Hyaluronic Acid for Skin: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects

Some of life’s richest rewards come with the wisdom, perspective, and self-awareness earned with age… but no one wants to deal with wrinkles, thinning or sagging skin, and age spots before they have to.
Many “anti-aging" products claim to be “the new fountain of youth,” when truthfully the harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients have the opposite effect on your skin. As much as we all want to, it’s impossible to actually turn back the clock. However, there are some amazing natural skincare ingredients (such as hyaluronic acid) that can help protect your skin from damage and ward off premature signs of aging.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
The word “acid” sounds scary, but hyaluronic acid is actually a natural substance found in almost every cell in the human body. In your eyes and joints, it works as a lubricant and shock absorber. Hyaluronic acid can even be found in several products you may already be familiar with such as joint relief, cold sore treatments, and eye drops.
This natural ingredient is also a powerful antioxidant and known for its ability to bond water to tissue among other important benefits. In fact, skin aging and hyaluronic acid seem to go hand in hand. Hyaluronic acid molecules have such a particular capacity to bind water molecules (and retain them in the dermis and epidermis) that the hydration of your skin depends on it.
Hyaluronic Acid Serum is simply a concentration of hyaluronic acid in a lightweight, fluid form made especially for topical skincare (as opposed to a thick cream or lotion). A quality hyaluronic acid serum will be formulated with all-natural botanical extracts and oils that are gentle on your skin.
Top 3 Skincare Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
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1. Helps you stay moisturized: Delivering water to your skin is only one part of the equation when it comes to truly moisturizing and hydrating. Hyaluronic acid helps your skin hang on to the moisture.
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2. Reduces the Appearance of Fine Lines & Wrinkles: Loss of moisture is one of the main culprits when it comes to premature signs of aging. The higher the water content in the skin, the more resilient and pliable it feels. Moisturised skin plumped up with water appears smoother. Using hyaluronic acid helps your skin hold on to more water for longer so you enjoy the benefits of a more youthful appearance.
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3. Doesn’t Clog Pores: When bacteria is trapped inside clogged pores, acne and breakouts can develop. Hyaluronic acid by itself is non-comedogenic (doesn’t clog pores), but you should be careful when choosing a hyaluronic acid serum that the ingredient list doesn’t contain any sneaky pore-clogging ingredients you’re not expecting. Using this free online tool, you can check any product for comedogenic ingredients just by copy and pasting the full list of ingredients.
Hyaluronic Acid Serum Uses
Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser
The most common way to use hyaluronic acid serum is as an all-over daily facial moisturizer. After washing your face and applying toner, allow your face to dry completely. Lightly dab hyaluronic acid serum around your face with a cotton swab or fingertips. Spread evenly and allow at least 3-7 minutes for your skin to absorb the serum before applying makeup or additional products.
Hyaluronic Acid Eye Cream
To help reduce the appearance of crow’s feet and other wrinkles around the eyes, you want to give hyaluronic acid serum plenty of time to sink into the skin and plump up the top layer. After cleansing and toning before bed, apply the serum around the outer edges of your eyes avoiding direct eye contact. Cleanse in the morning as usual.
Neck and Décolletage
Many people forget the neck and décolletage (chest area) when moisturizing, but the skin on these areas is as tender as the skin on your face! As they also tend to be constantly exposed to the sun, it’s even more important to give them some extra TLC. After showering and drying off, simply apply hyaluronic acid serum to the neck and décolletage in the same manner as you apply it to your face. Allow 3-5 minutes to fully absorb before applying any body products such as perfume, shimmer, or sunscreen.
Hyaluronic Acid Side Effects
Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body and is not known to cause allergic reactions when used properly. In general, hyaluronic acid and its components are considered safe for cosmetic use. However, it does have an uncanny ability to penetrate deep into the skin because of its low molecular weight. Although this is a good thing when using quality ingredients and precise concentrations, hyaluronic acid does have the potential to carry harmful particles deep into compromised skin. The best rule of thumb for hyaluronic acid safety is to choose specially formulated hyaluronic acid serums instead of trying to make your own.
Here at artnaturals, we carry both Hyaluronic Acid Serum and a 3-in-1 Hyaluronic Face Mask to help hydrate and restore your skin's natural beauty.
*Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please confirm any information obtained from or through this website with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.