Hyaluronic Acid, reviews of which can be found in any beauty magazine, has gained unprecedented popularity. It was as if experts in cosmetology, and manufacturers of cosmetics, and fans of anti-aging creams and emulsions fell in love. Hyaluronic acid can be found everywhere. It is the main ingredient of "beauty injections", and also effectively complements the composition of serums, lotions, creams and masks; Recently, it has been added even to the base for makeup, primer, blush and lipstick. It seems that such a popular product should really work wonders. Is it so? And is it possible that your skin does not need this magic tool at all?
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic Acid, also known as hyaluronan or hyaluronate, is often associated with consumers with salicylic or glycolic acid - the basic components of deep peeling formulations.
However, this is a completely different substance, namely a natural polysaccharide contained in the human body and is a lubricating and shock-absorbing agent for ligaments, nerves, hair, skin and eyes.
Youth effect
The appearance of the skin is highly dependent on hyaluronic acid, since more than half of this substance is found in the tissues of the skin, giving it softness and flexibility. Unfortunately, with age, the body's ability to produce hyaluronic acid worsens, and standard problems appear: wrinkles, sagging, dryness.
For this reason, cosmetics manufacturers are successfully promoting their products with the "magic" Hyaluronic Acid supplement. The reviews of professional cosmetologists make us believe that the synthetic component is indeed capable of filling the lack of hyaluronic acid. In addition, the molecules of the substance have a truly unique ability to absorb and retain water - the mass of stored moisture exceeds the mass of the molecules themselves by more than a thousand times. What is not ideal for moisturizing the skin?
Effective Dermal Filler
Now hyaluronic acid is widely used in surface skin care, however, it was initially used in cosmetic procedures primarily as a skin filler. She even managed to replace collagen in terms of replenishing the lost volume. Fillers with hyaluronic acid act on the principle of a sponge: getting into the skin tissue, they collect moisture and swell, thereby smoothing wrinkles and giving the face a more youthful appearance.
Over time (for some, this period lasts three months, for others - a whole year), hyaluronic acid is absorbed by the body and disappears. It is noteworthy that its effect lasts much longer than that of collagen. In addition, the body rejects acid in isolated cases, since it does not perceive it as a foreign substance. If you injected Acid Hyaluronic subcutaneously and were unsatisfied with the result, the cosmetologist will recommend you an enzyme called “Hyaluronidase”, due to which hyaluronic acid breaks down faster than the body absorbs it.
According to the results of some scientific studies, it can be argued that the substance in question stimulates the production of collagen.
Cream, lotion, emulsion ... is it worth it?
Unfortunately, an erroneous understanding of the role of hyaluronic acid is currently very common. Yes, it is a highly effective anti-aging drug - but only when it is injected into the skin. If you just apply a cream containing Acid Hyaluronic on your face, you are unlikely to appreciate the effect of the miracle substance.
The bottom line is that the molecules of hyaluronic acid are too voluminous to penetrate through the epidermis into the deeper layers of the skin. The acid in creams and lotions stays on the skin and forms a barrier that prevents moisture loss, but it does not in any way eliminate wrinkles.
Manufacturers of cosmetics, however, are keen to add it to any products. Collagen, for example, also doesn’t penetrate the skin, but leading companies know that when they see a cream containing collagen in a store, the buyer will prefer to buy it rather than an analog product without a “special supplement” - simply because collagen is known for its amazing properties . This is exactly the case with the Acid Hyaluronic component.
Therefore, if you do not want to make "beauty injections", it is better to prefer the classic anti-aging products sold in pharmacies without a prescription. These are retinol, retinaldehyde and peptides.
The issue of hydration
When applied superficially, all that hyaluronic acid is capable of is hydration. It is a water-retaining substance, that is, it draws moisture to the skin and prevents its loss. However, it is still not the most ideal moisturizer in the cosmetics industry.
According to scientists, in a dry climate it is highly recommended not to use moisturizers and lotions with the addition of hyaluronic acid. Since there is not enough moisture in the air, acid is not able to take it from the environment, which means that it will begin to extract moisture from the deeper layers of the skin, leading to constant dryness. Nevertheless, this feature can benefit owners of oily skin: such moisturizers normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
You should also read the recommendations of consumers who have tested a product such as hyaluronic acid (Hyaluronic Acid). Reviews will help determine the choice and make the final decision. It must be borne in mind, however, that when applied topically, synthetic acid can cause allergic reactions, including delayed ones (not manifested during the first use, but after some period of regular use of the cream).
Proper use
Thus, hyaluronic acid can become your miracle cure, but only if it really works in your case. Among its advantages - amazing ease and wateriness, which is beneficial for people with a predisposition to acne, especially if pimples appear after applying oily moisturizers.
According to reviews, the most effective form of this cosmetic product is Hyaluronic Acid Serum. The instructions for it are simple: apply the composition to clean and preferably moist skin as a primary care. If you wash yourself and do not wipe your face dry with a towel, hyaluronic acid can absorb the moisture left. If you are concerned about the possible effect of dryness or the danger of allergic reactions, choose not concentrated acid, but moisturizers with a complex composition - for example, containing both Acid Hyaluronic and Retinol.