Hyaluronic Acid has been a wildly popular ingredient in skincare products in recent years, and for a good reason. With the remarkable ability to help skin maintain its elasticity and thereby reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, it’s no wonder it is included in some of the finest anti-aging creams on the market.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is an essential component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) that helps keep it hydrated. But how does HA help with wrinkles? NMF production slows down as we age and when skin is dehydrated, leaving your skin less plump and elastic, which leads to wrinkles. Hyaluronic Acid can help replenish NMF levels so your face can retain a more youthful appearance. HA is exceptionally effective at binding to water molecules on the top layer of your skin to make it look incredibly soft, plump, and radiant.
That being said, not all hyaluronic acid products are created equal. Some contain fillers like silicones or petrolatum, which don't penetrate the skin but can leave a greasy residue causing your pores to clog. A good hyaluronic acid cream should contain pure hyaluronic acid with no fillers or stabilizers that are not water-soluble.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid and How Does It Work?
Hyaluronic Acid, also known as Hyaluronan, is a sugar-based polymer that attracts and retains large amounts of water. It's naturally found throughout the body, including the skin, eyes, connective tissues, and joints; however, levels decline with age. HA is typically comprised of negatively charged HA subunits, which is what enables it to attract and retain water molecules.
The moisture-retaining properties of HA can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving skin a plump and smooth appearance.
Due to its ability to minimize the appearance of wrinkles, HA has become increasingly popular in all-natural beauty products. The more water HA absorbs, the plumper your skin looks!
Why You Need It in Your Skincare Routine After a Certain Age
As we mentioned, HA is a naturally occurring compound in the human body, but its levels begin to decline around age 40. As a result, your skin's natural moisture barrier can become compromised, which leads to fine lines and wrinkles. Your skin typically loses more HA than it can create due to causes such as stress or pollution, which exacerbate the condition. HA can help restore your skin's youthful-looking glow by replenishing it with much-needed moisture.
High vs. Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid
High Molecular Weight (HMW) HA is composed of larger molecules and, as the name suggests, has a higher molecular weight than Low Molecular Weight (LMW) HA. HMW contains 1000s of monosaccharides, while LMW contains only 100s.
Low Molecular Weight HA is more easily absorbed than High Molecular Weight HA, penetrating the skin to provide sustained hydration in the deeper layers of the epidermis. The effect can relax the look of the skin’s deeper wrinkles.
High Molecular Weight HA is much more hydrophilic (attracts water) due to its size, and as such, it helps keep water in your skin by reducing moisture loss. These larger molecules do not penetrate the dermis and instead plump the outer layer of the skin to create a soft, smooth look. A combination of both High and Low Molecular Weight HA provides the best anti-aging benefits, as it can both hydrate and moisturize (seal in the hydration). Prato Botanico organic skincare products contain a proprietary blend of organic Low and High Molecular Weight HA that is designed to maximize anti-aging benefits for your skin.
Is Hyaluronic “Acid” Harsh on Your Skin?
No. In fact, quite the opposite. Hyaluronic acid is something our bodies create it on their own to cushion and repair joints and tissues throughout the body. Citrus fruits, It can also be found in food sources such as citrus fruits and almond oil. Whether consuming HA in foods or using skincare products containing HA (also known as Hyaluronan or Sodium Hyaluronate), you can expect the effects to be very gentle, typically with no negative side effects.
FAQ's
Is Hyaluronic Acid Safe To Use Daily?
Yes! Once or twice daily, apply it to damp skin and seal it with a high-quality moisturizer.
Does Hyaluronic Acid Have Any Adverse Effects?
Everybody's skin could benefit from hyaluronic acid, and adverse effects are uncommon. Hyaluronic acid molecules come in various sizes, which means that different products penetrate your skin to varying degrees. To maximize anti-aging benefits, you should use a Hyaluronic Acid that contains both Low and High Molecular Weights and apply it to slightly damp skin.
How Soon Can You Expect To See Results?
How long it takes for a product to show results depends on how it's put together.
Within minutes of applying a hyaluronic acid solution to the skin, you may notice a noticeable difference in the appearance of your skin's elasticity and moisture content.
As for fine lines and other symptoms of aging, it may take several days in order to see noticeable results.
When It Comes to HA in Skin Care, Does a More Expensive Product Make a Difference?
Many products on the market today contain only High Molecular Weight HA. As we mentioned, HMW HA has significant plumping effects on the skin. However, due to its molecular size, it does not penetrate the skin and is washes off the skin during your nightly cleanse.
Higher quality products often contain a combination of low and high molecular weights. This combination of varying molecular weights can make a big difference in the anti-aging benefits of an HA-containing skincare product and the speed at which you see results. At Prato Botanico, we spent years testing various combinations of low and high molecular weight HA to develop a proprietary blend that maximizes the softening and smoothing effects on your skin.
Conclusion
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is now considered one of the hottest skincare ingredients in the beauty industry—and for a good reason. HA is now widely used as a skin-conditioning agent to retain moisture, increase plumpness and minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles. However, the problem with many HAs on the market is that they either come alongside harmful additives or fillers or contain only High Molecular Weight HA, which washes off the skin at the end of the day. That's why it's essential when buying HA skincare to look out for products with natural HA that includes both high and low molecular weights.
It’s a skincare product that you can use daily without worrying about harsh side effects. And with numerous anti-aging benefits from its moisturization and hydration capabilities, HA can provide you with the soft, youthful-looking skin you’ve been craving!