Hyaluronic Acid, How Effective is it for the Skin?
Product skincare which contain hyaluronic acid supposedly being hunted by beauty activists. Hyaluronic acid is an artificial version of a natural substance with the same name which is present in the body of every human being. As an active ingredient, this compound is said to have many benefits.
What is that hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid, or hyaluronic acid, is a clear, sticky material naturally formed in the body. This compound is mostly found in the clear lining of the eyes, connective tissue joints, and skin.
The main function of hyaluronic acid is to hold water in the connective tissue and skin. In the body, this compound, also known as hyaluronan, is able to hold water up to thousands of times its original weight.
This allows water to remain in the tissues and not evaporate outside the body. Water is a natural lubricant that keeps body tissues moist, can perform its function properly, and is protected from damage.
Like collagen, hyaluronic acid production will decrease with age. Therefore, hyaluronic acid is in its form skincare or supplements are often needed as a form of skin care.
Benefits hyaluronic acid for the skin
Hyaluronic acid is a natural humectant with the main function of keeping skin moist. Regular use of the product skincare containing these compounds can provide the following benefits.
1. Moisturizes the skin
If your skin type tends to be dry, a moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid will be very helpful in moisturizing your skin. Moisturized skin can then appear more supple, dense, and radiant.
Hyaluronic acid also good for dry skin with acne, because this compound is able to reduce excess oil production which triggers acne.
2. Reducing wrinkles on the face
As you age, your skin will become drier and wrinkled because it doesn’t form as much collagen as it used to. You can slow down the appearance of wrinkles by using the product anti-aging contains hyaluronic acid.
According to the clinical trial results contained in Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, a product with ingredients hyaluronic acid able to reduce wrinkles around the eyes and tighten sagging skin approximately after 30 days of regular use.
By retaining water in the skin tissue, hyaluronic acid helps fill in the intercellular spaces that are empty due to a lack of collagen. This makes the skin appear fuller, supple, and free of fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Repair sunburned skin
For people who often have problems with sunburn due to activities in the hot sun, moisturizing creams hyaluronic acid can help repair damaged skin conditions.
Sunlight is beneficial for increasing the production of vitamin D in the body. However, excessive sun exposure can damage skin tissue, accelerate skin aging, and even increase the risk of cancer.
When the body detects damage to the skin, hyaluronan immediately helps repair the skin through a controlled inflammatory reaction. These compounds stimulate the formation of blood vessels in the damaged area so that the skin heals faster.
Side effects hyaluronic acid
In general, hyaluronic acid, whether in the form of supplements, skin care products, or injections, is safe as long as it is used as directed. However, these compounds may trigger allergic skin reactions in some people.
People who are first using a product containing hyaluronic acid should first do an allergy test by applying a small amount of the product to the skin. If there is no reaction after 24 hours, it is likely this product is safe for you.
Side effects such as pain, itching, and redness generally come from taking hyaluronic acid in the form of an injection. However, these side effects are usually mild and should go away within a week.
How to use hyaluronic acid for the skin
Hyaluronic acid can be used at any time on any skin type. This compound can also be combined with exfoliators, retinol for skin, vitamins, and other types of acids.
The only exceptions are acids with a low pH such as glycolic acid. This is because acids with a low pH can reduce the potency of hyaluronic acid in moisturizing the skin.
You may also need to try several times to find a product with hyaluronic acid that works best for your skin. The molecular size of these compounds is sometimes too large for the skin to penetrate deeply.
Even if there are no serious side effects, stop using the product if your skin shows an allergic or other negative reaction. Replace with another moisturizing product that is more suitable for your skin.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Papakonstantinou, E., Roth, M., & Karakiulakis, G. (2012). Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-endocrinology, 4(3), 253–258.
Nobile, V., Buonocore, D., Michelotti, A., & Marzatico, F. (2014). Anti-aging and filling efficacy of six types of hyaluronic acid based dermo-cosmetic treatment: double blind, randomized clinical trial of efficacy and safety. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 13(4), 277–287.
Litwiniuk, M., Krejner, A., Speyrer, MS, Gauto, AR, & Grzela, T. (2016). Hyaluronic Acid in Inflammation and Tissue Regeneration. Wounds: a compendium of clinical research and practice, 28(3), 78–88.
Walker, K., et al. (2019). Hyaluronic acid. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482440/
