8 things to know about hyaluronic acid

A key ingredient in cosmetic products, hyaluronic acid is a hydrophilic sugar found naturally in the dermis and epidermis. As a moisturizing agent, it captures and retains water up to 1000 times its weight. However, the production of hyaluronic acid decreases over time thus causing sagging skin. Fortunately, there are creams, serums and injections based on hyaluronic acid. Find out all about this miraculous active ingredient in our article!

Definition of hyaluronic acid

Before dissecting this star active ingredient in cosmetics, let's first look at its origin and its characteristics. Hyaluronic acid is a combination of a uronic acid or D-glucuronic acid and an aminoglycan or DN-acetylglucosamine.

It was first discovered by Karl MEYER and John PALMER in the vitreous humor of the bovine eye in 1934. They worked in the department of ophthalmology at Columbia University in New York.

This biomolecule is naturally present in the body, mainly in the skin (the dermis). But it is also found in the muscles, the eye and around the joints. Unfortunately, the amount of hyaluronic acid in the body declines with age at a rate of 6% per decade. At 50, only 50% of the initial production is produced.

As a reminder, this biomolecule ensures the hydration and plump effect of the skin by serving as a support for collagen and elastin. The whole forms the connective tissue of the skin to guarantee its firmness and suppleness. To delay sagging and aging skin , you can compensate for the loss of hyaluronic acid with dermocosmetic skin care or injections.

For information, hyaluronic acid is extracted from the comb of the rooster and the cartilage of the muzzle of the ox. But nowadays, most of the active ingredients used are obtained from the biotechnological synthesis of bacteria. This extremely hydrophilic sugar is then added to anti-aging and anti-wrinkle beauty products.

What are the 8 virtues of hyaluronic acid?

Nowadays, cosmetic treatments and injections based on hyaluronic acid are very popular, from the age of 25. The goal is to anticipate the drop in natural production in order to keep the skin firm and plump for as long as possible. What's more, this elixir of youth is suitable for all skin types. Here are the results that can be expected by using this filler which fights sagging skin and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles:

1. To plump up the skin : water loses its volume and firmness when it is not intensely hydrated. Hyaluronic acid is a moisturizing molecule that traps water in the dermis and epidermis to maintain the plump appearance of the face.
2. To combat dull complexion : when the skin lacks hydration, it loses its radiance. Hence the dull and tired skin. Hyaluronic acid revitalizes the skin to regain a fresh and luminous complexion.
3. To strengthen the skin barrier : the hydrolipidic film is composed of water and lipids and serves as a protective barrier against external aggressions (such as pollution, chemicals, sunrays, etc.), mechanical aggressions and free radicals. A weakened epidermis leads to skin that itches, peels and feels tight. Fortunately, hyaluronic acid repairs and reinforces this barrier.
4. To stimulate cell regeneration : healthy, beautiful skin follows a natural regeneration cycle. It is therefore important to exfoliate the skin, eliminate dead cells and promote this skin regeneration. Thanks to hyaluronic acid, the cells of the epidermis renew themselves optimally.
5. To fill in wrinkles and fine lines : the dehydration of the tissues leads to breaks in the skin leaving room for intercellular spaces. Thus, wrinkles and fine lines are formed. Hyaluronic acid is a filler that will fill these empty spaces and tighten the skin.
6. To accelerate skin healing : for damaged skin tissue due to a burn, a wound or a lesion, hyaluronic acid is a powerful healing agent. You can use it on skin with sunburn or acne lesions.
7. To soothe inflammation : for irritated, weakened skin with redness due to aggression or climate change, you can use a serum based on hyaluronic acid.
8. To delay skin aging : the last virtue and not the least is the anti-aging effect of hyaluronic acid. It reactivates the tone and elasticity of the skin by strengthening the connective tissue with collagen and elastin. This is also valid for the hair which is also a victim of the effect of age.

To delay the signs of aging, you must also adopt an excellent beauty ritual. The basis is to properly cleanse the skin morning and evening to remove traces of makeup and all impurities. It is also advisable to exfoliate once or twice a week to unclog dead cells and promote cell renewal. Finally, you must apply an anti-aging cream combined with other moisturizing active ingredients and a powerful sunscreen .