Hyaluronic acid benefits

A buzz has been building around hyaluronic acid for a while now, and 2021 is when it might just reach fever pitch. Dry skin is a concern for many of us who live in Northern climates, especially during the cold winter months. Maybe all we need is to include hyaluronic acid in our beauty routine…

Hyaluronic acid has developed a good reputation as a powerful hydrating ingredient. Emerging scientific evidence seems to back it up. Science has long known that hyaluronic acid in the skin helps maintain a youthful appearance.¹ But it’s only recently been discovered that applying it may improve skin appearance.²

In this article, we’ll investigate the truth behind the hype. We’ll look at what hyaluronic acid is, explore whether it’s an effective beauty treatment, and explain how to use it.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a molecule which we already have in our skin. It’s essential in helping the skin retain a youthful appearance. The molecule can hold over 1,000 times its weight in water.³ So it’s no wonder that hyaluronic acid has gained so much respect as an excellent way to improve hydration.

Be aware that although hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring within the skin, the kind you find in beauty products was chemically synthesised in a laboratory.

We know that some people are turned off by the word acid. However, hyaluronic acid is a gentle acid, with a pH between 5.0 and 8.0, which complements the skin's natural pH which hovers between 4.5 and 6.2.

Benefits of hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is associated with many benefits for health and wellness, including:

• Reduces the appearance of wrinkles

 Recent studies have found that those who apply hyaluronic acid regularly see up to 40% reduction in wrinkle depth.⁴

• Retains skin firmness

 Topical hyaluronic acid seems to improve the skin’s firmness by 55%.⁵ When injected as a filler, hyaluronic acid can help skin retain a firm and youthful look appearance.⁶

• Boosts hydration

 Using hyaluronic acid for more than two weeks has been shown to increase moisture in the skin by 96%.⁷

How to use hyaluronic acid

You can either apply hyaluronic acid directly or ingest it as a supplement. You can find hyaluronic acid included in serums and moisturisers.

Apply hyaluronic twice a day while your face is still damp from washing, to help maintain moisture on your skin.

Read more: Your guide to using acids in your skincare

Last updated: 2 March 2021