What is hyaluronic acid?
Learn more about Hyaluronic Acid.
Hyaluronic acid is a natural humectant composed of disaccharide (sugar) chains found in every tissue of the human body. It is present in high concentrations within the skin and in the fluids around the eyes and joints. This powerful natural humectant provides long lasting hydration to improve the look of skin texture.
What does hyaluronic acid do?
Hyaluronic acid improves texture and plumps the appearance of skin. In the other parts of the body, it can reduce joint pain and other various symptoms often associated with aging. It is a naturally occurring molecule in the human body and is found in the largest amounts between skin cells, inside joints, within the eye sockets, and in other tissues where it can help retain collagen, increase moisture, and provide elasticity and flexibility.
What role does hyaluronic acid play in aging skin?
While hyaluronic acid is present throughout the body, 50% is concentrated within skin tissue, notably in the surface layers, where it attracts water, as well as the dermal layers, where it acts like a scaffold for essential proteins such as collagen and elastin. This molecule however has a short lifecycle in skin, with 30-50% degrading every 24 hours. With age, the skin experiences a gradual decline in hyaluronic acid levels. Production starts to decrease in the 20s and accelerates in the 40s. The combined decline and rapid natural degradation of hyaluronic acid contribute to signs of aging including
dryness,
fine lines and wrinkles,
uneven skin texture, loss of firmness, and loss of facial fullness.
How does hyaluronic acid benefit my skin?
One of the hallmarks of
aging skin is loss of moisture, resulting in decreased firmness, plumpness, and elasticity. Hyaluronic acid is a fundamental molecule involved in maintaining skin’s moisture content due to its unique capability to attract and retain water. The benefits of hyaluronic acid for skin through topical application include long-lasting hydration, while helping skin look younger and feel smoother, firmer, and appear plumper.
Which hyaluronic acid product is best for my skin?
Hyaluronic acid is an ideal ingredient for all skin types. It is naturally found in skin and hydrates without sensitization or an oily feel. While all SkinCeuticals hyaluronic acid serums deliver long-lasting hydration, they are available in a variety of formulations that can also address specific skin concerns, such as
fine lines and wrinkles,
discoloration,
sensitivity,
dehydrated skin, and imperfections. Look for a hyaluronic acid serum formula that addresses your specific skin concern.
What is the difference between topical and injectable hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid, while a powerful hydrator for skin, is a very large molecule that even when delivered topically in fragmented form, is still too large to penetrate skin for a significant transformation of volume. When injected, these fillers both fill space and absorb water to temporarily restore facial volume and smooth out wrinkles. Popular areas of the face for hyaluronic acid injections, also known as
dermal fillers, include nasolabial folds (parentheses around the mouth or laugh lines), marionette lines (lines from the corners of the mouth down to the chin), the jawline, lips, cheeks, or under the eyes. While the results of hyaluronic acid injections are immediate and can last between 3 to 12 months, hyaluronic acid is naturally absorbed by the body. As a result, repeat injections are required to maintain results. To find a certified professional for hyaluronic acid injections, visit the
SkinCeuticals skincare professional locator.
Topical application of hyaluronic acid formulas are a cornerstone for an effective at-home skincare routine. They increase surface hydration and based on the product formulation can result in softer, smoother skin texture and an improved appearance in plumpness and firmness, making them an idea complement to in-office hyaluronic acid injections.
Why is hyaluronic acid a popular ingredient for injections (dermal fillers)?
As hyaluronic acid is already a natural component of the skin, this type of injection or
dermal filler used reduce wrinkles and increase volume in the skin is typically well-tolerated, with little to no side effects. Additionally, if the effects of the filler are undesirable, they can easily be reversed through a professional injection of an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which helps dissolve hyaluronic acid. This is not the case for other types of fillers such as poly-L-lactic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite injections. Visit a professional to learn more, to find a professional near you visit the
SkinCeuticals skincare professional locator.
Is hyaluronic acid good for oily skin?
When it comes to
oily skin, it may seem like a good idea to avoid hydration for fear of clogging pores. However, the opposite is true. Depleting skin of essential moisture can cause it to overcompensate and produce even more oil. However, many traditional hydrating ingredients can feel tacky or heavy on oily skin. As a result, it is important to look for oil free, non comedogenic formulas that help retain moisture levels in skin.
Recognized as the body’s natural moisturizer, this powerful natural humectant provides long lasting hydration to improve the look of skin texture. Featured in SkinCeuticals
Hydrating B5, this lightweight moisturizing agent has a unique ability to attract and retain moisture in skin, effectively delivering long-lasting hydration without clogging pores.
Are hyaluronic acid serums good for your skin?
Yes! As you begin to age, the hyaluronic acid found in the body begins to slowly diminish or lose its function, contributing to dryness,
fine lines and wrinkles, rough patches, and a loss of firmness. Depending on the serum and your skin type, hyaluronic acid serums can provide a multitude of benefits to the skin. Adding a hyaluronic acid serum to your daily skincare regimen will not only provide hydration to the skin, but can also help improve skin texture and give skin a more plump appearance.
SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier is formulated with high concentrations of pure hyaluronic acid and is proven to amplify skin’s hyaluronic acid levels, improve skin’s texture, and provide long lasting hydration.
What is the best way to use a hyaluronic acid serum?
A hyaluronic acid serum should be applied once or twice daily for optimal hydration, unless otherwise stated. If using in the morning, apply after a SkinCeuticals
vitamin C antioxidant serum and before a SkinCeuticals
sunscreen. If using a retinol at night, be sure to apply the hyaluronic acid serum after your
retinol application. If you are unsure of how or when to apply your hyaluronic acid serum, consult a
skincare professional.