Learn About Hyaluronic Acid: How to Use Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a clear, viscous substance containing hyaluronan, a humectant that your body produces to retain moisture and hydrate the skin. Your skin, eyes, and connective tissues all produce hyaluronic acid naturally, but it is also found in many skincare products like cleansers, serums, and creams. It can also help to encourage wounds to heal.

Skincare products that contain hyaluronic acid—like serums, lotions, and cleansers—are typically used to help your skin retain moisture, which makes your skin look dewy, plump, and can reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Hyaluronic acid is also used as an injectable for temporary dermal fillers. You can also take hyaluronic acid as a supplement to boost hyaluronic acid production for the skin and other parts of your body.

Most skincare products contain one of three types of hyaluronic acid. Here is a breakdown of the three types of hyaluronic acid.

1. 1. Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid: Hydrolysed hyaluronic acid is a lightweight kind of hyaluronic acid that has molecules that have been “chopped up.” Dermatologists may recommend this type of hyaluronic acid to people with sensitive skin.
2. 2. Sodium hyaluronate: Sodium hyaluronate is the result of binding hyaluronic acid with sodium. The molecules are generally smaller than pure hyaluronic acid, giving it the ability to further penetrate the skin and allow it to hold onto more moisture.
3. 3. Sodium acetylated hyaluronate: Also called super hyaluronic acid, sodium acetylated hyaluronate is an advanced type of hyaluronic acid that has increased moisturizing abilities.

Incorporating hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine has a number of potential benefits, including the following.

1. 1. Hydrating the skin: Using topical hyaluronic acid can help your skin hold onto moisture. This can give your skin a dewier, more supple, and plumper appearance.
   
2. 2. Reducing wrinkles: Using hyaluronic acid to keep your skin moist can visibly alter the appearance of your skin and help prevent signs of aging such as dry skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. When used with other skincare products, hyaluronic acid can also boost collagen and improve your skin's elasticity.
3. 3. Protecting your skin against wear-and-tear: When you moisturize your skin with hyaluronic acid, it can hold onto more moisture to combat dehydrating, damage-causing elements like ultraviolet rays and tobacco smoke.
4. 4. Fighting redness: The anti-inflammatory properties of hyaluronic acid mean that it can help combat redness in your skin.

Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in the body, so it is rare that a person will have any allergic reactions to it. Using a product with more than four percent of hyaluronic acid may dry your skin out, but other than that, side effects are minimal. Everyone can use hyaluronic acid, but it may help to treat conditions that people with certain skin types experience more frequently.

1. 1. People with dry skin. Hyaluronic acid can help people with dryness to improve their moisture retention.
2. 2. People with oily skin. Hyaluronic acid is also great for people with oily skin because of its low molecular weight that feels light on the skin while retaining moisture.
3. 3. People with sensitive skin. For those with sensitive skin, hyaluronic acid can help calm the skin and protect it with its anti-inflammatory properties. However, people who want to avoid the potential drying effects of high-percentage hyaluronic acid solutions should check the ingredients of their product to make sure that it contains hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, which is the best ingredient for sensitive skin.
4. 4. People with mature skin. Hyaluronic acid products have anti-aging properties that can help people with mature skin improve the appearance and suppleness of their skin.

Hyaluronic acid is safe to use alongside a number of other skin products, including vitamin c serums and retinol. Here is a guide of how to incorporate hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine.

1. 1. Apply hyaluronic acid serum to a damp face. If you’re using a hyaluronic acid serum, use it after you wash your face with cleanser and/or toner. Don’t dry your face after cleansing or toning. Apply a couple of drops of hyaluronic acid serum to your damp face and rub in. Wait a moment for it to absorb, and then continue with the rest of your skincare regimen.
2. 2. Moisturize with a hyaluronic acid-infused moisturizer. If you don’t want to use a hyaluronic acid serum, you can use a moisturizing lotion infused with hyaluronic acid. Simply perform your skincare routine as usual, and use your hyaluronic acid moisturizer at the end.
3. 3. Use it twice a day. Apply your hyaluronic acid moisturizer or serum to your face twice a day (morning and night) for the best results.

Individuals experience different levels of sensitivity to ingredients found in various skincare products. To prevent adverse reactions, consult a dermatologist before applying a new product to your skin. This article is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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