The Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for Skin

Using Hyaluronic Acid for skin might sound somewhat intimidating, but fear not: this naturally occurring little gem is a skin-saving all star, that won’t irritate your dermis like other acids might. For super flawless skin (sans uneven texture and discoloration), hyaluronic acid is one of our go-tos.

So, What IS Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic Acid is a sugar molecule that’s produced naturally by our skin cells. It’s composed of two important sugars: glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine. Hyaluronic acid is a key chemical component of a healthy dermis. This naturally occurring acid works to retain adequate levels of H2O in our cell walls and is a magnet for moisture, meaning that skin cells with healthy levels of HA will translate to super plump, hydrated and glowing skin.

A gram of Hyaluronic Acid has the ability to hold six times its weight in water — in other words, on a chemical level, HA works like a powerful sponge with self-regulating properties. This means that it’s not only an important molecule for our skin: it also lubricates our joints, and keeps our tissue and muscle hydrated and high functioning.

However, 50% of the body’s hyaluronic acid is found in the skin, where it facilitates hydration and rapid skin repair. The problem is, processes of aging combined with external skin stressors like UV rays and pollutants deplete our levels of Hyaluronic Acid over time. When HA levels go down, skin cells are less efficient at retaining water, and end up missing a key humectant ( humectants are chemicals that encourage H20 retention)

Supplementing Hyaluronic Acid in Your Skin Care Routine

Cue the topical application of Hyaluronic Acid, which can be derived naturally from plant and wheat fermentation, effectively producing the same exact molecular structure as that found naturally in our skin. Naturally derived Hyaluronic Acid has a small enough molecular structure for it to penetrate deep into pores — amping up H2O, increasingly skin elasticity, and fortifying tissue health.

HA can generally be found in hydrating skin care formulas, and is sometimes referred to as ‘nature’s moisture’ because of its unrivaled ability to reduce symptoms of clinical dryness like flaking, roughness, and tiny fine lines. And because of its small and ultra penetrative molecular structure, it’s typically featured in serums that are designed to lock H20 into your pores pre-moisturizer.

In Puristry fomulas, HA is an important component of our Flower Water Toner, a nourishing hydrosol based formula that will impart moisture into skin cells. The formula also features organic rose water and calendula hydrosol, and will leave you with super dewy skin and reduced irritation. And in our Vine Therapy Serum, Hyaluronic Acid works synergistically with a base of soothing aloe water and essential fatty acid filled organic shea butter. Both products are excellent for dry skin in need of a drink of water.

Hyaluronic Acid Benefits for Aging and Acnegenic Skin

HA is especially beneficial for those dealing with aging skin, which typically suffers from a lack of hydration, and more critically, a lack of ability to retain hydration after it’s been delivered (via a topical product, or simply through staying hydrated). HA is particularly therapeutic because when applied to the dermis, it can actually stimulate more mature skin types into re-producing their own Hyaluronic Acid. This means more self-regulated skin hydration over time, meaning that lines and wrinkles will appear diminished and new lines won’t get any deeper.

As a healing acid, Hyaluronic is also an essential ingredient when it comes to the production of of collagen and healthy skin cell turnover, meaning that it can be beneficial for those suffering from oily skin, congested pores, and breakouts. Unlike other acids, its doesn’t strip the skin or pose risk of chemical burns, so even those battling active blemishes or inflamed skin can safely use it without irritation.

HA delivers H2O where your skin needs it most, but is remarkably gentle — safe for even those with highly sensitive skin. Those battling acne often find themselves dealing with clinical dryness brought on by super harsh over the counter conventional anti-acne formulas, which can zap your skin of hydration and throw off PH balance. HA can bring you back to healthy homeostasis, with enough H20 in your pores to effectively keen your skincell elimination mechanisms moving, avoiding clogged pores and underground blemishes.

How Do You Know If Your Skin Needs More Hyaluronic Acid?

Generally, skin that’s been exposed to harsh climates and powerful UV rays will experience a dip in Hyaluronic Acid production, as will skin that’s been exposed to extreme dryness and winter weather. If you’re experiencing unusual dullness or are beginning to notice tiny new crows feet or fine lines developing, you should also opt for an HA-infused serum.

One final tip: It is absolutely crucial to remember to combine any humectant with a moisturizer. Remember, Hyaluronic Acid will amp up the amount of H2O in your pores, but a moisturizing product will work to seal in that hydration and reduce evaporation. Dehydrated skin cells that lack water can be treated with an HA based product — but in order for absorption and penetration to be at its most effective, it’s important to finish your skin care routine with a lipid based moisturizer (we like coconut, shea, and jojoba oil) to keep skin cells health and happy.

Keep up with us here for more ingredient deep-dives!