Every few years or so, a new skincare ingredient appears in the market and heralded as a miracle substance that can cure all beauty woes. Right now, that is hyaluronic acid.
Of course, hyaluronic acid is not new. However, in the past few years, it has been thrust into the center stage. Dermatologists recommend adding it into your skincare routine in the form of a serum. Every skincare company is adding it into moisturizer, sheet masks, lotion, face and body wash, etc.
Hyaluronic acid promises to make the skin look plump, reducing the appearance of fine lines, and glowy, making the skin look healthy. But, it can do a lot more things for you.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Most people know hyaluronic acid as a skincare ingredient, but it is actually a naturally-occurring substance in your body. It is found in every cell and tissue, and it performs a variety of functions, including lubricating the joint, keeping the cartilage nimble, and delivering nutrients to various parts of the body.
Most of it, however, is found in the skin. Up to 50% of the hyaluronic acid in your body is in your skin and it aids in hydration by trapping water molecules to collagen.
As you age, the natural hyaluronic acid in your body, particularly skin, decreases. The skin becomes less efficient in maintaining hydration, leading to dryness. The problem is exacerbated in winter when heaters cause tiny breaks in the protective barriers of the skin and let water escape further.
That is where hyaluronic acid products swoop in to save the day.
Hyaluronic Acid: the Ultimate Beauty Tool
The substance can be applied two ways: topically as a serum or sheet mask and injected as a dermal filler. These fillers are used for nasolabial folds, marionette lines, cheek augmentation, and, more commonly right now, to plump up the lips.
Many people nowadays, especially young women, get lip fillers to improve their appearance. But, fillers vary. Talk to a dermatologist about lip filler special offers and services to figure out what suits your situation better.
Using hyaluronic acid as filler is very safe, but some people may experience minor side effects such as swelling and bruising. Thankfully, these side effects are not permanent and will go away after a few days
Topically, it is a humectant that works by attracting water molecules from the air to keep the skin hydrated and moisturized. It also penetrates the skin easily, ensuring that the product — whether applied as a serum, face mask, moisturizer, lotion, or eye cream — will work efficiently. Moreover, it does not trigger acne or rosacea in most people.
But, it is not for everyone. It may cause an allergic reaction when applied to the skin, but this is rare. Do a patch test of any products before using them by applying a small amount on your hand or arm.
Getting Hyaluronic Acid Through Food
Adding hyaluronic acid into your beauty regime either as an injectable or applied topically can improve your appearance. However, if you want longer-lasting benefits, you should look at your diet, too.
You cannot get hyaluronic acid from any food, but there are certain minerals that play an important role in creating the substance naturally within your body.
Magnesium, for example, is linked to levels of hyaluronic acid. Scientists have noticed low amounts of naturally-occurring hyaluronic acid among people who have a magnesium deficiency.
You can get magnesium from almonds, peanuts, cashews, black beans, kidney beans, avocado, spinach, brown rice, white potatoes, etc. Zinc is also associated with hyaluronic acid. Those who lack zinc in their diet have decreased levels of hyaluronic acid within their body. Beef, pork, chicken, oysters, crab, lobster, pumpkin seeds, and yogurt are some major food sources of zinc.
Keep Out the Sun
Most of all, if you want your skin to retain its natural appearance, stay away from hyaluronic acid’s number one antagonist: the sun. Long-term exposure to the sun is bad for the skin for so many reasons, and destroying hyaluronic acid is one of them. Spending merely a few minutes under direct sunlight will begin the breakdown of hyaluronic acid on your skin.
When you have to go out into the world, protect the hyaluronic acid that keeps your skin hydrated by wearing a generous layer of sunscreen.
Every claim about hyaluronic being a wonder ingredient in beauty products is correct. It can keep the skin hydrated when applied topically. It removes fine lines and highlights certain areas of the face when injected. However, there are other ways to boost the hyaluronic acid already in the body by eating a balanced diet and staying out of the sun.
