What is Hyaluronic Acid?
While the skincare space is chock full of awesome ingredients ‒ looking at you, vitamin C and retinol and more! ‒ hyaluronic acid is another amazing ingredient to keep an eye on. Why? This popular ingredient not only gives dry skin essential moisture, but it is generally well-tolerated by all skin types, too.
Read on to gain a further understanding as to how hyaluronic acid works, the benefits of incorporating it into your daily regimen, as well as any potential risks and considerations to keep in mind before using it.
How does hyaluronic acid work?
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that retains water well, keeping the skin moisturized as a result. Unlike other skincare ingredients, hyaluronic acid is particularly unique because it is naturally found in the skin, eyes, and synovial fluid of the joints of the human body. Hyaluronic acid is also a component of the body's connective tissues and is known for its ability to cushion and lubricate. Because it is naturally found in the body, hyaluronic acid boasts the ability to be generally well-tolerated by all skin types, including sensitive.
Currently, hyaluronic acid is available in topical form. In this form, hyaluronic acid works by sitting on top of the skin, providing a blast of hydration at the skin surface.
The benefits of using hyaluronic acid
Because of its hydrating properties, Hyaluronic acid is incorporated into a plethora of skincare products from moisturizers to sheet masks, serums, night creams, and lip balms.
Hyaluronic acid & acne
Because hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin, it's a critical skincare ingredient for treating dryness and maintaining skin hydration levels. After all, once the skin becomes dry it triggers more oil production, which, in turn, can cause more breakouts to come to the fold.
Risk and warnings
As we mentioned earlier, hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the human body. As a result, it’s usually an ingredient that is well tolerated by all skin types.
Proactiv products with hyaluronic acid
Looking to add hyaluronic acid into your regimen? Here are some of our favorite products to add to your skincare stash:
- 1. Proactiv+® Complexion Perfecting Hydrator: This silky rich hydrator acts like a cream but glides on like a gel as it moisturizes the skin to combat dryness and helps to improve texture and skin tone.
- 2. Green Tea Moisturizer: This lightweight, non-greasy formula is rich in botanical extracts, including green tea, and hyaluronic acid to help maintain skin's hydration. To use this product, apply it daily, as needed, to alleviate dryness.
- 3. ProactivMD® Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizer: This gel-like moisturizer helps smooth, soften, and restore the skin’s moisture barrier.
Hyaluronic acid: The bottom line
Since it is naturally found in the body, and causes few adverse reactions, hyaluronic acid is generally safe to use on all skin types, including very sensitive skin. Because of this tolerability, hyaluronic acid has been incorporated into many skincare products including sheet masks, moisturizers, and lip balms.
When used topically, hyaluronic acid works by drawing moisture into the skin, helping to keep the skin surface hydrated and supple.
