Hyaluronic Acid… Why It’s Actually Worth the Hype

You’ve probably either read or heard about this ingredient often.  As the evolution of the beauty industry in the past 5 years has led to increased consumer knowledge of ingredients, HA was one of the first buzz-worthy words that shoppers wanted to buy.

But what is hyaluronic acid, and is it actually worth all the hype?  In short, yes.  

HA is the main component that gives your skin structure, and is responsible for that plump, hydrated and youthful look.  It also plays a pivotal role in the wound healing process, so the higher the amount of HA that exists within the skin, the less it is showing lines, wrinkles and sagging.   So, yeah – it’s very important, which is why our founder, Molly Sims, ensured our Xtremely™ Rich Moisturizer was properly formulated with it.

It’s naturally developed by the body, but the amount that is developed decreases with age.  However, because it’s naturally produced by our bodies, it truly is suitable for all skin types.  It’s a gentle ingredient that every human being is quite acclimated with, so incorporating it into your skincare doesn’t cause any negative side effects – only positive reactions.

The All-Star Ingredient

Commonly referred to as HA, hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in almost every fluid and tissue in our bodies, and is found primarily in the skin, eyes, and joints. And coincidentally enough, approximately 50% of the total HA that exists within our body, also resides in the skin. The molecule is crucial to its moisture and elasticity, so the more of it in your complexion, the more hydrating and supple your skin will be.  

Bursting with Benefits

Hyaluronic acid is all about replenishing moisture, which is why it's found in many skin and hair products.  The super hydrating moisture-booster is especially important in the colder months, when the air is drier, but it really is a year-round ingredient one should use.

A key factor that puts HA above some of the rest is its gentle impact. HA is safe for everyday use, and suitable on all skin types.  So, we’ll cut to it – what are all the amazing things it actually does for you?

Serving Water

Think of hyaluronic acid as a big drink of water for your skin.  Molecularly, it's able to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, so when HA penetrates the skin, it binds water to the cells, infusing all layers of the skin with valuable, rejuvenating moisture. It also doesn’t need other ingredients or products to further “boost” it, and is actually the perfect example of how sometimes in skincare, less is just more.

Healing Inside + Out

As we age, the lipid barrier – the fatty acids that trap in water and prevent irritants entering the skin – in the epidermis slows down.   Everything from UV rays, to environmental pollution, to lifestyle habits like smoking, can cause damage. This damage shows in the form of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and dry skin.  However, when you use products with Hyaluronic Acid, skin’s natural barriers strengthen by helping to lock in moisture and hydrate the skin.  Over time, this can help slow the deterioration of the lipid barrier, further working to product, soothe and strengthen in.

 Hello, Firm.

We can’t talk about HA’s benefits without addressing its impact on the tightness of the skin. As we age, the elastin in the skin breaks down, and skin loses its firmness. Now, hyaluronic acid HA replace your elastin, but it can help tighten the skin cells again. As it fills the face with moisture, HA makes the skin look more supple, which overall makes it look younger and firmer – AKA less wrinkles (um, we’ll take two).

Silky Smooth

Even if you’ve never had a zit in your life (and who are we kidding here…), everyone has been susceptible to uneven skin texture, at least once in their life.  Whether it’s related to hormones, the time of year or stress, skin tone + texture can vary at certain times.  However, with the help of HA, the skin’s texture can improve as restorative hydration is released into its cells.

Turn Back Time

As we gracefully turn older with each birthday, our skin naturally loses moisture and elasticity. And as mentioned above, hyaluronic acid works to retain moisture in the skin, giving cells a plumper, more fuller look, which then reduces the appearance of fine lines. Further, when the skin is protected and hydrated, the skin cells can work to improve and reproduce, rather than spending time fighting for hydration.  This naturally leads to healthier cells and a more vibrant complexion.

Fade the Dark Spots

Yes, it also somehow helps dark spots – it really is the overachieving mystery.  As you just read, HA promotes cell turnover – and when old cells are replaced with new cells, pigmentation is decreased as fresh ones are brought back to life.  Now, HA does need some assistance in truly targeting hyperpigmentation to fully fade, which is best paired with a vitamin C serum, like Last Call Morning Serum.  Or, if you have discoloration you know to be stubborn, pair HA with a brightening treatment with Tranexamic Acid, like Our Problem Solver, that directly targets dark spots and hyperpigmentation.