What is it about hyaluronic acid that makes it so popular with everyone? Seriously, this product is loved by every generation, gender, and income group across the planet. Even Khloe Kardashian snaps about it on the reg. There are skincare blogs out there that list the 26,000 things they’re obsessed with when it comes to hyaluronic acid (OK, we’re being a little dramatic here), but we prefer to keep it simple for you. First of all, what is Hyaluronic Acid? Hyaluronic Acid, commonly abbreviated as “HA”, is a naturally occurring molecule found throughout almost every fluid and tissue in our bodies, primarily in the skin, eyes, and joints. In fact, approximately 50% of the total HA resides in the skin [1.] Hyaluronic Acid is crucial to the moisture and elasticity of our skin. Unfortunately, as we age, the concentration and molecular weight of HA substantially decreases [2.] Because of this, hyaluronic acid has been widely researched and formulated as a powerful active ingredient in serums, moisturizers, and other cosmetic products. Read below and learn about the Top Ten Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid: 1. Hydration Hydration = Hyaluronic Acid. Think of hyaluronic acid like a BIG drink of water for your skin. It is able to hold up to 1,000 times its molecular weight in water [3.] Hyaluronic acid penetrates the skin and binds water to skin cells, infusing all layers of the skin with valuable, rejuvenating moisture. Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum can be layered with other product. It also does not need a bunch of other ingredients and fillers to be effective. In fact, hyaluronic acid is the perfect example of how limited ingredient skincare can deliver real results. Hydration is different than moisture for the skin. Learn all about hydration vs. moisture here. Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum 2. Humectant Humectants are used A LOT in skincare. Think of a humectant like a sponge; it will continue to draw in and hold onto moisture after it is collected. They allow hydrogen bonding and attract water. Examples of humectants in skincare products include ingredients like glycerin, sorbitol (sugar alcohol), hexylene and butylene glycol, and of course, hyaluronic acid. After infusing the epidermis (top layer of the skin) with valuable moisture, hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant and continues to draw moisture in from the surrounding environment. This will provide lasting hydration for the skin. 3. Lipid Barrier Enhancement Our skin’s main function is to protect our body. Obviously, our skin protects our internal organs, muscles, bones, etc. from the outside world. But, our skin also protects the body from harmful toxins that bombard us on a daily basis. The top layer of the skin (the epidermis) takes the brunt of outside damage (toxins). As we age, the lipid barrier (fatty acids that trap in water and prevent irritants entering the skin) in the epidermis slows down. Everything from UV rays, to environmental pollution, to lifestyle choices (like smoking) cause damage. This damage results in more fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, and drier skin. Hyaluronic Acid fortifies the skin’s natural barriers to help lock moisture in for an even more dramatic hydrating effect. Over time, this can help slow down the the deterioration of the lipid barrier and help protect and fortify it. 4. Increased Resilience When the lipid barrier is further enhanced and protected by hyaluronic acid, the skin is better able to defend itself against environmental age-factors and pollutants. When it’s not fighting these toxins, the skin remains less wrinkled, brighter, and bouncier longer. A good tip to remember: preservatives used in a lot of products can break down your barrier by killing off the good bacteria that also defend the surface of your skin against toxins. The result is a loss of moisture, as well as potential irritation and even infection. Look for products with limited ingredients and not a lot of preservatives. A lot of people with oily or acneic skin want to apply harsher chemicals to “strip” the skin of oil. It’s important to know that most acne-prone skin doesn’t have a strong lipid barrier, which encourages inflammation and irritation. Pure Hyaluronic Serum adds hydration, helps protect the lipid barrier, and is recommended for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. 5. Tighter Skin Tone No one wants saggy skin. Ever. As we age, the elastin in the skin breaks down, and skin loses its snap, or bounceback. A quick trick to check your elastin (the bounceback) is to pinch the skin on the top of your hand. If it snaps back quickly, you still have a lot of elastin. As you age, the skin won’t bounce back as quickly. Next time you visit your mother or grandmother, try the test on them (but don’t tell them why… there’s seriously no need, it can’t be fixed). Hyaluronic Acid is NOT going to replace your elastin but, it can help with the appearance of tightness in the skin. As it fills the skin with moisture, hyaluronic acid tightens the overall complexion. It helps firm facial contours for a more youthful appearance. And that is something you can share with mom and grandma. 6. Smoother Texture Much in the same way it makes the appearance of the skin look tighter, hyaluronic acid also smoothes the texture of the skin. This results in a silky smooth finish you can see and feel. If skin is visibly scarred from acne, the hyaluronic acid will not fill in those scars. But, combined with a tool like a dermaroller, over time, hyaluronic acid plus a dermaroller can make skin look smoother. Learn more about microneedling, the other benefits to using a dermaroller, or watch a quick video here. Derma Roller System 7. Less Visible Fine Lines and Wrinkles It’s never too early to start protecting and nourishing the skin. Hyaluronic acid is truly an ingredient that gives benefits to twenty and eighty year old skin. Hyaluronic Acid helps reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles retaining moisture to the skin, creating a plumping effect. When the skin is protected and hydrated, increased skin cell production can take place, as the skin isn’t busy fighting for hydration. This leads to smoother, plumper skin cells. The skin around the eye area is one of the first to show fine lines and wrinkles. Using an eye cream twice daily will help keep skin supple and hydrated, and prevent new lines from forming. Brightening Eye Treatment Gel 8. Stimulates Skin Cell Regeneration While it won’t speed up the cell renewal process, hyaluronic acid does help promote skin cell regeneration by offering extra hydration and barrier protection to the skin. This naturally leads to healthier cells and a more vibrant complexion. 9. Pigmentation Just like in point #8, when there is increased cell turnover, hyaluronic acid also helps reduce and prevent age spots and pigmentation issues. But, it cannot do it on it’s own. When looking to treat dark spots, a vitamin c serum and vitamin c booster product should be paired with hyaluronic acid. Vitamin C Super Serum Also, no amount of sun damage can be undone without first protecting the skin from future sun damage. Always wear an SPF of at least 30 on a daily basis. Even the days you don’t plan to be outside. 10. Clarity When oily skin is stripped of hydration (water) it overcompensates to hydrate the skin by producing oil. A big misconception is that oily and acne prone skins don’t need hydration, but in fact, they do. By promoting proper moisture balance in the skin, hyaluronic acid prevents the over-production of oil that clogs pores and causes breakouts. And there you go, the Top Ten Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid. To enjoy hyaluronic acid in all its moisturizing, anti-aging glory, try Cosmedica Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum or Cosmedica 20% Vitamin C Serum today.