Active Ingredient: Hyaluronic Acid
Derived from: Hyaluronan, a natural substance found in the human body.
Pronunciation: “hi-yuh-luh-ron-ik as-id”
Type: Hyaluronic Acid is a natural, water-loving molecule.
Other names: Hyaluronan, HA
If eyes are windows to the soul, then the face is a mirror of your emotions. Your face communicates countless nonverbal cues crucial to interpersonal communication. However, it's also influenced by factors like sunlight, the environment, and stress, which can speed up aging. Consequently, your face often shows signs of aging before other parts of your body. Fortunately, there are various ways to slow down this aging process and protect your face.
Hyaluronic acid is one of the most commonly used products for treating fine lines and wrinkles. It can give your skin a fuller, more youthful appearance, making it one of the most popular skincare options.
The Science Behind Hyaluronic Acid and How it is Made
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural substance found in connective tissues like cartilage, synovial fluid, and the umbilical cord. It can be taken from rooster combs and turned into various forms such as membranes, fibers, sponges, and microspheres. HA's chemical makeup includes units of d-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine, and it dissolves in water, forming thick solutions. As a biomaterial, HA helps in tissue repair by encouraging the movement of certain cells, which leads to increased collagen production and blood vessel growth.
Aside from its uses on the skin, hyaluronic acid exhibits a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects, including reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration, modulating the immune system, fighting cancer and cell proliferation, managing diabetes, combating aging, repairing skin, and enhancing cosmetic appearance. HA plays a versatile role in regulating many biological processes and maintaining balance in the body.
The Power of Hyaluronic Acid in the Skin
Best for: All skin types, including dry, oily, combination, and sensitive skin.
Why is hyaluronic acid so special? Well, for one, it can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water! In simpler terms, it acts as a humectant, drawing water molecules to your skin's surface to keep it nicely hydrated. As temperatures rise, it's crucial to keep your skin moisturized. While the term "hyaluronic acid" might sound intimidating, in the world of beauty, it's the key to achieving hydrated, radiant skin. This lightweight ingredient absorbs rapidly, delivering deep hydration and greatly benefiting your complexion.
When we talk about well-moisturized skin, we're essentially referring to skin with high water content. You might have heard of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) – it's a scientific way of measuring how much water evaporates from the skin. When a product reduces TEWL, it means it's keeping your skin hydrated by preventing water from escaping. Hyaluronic acid does just that by slowing down water evaporation.
Powerful antioxidant
Hyaluronic acid is a powerful antioxidant, capable of trapping free radicals produced in the skin during inflammation or exposure to UV rays. It also has a naturally soothing effect, making it suitable for all skin types.
Hydrates the skin
Hyaluronic acid can improve skin moisture and decrease the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. Topical treatments can alleviate redness and dermatitis, while injections can provide a firmer appearance to the skin.
Heals wound faster
Hyaluronic acid is a crucial component in wound healing. Naturally present in the skin, its concentrations rise when there's damage that needs repair. It aids in faster wound healing by regulating inflammation levels and signaling the body to produce more blood vessels in the damaged area.
Decreases excessive oil
Hyaluronic acid can be beneficial for individuals with acne-prone skin. Acne-prone skin often requires hydration, and hyaluronic acid is excellent at providing moisture without causing greasiness. It assists in maintaining a balanced and healthy skin barrier, decreasing the chances of excessive oil production that can lead to acne.
When choosing a hyaluronic acid product, opt for one that includes vitamin C as well. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these two ingredients complement each other to enhance effectiveness.
Concerns on Hyaluronic Acid
There are typically no adverse effects from using lotions and creams containing hyaluronic acid since it's naturally found in your body. However, you might experience an allergic reaction to a particular product. Which is why it's best to perform patch testing first before trying out new ones.
Further Research on Hyaluronic Acid
For a radiant, younger-looking skin
Extensive research shows that formulations containing hyaluronic acid (HA) such as gels, creams, injections, fillers, serums, and implants have impressive properties for reducing wrinkles, nasolabial folds, and signs of aging. These formulations achieve soft tissue augmentation, boost skin hydration, stimulate collagen and elastin production, and restore facial volume. HA, either alone or with additives like lidocaine, has shown promising results in tightening skin, improving elasticity, rejuvenating the face, enhancing aesthetic appearance, reducing wrinkles, increasing longevity, and refreshing tear troughs. Another research indicates that the way HA works in the skin is different for natural aging compared to aging caused by external factors like sun exposure.
A non-invasive treatment for skin
The findings from multiple studies suggest that HA-based skincare products are a non-invasive and effective way to improve skin hydration, rejuvenation, and healing. Additionally, along with promoting healthy lifestyle habits and regular sunscreen use, healthcare professionals can recommend HA-based skincare products to help counteract the harmful effects of environmental exposures on the skin.
The decrease in skin moisture is a common sign of aging, and hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient in treatments and cosmetics designed to prevent or reverse these effects. Hyaluronic acid has the ability to improve and reverse signs of aging in dry, sunken, or 'crepey' areas because it attracts water. Its moisturizing, renewing, and compensatory properties have made hyaluronic acid and its derivatives popular ingredients in cosmetics, promising to combat the natural loss of moisture as we age. Additionally, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of hyaluronic acid and its derivatives highlight their usefulness.
Hyaluronic acid is a skincare superhero when it comes to hydration. It's an essential part of any skincare routine because it effectively hydrates dry skin, strengthens the skin barrier, and boosts collagen production. Pure Culture products are here to help you achieve and maintain a beautifully moisturized and radiant complexion through their innovative formulations and commitment to clean skincare. With Pure Culture, say goodbye to dry skin and welcome a new era in skincare.