Hyaluronic acid / Hyaluronic acid

If we had to choose just one ingredient in skin care that truly deserves our attention, it would definitely be hyaluronic acid. From beauty gurus to dermatologists, everyone is convinced of its magical properties and uses it daily. And with good reason.

What exactly is hyaluronic acid and why is there so much buzz around it? Do you know how to get the best out of it?

In this article, we have gathered its most important advantages and benefits, as well as several tips on how to introduce hyaluronic acid into your cosmetic routine to achieve optimal results, all without resorting to aesthetic surgery.

To start: what is hyaluronic acid?

By definition, it is a polysaccharide of the glycosaminoglycan type, an important component of the mammalian body that forms the intercellular substance. You can find it in almost all vital systems and organs of the body, such as the heart valves, eyes, and cartilage.

It is interesting to mention that half of the amount of hyaluronic acid in a body is found in the skin, particularly in its deep layer – the dermis.

This is also why it is renowned as one of the trendiest agents in cosmetics and aesthetic medicine, but it is also known for its wide application in medicine, for example in treating arthritis and joint pain.

It is amazing how widespread hyaluronic acid is in our body – present in heart valves, the aorta, skeletal tissue, prostate, umbilical cord, synovial fluid, and the vitreous body of the eye.

Depending on the area where it is located, it performs different functions:

• In the joints, it helps avoid painful friction.
• In cartilage, it acts as a restorative agent.
• In the skin, it retains moisture deep within, thus moisturizing and keeping it youthful.

One ingredient – thousands of benefits

Well-hydrated skin is firmer, denser, and more radiant. On the other hand, dehydrated skin looks tired, sagging, and dull. Hyaluronic acid acts like a sponge, capable of holding large amounts of water in the dermis, thereby giving it volume, reducing wrinkles and fine lines and revitalizing its upper layer from within.

At the same time, hyaluronan provides a healthy appearance to the skin by maintaining its proper structure. On a chemical level, its molecule performs several key functions in our body:

Hyaluronic acid restores normal hydration levels

Believe it or not, hyaluronic acid has the unique ability to absorb thousands of times its weight in water. To be more illustrative – 1 gram of acid can absorb up to 6 liters of fluid.

This function makes it an excellent ally in the mission of hydration, while also giving the skin a soft and plump appearance. Thanks to its ability to attract and retain water molecules, it becomes a key component for the proper functioning not only of the skin but also many tissues in the body.

Prevents and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and promotes collagen and elastin production

The true fame of hyaluronic acid however, is due to its exceptional anti-age (or anti-aging) qualities, which in turn leads to its widespread use as an active ingredient in many cosmetic products and aesthetic procedures. As we age, collagen synthesis decreases, and along with it, the natural production of hyaluronan.

This leads to dehydration, the skin loses its density and elasticity, and its outermost layer thins. Topical application of the acid restores the skin’s water balance, as well as increases its ability to regenerate and rejuvenate.

As a component of synovial fluid, hyaluronic acid protects and lubricates the joints

The specific properties of hyaluronic acid have a beneficial effect in treating various pathologies. In cases of osteoarthritis, for example, infiltrations with the acid are often performed with a dual purpose – on one hand to reduce pain, and on the other to achieve cartilage regeneration.

Hyaluronan is also often used to replace synovial fluid lost during arthroscopy. Similarly, in sports, it is applied for faster recovery from injuries to ankle, knee joints, etc.

Hyaluronic acid in cosmetics

The cosmetic products in which you will most often find it are mainly moisturizers, eye creams and masks, as well as in some sunscreens, where

Pharmacies are overloaded with countless products containing hyaluronic acid and you will face a huge choice between densities, forms, and formulas.

To choose the most suitable product for you, there is a simple rule that lies in the depth of penetration into the skin, which depends on the molecular weight of the acid – ultra-low, high, and all degrees in between.