Hyaluronic acid is the top dermatologist-recommended ingredient that you’ll want to look for if you’re searching for skin care products that are designed to help achieve a healthy-looking and dewy complexion. When it comes to plumping fine lines and making skin look supremely glowy, hyaluronic acid—which is found in serums, sheet masks, and more—is a staple skincare ingredient. If the main focus of your skin care routine is hydration and anti-aging, you’ll certainly be happy to hear about the skin care benefits of hyaluronic acid.
What is hyaluronic acid and how does hyaluronic acid work?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally found sugar in your body that retains moisture and hydrates your skin from within. Its moisture retaining property also keeps your joints and tissues well lubricated. Hyaluronic acid is known to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water and is also a powerful humectant. So, this anti-ageing active ingredient not only retains all the moisture in your skin but also prevents this moisture from getting evaporated in the air.
Your skin naturally produces hyaluronic acid molecules, but as you age, the levels of HA in the body start to deplete. This may be one of the reasons you notice your skin is drier and less plump-looking over time. In addition to being found in the skin, hyaluronic acid is a lubricant that’s naturally found in other bodily tissues and joint fluid.
Not sure how to incorporate hyaluronic acid into your regimen? Keep reading for all the details on this ingredient, including its known benefits and the different formulas you can find it in. We asked dermatologists for a complete breakdown of the ins and outs of hyaluronic acid, plus, the best ways to incorporate it into just about any morning and night routine.
What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid for ageing skin?
Apart from acting like a tall glass of water for your thirsty skin, here are some other benefits of using hyaluronic acid in your daily regime –
- Using hyaluronic acid for ageing skin is a great way to aids the collagen production in your body, which, in turn, keeps your skin plump, firm, and younger-looking. When your skin is plump and hydrated, fine lines and wrinkles are less noticeable, and your skin looks healthy and youthful for longer.
- Hyaluronic acid also makes your skin smooth which gives you a bright and radiant complexion that glows from within.
- By increasing the water content in your skin, hyaluronic acid improves the elasticity of your skin and strengthens the skin’s natural barriers that protect your skin from external environmental aggressors.
- Hyaluronic acid is suitable for all skin types. Whether your skin is dry, oily, combination, or sensitive, this gentle and hydrating ingredient will nourish and soothe your skin.
Why do we need to supply our body with hyaluronic acid externally?
Just like collagen, elastin, and other naturally occurring skin-loving ingredients, the level of hyaluronic acid in your body starts to deplete as you grow older. And it decreases at quite a remarkable rate – 30% of the hyaluronic acid present in your system is lost every day, with your production levels slowing down as you get older. So even though you continue to produce hyaluronic acid, your stocks become depleted – something you need to keep in check.
Here are three beauty tips to keep this elixir of youth alive and kicking –
1. Limit exposure to the sun
UVA and UVB rays from the sun cause oxidative stress, which in turn damages the hyaluronic acid in your body. Which is why it is important to protect your skin from the sun by applying an SPF-packed sunscreen after your usual day cream. This is especially true if you are planning to spend all day outdoors. And do not be lazy, apply sunscreen even on days when it is cloudy and gloomy outside. Bonus tip, use a sunscreen with hyaluronic acid to give your skin an extra dose! Try the UV Perfect Aqua Essence sunscreen by L’Oréal Paris to shield your skin from the sun, repair your skin against the signs of ageing, and help your skin fight against free radicals. Enriched with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, the Aqua Essence sunscreen with SPF 50 is a must have in your everyday skincare kit. The mexoryl and long UVA filters in the sunscreen protect your skin from UVA, UVB, and LONG UVA rays, and also prevents UV induced darkening, dark spots, and premature ageing.
2. Apply hyaluronic acid-rich treatments
A good day and night cream with hyaluronic acid for ageing skin will gorge your skin with hyaluronic acid and help you hold back the years. Formulae that contain low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, such as micrometric hyaluronic acid, are able to quickly penetrate the epidermis, without us having to resort to fillers or injections. This additional dose of hyaluronic acid compensates for the loss or damage caused to your body’s natural stock by internal or external oxidative stress (UV rays, pollution). It means that the hyaluronic acid naturally present in the deeper layers of your epidermis is better preserved.
Get younger looking and radiant skin with the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 1.5 % Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which is a lightweight and non-sticky serum, that helps get instant visible results and see your skin getting better day after day! This hyaluronic acid serum penetrates deep into the skin and instantly hydrates your skin! With regular use, it increase your radiance by upto 42%*! Also, the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Fresh Mix Serum Sheet Mask is infused with Hyaluronic Acid (we told you, it truly is a hero!) that helps skin remain hydrated and enhances skin’s natural radiance. In just 15 minutes, the Hyaluronic Acid Sheet Mask leaves your skin feeling more plump and smooth. With regular use, your skin will feel firmer and fine lines and wrinkles will be visibly reduced.
3. Pay attention to your diet
You are what you eat, so eat foods that will boost the levels of hyaluronic acid in your body. Certain foods combat oxidative stress that is responsible for the depletion of hyaluronic acid. Pile your plate with health-boosting, antioxidant food like vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables alongside spices such as turmeric (go on, treat yourself to a curry!), cinnamon, and parsley. Turkey contains hyaluronic acid and boosts its production, but do not go overboard unless you fancy a bout of indigestion!
So now that you know the various benefits of hyaluronic acid for skin and how to use it to maintain your internal fountain of youth, you can now go ahead also know more about retinol for skincare before trying out this anti-ageing active ingredient!
