Hyaluronic acid is often listed as an ingredient in many skincare products, including skin creams and other serums. Sometimes hyaluronic acid is even used on its own. However, just because hyaluronic acid is in so many skincare products, does that automatically mean that it is good for your skin? Below is a short definition on what the pros and cons of using it. (Image Credit: Nika Akin/Pixabay)
Hyaluronic Acid Definition
Even though the name “hyaluronic acid” sounds like some kind of crazy chemical, it is a naturally occurring chemical that falls under the glycosaminoglycan category. The body can make it all on on its own but sometimes it doesn’t always make enough, which is why using products that contain this mystical substance can be helpful.
Whether hyaluronic acid is created naturally by the body or used in a skincare product, it all does the same thing. It works to retain water in the skin. This helps to keep it from drying out, similar to how a moisturizer works. This works because, alongside being a natural glycosaminoglycan, hyaluronic acid is also a hygroscopic. This means that hyaluronic acid naturally draws water from around it to naturally boost the skin’s hydration level.
Pro: Moisturizes Skin
The main use of hyaluronic acid in skincare products is to be used as a moisturizer. With there being so many things that work to dry out skin during the day, it’s best to fight back as much as you can. While other water-attractants may make your skin look puffy, hyaluronic doesn’t work this way. A little bit of this acid goes a long way. This way, your skin can look and feel moisturized without making your skin look swollen.
Con: May Cause Skin Irritation
As mentioned, the body naturally produces hyalurinic acid. For this reason, it is naturally hypoallergic. At least, it is hypoallergenic on its own. However, hyaluronic acid is usually used in other skincare products, rather than being sold on in a raw form. For this reason, customers need to be careful when trying new products, as the other ingredients in the skincare product may cause an allergic reaction, itching, rash, or a variety of other irritating skin conditions.
Whenever you try a new skincare product, whether it contains hyaluronic acid or not, it is best to test the product by putting a little on a small patch of your skin. If you see no negative effects within 24 hours, then it should be safe to use on the whole of your skin. Of course, make sure to read the directions on the product before you use it!
Pro: Works as an Anti-Aging Agent
As you get older, your skin has a harder time when it comes to naturally holding onto water and producing hyaluronic acid on its own. When this happens, the skin can seem saggy, show age spots, and show more wrinkles. While this is most common in people who are middle-aged and older, these same effects can also be seen in younger people who smoke or spend a lot of time in the sun.
Since hyaluronic acid moisturizes the skin so well and helps to smooth it out, this also means that it can help to fight and lessen the appearance of wrinkles. It can also generally smooth out skin and make it look healthier, even in areas where wrinkles are not yet present. However, it should be noted that this product will not erase age spots.
Final Thoughts
All in all, hyaluronic acid is a great thing to add to your beauty routine to make your skin look younger and feel more moisturized. So long as you use a product that does not contain other ingredients that you may be allergic to, it should be fine to use it on your skin. So what are you waiting for? Find a skincare product that matches up with your needs today!
