surface. Therefore, it is advisable to apply the acid on moist skin to prevent it from drawing water from your skin cells.
The benefits of hyaluronic acid go beyond moisturizing. Scientists suggest that it can treat dermatitis and rosacea, and it is excellent in reducing wrinkles. Other studies indicated as follows;
• A study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology measured the effectiveness of hyaluronic in treating wrinkles. Subjects applied hyaluronic-infused creams twice a day for sixty days. At the end of the study, there was a significant improvement in the elasticity and hydration of their skin.
• Another study published in the same journal studied the effects of hyaluronic on the skin of patients who had undergone dermatological procedures in the recent past. They applied the acid to one side of their face, and at the end of the study, tone, complexion, texture, appearance, and moisture level in their skin improved significantly.
• A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology revealed that the new nano-hydraulic acid was very effective. After just eight weeks of use, patients experienced increased elasticity and firmness, reduce wrinkle depth, and better skin hydration.
Who needs to use it?
Hyaluronic acid treatment is ideal for individuals with dry skin or those who want to keep their skin well-hydrated. Its wrinkle-reducing ability also makes it suitable for anyone who wishes to combat the signs of aging. It is very well tolerated, even for individuals with sensitive skin.
How to use it
Hyaluronic is found in many treatments applied on the skin, such as lotions, serums, creams, and gels. It pairs well with retinol and can be used with other skin treatments like niacinamide. It should be used after cleansing and toning your skin and before other heavier or thicker creams or oils. Ensure that you apply it over damp skin.
What can I expect?
You are likely to experience your skin feeling firmer, plumper, and more hydrated immediately after you apply hyaluronic acid. However, results will be visible after about six months of use. At this time, you will notice that your skin looks brighter and more glowy, with fewer wrinkles and fine lines. Your skin will also look and feel more moisturized.
References
- Goa, Karen L. and Benfield, Paul 2012, ‘Hyaluronic acid: a review of its pharmacology and use as a surgical aid in ophthalmology, and its therapeutic potential in joint disease and wound healing’, Drugs, vol. 47, pp. 536—566. <https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00003495-199447030-00009>, accessed 20 August 2020.
- Schlesinger, Todd E. and Powell, Callie Rowland 2013, ‘Efficacy and tolerability of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid sodium salt 0.2% cream in rosacea’, Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, vol. 12, no. 6, pp. 664—667. <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23839183/>, accessed 21 August 2020.
- Schlesinger Todd and Powell, Callie Rowland 2012, ‘Efficacy and safety of a low-molecular weight hyaluronic Acid topical gel in the treatment of facial seborrheic dermatitis’, Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, vol. 5, no. 10, pp. 20—23. <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23125886/>, accessed 21 August 2020.
