What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid, also commonly known as hyaluronan, is a polysaccharide (combination of multiple simple sugar molecules) that is naturally present in our skin layers, eyes and joints. The highest concentration of Hyaluronic acid at almost 50% is located in our skin. Hyaluronic acid is essential to retain moisture in your skin and lubricate connective tissues in your joints. However, the production of Hyaluronic acid significantly decreases with age, leading to dehydration and loss of elasticity. Although you can consume Hyaluronic acid orally under the supervision of a physician, there are also natural sources of Hyaluronic acid that you can include in your diet to help with your skin. Foods such as soy, citrus fruits, tuber vegetables and green leafy vegetables are sources of Vitamin C and Magnesium that prevent breakdown of Hyaluronic acid and stimulate Hyaluronic acid production in the body.

 

What are the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid?

Retains moisture

Hyaluronic acid as the ability to prevent moisture from escaping from the surface of your skin, keeping your skin hydrated and supple.

 

Non-irritating

Hyaluronic acid is a neutral ingredient that is generally well-accepted by all skin types.

 

Rapid absorption

Hyaluronic acid is absorbed at a much faster rate from the surface of the skin and passes quickly through the outer layers of the skin, known as the epidermis.

 

Anti-aging

Has the ability to hold in moisture to rehydrate dry skin, reducing appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

 

Strengthen skin barrier

Helps repair and strengthen the skin barrier by supporting the skin’s ability to absorb and retain moisture.

 

Wound healing

Hyaluronic acid is a major component in the extracellular matrix that plays a key role in regeneration of tissue, as well as, several mechanisms of wound healing.

 

How does Hyaluronic Acid work to hydrate the skin?

Hyaluronic acid is a moisture binder. What this means is that Hyaluronic acid molecules are water-loving molecules that attach themselves to your skin cells to hold in extra moisture, giving your skin the supple and “plump” look. Hyaluronic acid has the ability to bind up to 1000 times its own molecular weight when in the presence of water. It can do so by drawing moisture from the environment (i.e. air) and surrounding tissues.

With the above in mind, Hyaluronic acid works wonders in countries with warm and moist climates such as the tropics. However, if you live in a particularly dry climate area, it is important to note that because Hyaluronic acid resorts to drawing moisture from other parts of skin when there is a lack of moisture in the air, it is advisable to apply skincare products that contain high Hyaluronic acid while your skin is damp (i.e. after you shower), followed by an occlusive moisturizer to seal in the Hyaluronic acid.

 

What are the side effects of Hyaluronic Acid?

When used topically, Hyaluronic acid is not known to cause any side effects even for the most sensitive skin because it is naturally found in our bodies. It is well tolerated by all skin types.

 

How can I build Hyaluronic Acid into my skincare routine?

Since Hyaluronic acid is generally a neutral product that does not react actively to other ingredients, it works well with products with the following ingredients:

 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C and Hyaluronic acid are two powerful skincare ingredients that can provide lasting anti-aging skincare effects when used together. Vitamin C works to brighten skin tone caused by aging-related hyperpigmentation and enhance skin radiance. However, too much Vitamin C can cause dryness and irritation. This is where Hyaluronic acid comes in the picture to “rescue” the skin. Hyaluronic acid helps lock in moisture, allowing the skin to heal.

 

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid, a water-soluble Alpha hydroxy acid that stimulates collagen production and prevents collagen breakdown. Depending on your skin’s sensitivity and concentration of Glycolic acid in your skincare products, skin irritation and inflammation can occur. By pairing with Hyaluronic acid, the increase in moisture can help prevent irritation from occurring.

 

Panthenol (Vitamin B5)

Vitamin B5 is a skin protectant that can help improve the skin’s hydration and elasticity. When used in combination with a humectant like Hyaluronic acid, you will end up with deeper hydration for your skin.

 

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

A powerful water-soluble ingredient that helps brighten the skin, stimulates collagen production and minimizes signs of aging. When used with Hyaluronic acid, this water-based serum combination can help visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

 

Retinol

A form of Vitamin A that is known to improve skin tone and reduce skin hyperpigmentation can often cause skin dryness and irritation. When complemented with Hyaluronic acid, this water-loving ingredient can help draw moisture into the skin layer to soothe irritation.

 

 

 

There aren’t many toners in the market that contain highly concentrated ampoule-like toner in their formulations. This 9wishes Hydra Ampule Toner has slightly thicker consistency than your regular toner and contains 52% of Coconut Water, Sodium hyaluronate, Squalane and Baobab Tree Seed Extract. The coconut water helps provide the hydration that Sodium hyaluronate needs to draw in the moisture right down to the deepest layers of your skin. It's also fragrance-free!

 

 

This 9wishes Hydra Skin Ampule Serumshould definitely be on your “Gotta-Try List” if you haven’t already done so. This tiny bottle of serum is suitable for dehydrated skin that needs a boost in hydration supply and sensitive skin that needs extra TLC to calm irritation and inflammation of the skin.

 

 

Formulated with 6 different types of Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, Fructan and 7 different types of plant extract, this Dr.Ceuracle Hyal Reyouth Night Cream helps restores your skin while you are asleep. It can also be applied as an overnight mask after applying your usual moisturizer. You can now wake up to plump, glowing skin the next day!

 

 

One of RNW’s best-selling ampoule, this highly concentrated RNW Der. Concentrate Hyaluronic Acid Plus boast five types of Hyaluronic acid with different molecular weight and size to penetrate into different layers of your skin to deliver maximum hydration.