What if I told you that the mythical fountain of youth did exist—and that we were already born with it coursing through our bodies? I’m talking about hyaluronic acid, of course! Hyaluronic acid is a highly beneficial compound found in tons of anti-aging and revitalizing skincare products, but, more importantly, it’s naturally found within our bodies, too! Here’s why I rave about this star ingredient.
Scientifically known as glycosaminoglycan, hyaluronic acid (HA) is a group of sugar molecules called polysaccharides. As a type of gooey, slippery substance, hyaluronic acid is found abundantly in the body—namely in the eyes, skin, and connective tissue-like joints—where it cushions and lubricates the surrounding tissue. It’s also richly concentrated in the epidermis and dermis layers of the skin.
While I often shout out collagen and elastin as the building blocks of the skin, it’s
hyaluronic acid that gives that plump, ‘bounce back’ ability to the face (which we start to lose as we age). A major reason why hyaluronic acid helps the skin stretch and flex is because it’s incredible at retaining water. In fact, just a quarter-teaspoon of HA can hold about one and a half gallons of water!
My favorite aspect of hyaluronic acid as a skincare ingredient is its availability in different weights. For instance, larger HA molecules sit on top of and hydrate the epidermis’s top layer, the stratum corneum, for a glowing appearance. In comparison, smaller HA molecules can penetrate the stratum corneum, which is about the thickness of a sheet of paper, to truly plump up the skin.
Aside from plain ‘hyaluronic acid,’ you can find HA in your skincare formulas listed as:
There are tons of reasons why I rave about hyaluronic acid, and a key reason is just how flexible it is. Suitable for all skin types of all ages, products with hyaluronic acid can be used twice daily after cleansing and under a day or night moisturizer. It’s also a soothing addition when using alpha or beta-hydroxy acids, retinol, or other abrasive skin treatments to reduce recovery time.
Beyond its adaptability in various skincare routines, I highly recommend hyaluronic acid for these three skin-loving benefits:
1. Super Saturates
You should see my clients’ faces when I tell them the truth about hyaluronic acid: It can bind up to 1000 times its weight in water! This extreme retainability allows hyaluronic acid to hold water molecules on the skin’s surface and prevent dehydration by slowing the rate at which water evaporates. It attracts and grabs onto water instantly, helping to retain moisture in the dermis, nourish the skin, and reduce dryness and flaking.
2. Plumps and Firms
Hyaluronic acid is a compound that gives skin its elasticity and strength, so topically applying it can plump and firm a dull, dry, or aging complexion. Varying weights of hyaluronic acid can penetrate the epidermis and dermis to restore volume. Research shows that hyaluronic acid in anti-aging skincare can decrease the depth of wrinkles by 10 to 20% and improve skin tightness by 13 to 30% over a three-month period.
3. Regenerates Over Time
Something you may have heard me discuss on my blog or chat about on my YouTube channel is the skin barrier, or the upper layer called the stratum corneum that protects the epidermis from harm. The beauty of hyaluronic acid, especially with prolonged use, is that it can help with barrier repair and provide an additional protection layer. It also induces the production of natural HA in the skin for a more radiant complexion over time!
Now, onto the good stuff…like how to incorporate hyaluronic acid for anti-aging skincare routines! To use hyaluronic acid the right way, apply it to damp skin. Applying HA to dry skin will pull moisture from deep within the dermis, further dehydrating it. Instead, apply after cleansing or spritzing the CBE Botanicals Hydrating Mineral Mist to give the HA a moisture source to draw from.
While the skin is still moist (very important!), go in with a pea-sized amount of one
of my favorite hyaluronic acid products:
Not too fast! Hyaluronic acid must be sealed in with another dose of moisture as quickly as possible to lock in the anti-aging and plumping effects. Without this second step, all that extra moisture will simply evaporate into the air, eliminating all your hard work! I recommend a rich, water-based moisturizer, like the Dr. Esthé Dual Barrier Cream or NeoGenesis Barrier Renewal Cream.
I could go on for ages about the benefits of hyaluronic acid (did I mention it boosts skin elasticity to help combat fine lines and wrinkles?) and how you can use it in your skin routine (you can apply it after microneedling, too!). But the fact of the matter is hyaluronic acid is simply one of my favorite skincare ingredients. If you enjoyed learning about this wonder molecule, I bet you’ll love the Club!
I’m talking about the Christine Byer Beauty Club, a safe, judgment-free community where women of all ages join to receive esthetic education and personalized support on their skincare journeys. Inside the Club, you’ll unlock access to savings on professional skincare products and the opportunity to win a FREE consultation with me! Sign up today—your skin will thank you!
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