What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid, also known as HA or hyaluronan, is something your body naturally produces. It is a type of sugar that retains moisture. This is why low hyaluronic acid levels contribute to the formation of dry, wrinkled skin.
Hyaluronic acid is generally made by connective tissues in the body. The body is constantly making it, but about a third of it is degraded and removed by the lymph nodes every day. This is why the body has to work to replenish its HA levels. You can also make use of a hyaluronic acid ampoule or other products to restore hyaluronic acid levels in the skin. This doesn’t just add moisture to the skin, but it helps the body to absorb and retain moisture.
What Are the Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is made by the body, though you can get it from other sources. This makes it completely safe to use on your skin. Because it is a natural enzyme, your body will rapidly absorb it. This prevents the greasy feeling or oily look that comes from using other skin care products.
Hyaluronic acid affects the hydration level of your skin. Apply it to the skin, and it will naturally plump up the skin and smooth it out. This is why HA is associated with a reduction in the signs of aging.
It makes your skin look healthier, because it is smoother and more supple. More importantly, it does this without layers of makeup or artificial chemicals. A side benefit of using HA is that it can reduce the impact of toxic substances you’re exposed to like cigarette smoke, smog and ultraviolet light. If you actually take hyaluronic acid, your body may have more to incorporate into the skin while helping your body repair your joints, too.
The greatest concentrations of hyaluronic acid are in the eyes and joints. This is why HA has been approved by the FDA for use during certain eye surgeries. If you’re improving your body’s levels of HA, you’re reducing your risk of developing cataracts. Furthermore, it reduces the problems caused by osteoarthritis in the knees.
Why Do We Need to Use Hyaluronic Acid Products?
The level of hyaluronic acid produced by the body declines over time, along with your levels of collagen and elastin. You can’t really increase the levels of elastin, but you can supplement your body’s falling HA levels with supplements and topically applied serums.
What Should You Look for in a Hyaluronic Acid Product?
Organic is always preferred over synthetic products. After all, you’re putting this on your skin. Note that while your body naturally makes HA, you shouldn’t apply a hyaluronic acid serum designed for one’s skin to your eyes. And if the doctor prescribes hyaluronic acid eye drops, don’t spread it on your skin.
Choose hyaluronic acid serums that offer additional benefits. For example, a hyaluronic acid serum that provides vitamin C and other antioxidants will help your skin to fight aging and ward off damage from the environment. The antioxidants will travel deeper into the body as they’re absorbed along with the HA. While applying these nutrients to the skin isn’t a perfect substitute for a healthy diet, it is good way to ensure your skin gets the nutrients it requires to stay healthy.
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