Hyaluronic Acid: What It Is, Benefits & How To Use

If you want to moisturize your skin, there’s one ingredient that can help: hyaluronic acid.

You will find it in many different types of products — serums, cleansers, moisturizers, and more. It can help you get the moist, hydrated skin you want, as hyaluronic acid decreases dryness, which helps make fine lines less visible.

Here’s a guide to the basics of hyaluronic acid.

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What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

HA plays a key role in wound healing and moisture retention. (Image via Unsplash/Tokyo Kohaku)

Hyaluronic acid, or HA, is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan found in the body. Glycosaminoglycans are complex carbohydrates or sugars that make up the substance of the skin. It's a key component of skin, responsible for its structure, plumpness and hydration.

The anti-aging field is buzzing with news about hyaluronic acid and for good reason. HA plays a key role in wound healing and moisture retention, and decreases as we age.

Read on to learn more about this powerful ingredient so that you can see why it's a must for your regimen.

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Health Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid can help wounds heal faster. (Image via Unsplash/Viva Luna Studios)

Here are some benefits:

1) Restores Moisture and Vitality to Skin

If you're concerned about how dry your skin looks and feels, you may want to try hyaluronic acid supplements. HA is a compound found naturally in the skin that binds to water to help retain moisture.

However, aging and exposure to things like ultraviolet radiation from the sun and pollution can reduce the amount of hyaluronic acid in the skin. Taking supplements may slow down this decline by giving the body extra amounts to incorporate into the skin.

2) Can quicken healing process

HA is naturally present in the skin, and it can help wounds heal faster. It speeds up the healing process by stimulating the body to produce more blood vessels in the damaged area. It also has antibacterial properties, which may help reduce the risk of infection when applied directly to open wounds.

3) Reduces joint pain

HA is found not only in the skin but also in the joints, where it helps the bones slide over each other without creating pain. HA supplements are used to reduce joint pain caused by osteoarthritis. They may be given by injection or taken orally.

4) Relieve acid reflux symptoms

A new study has found that HA supplements can help reduce acid reflux symptoms. When the stomach contents are regurgitated up into the throat, it can cause pain and damage to the lining of the esophagus. Hyaluronic acid may help soothe the damaged lining, which can speed up recovery time.

5) Improves bone strength

Researchers have begun studying how HA supplements can affect bone health. Two older studies found that hyaluronic acid supplements helped slow the rate of bone loss in rats with osteopenia, the first stage of bone loss before osteoporosis.

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How Can You Add Hyaluronic Acid to Your Routine?

If you want to try using hyaluronic acid, it’s best to start with a moisturizer or serum. Moisturizers are great, as they’re used during your regular routine and can be applied more frequently than serums — ideally twice daily, after cleansing and exfoliating.

HA is a natural humectant, which helps attract and retain moisture in the skin. It also helps smooth out wrinkles and improve skin elasticity. If you're looking for a more affordable alternative to fillers and surgery, try using hyaluronic acid.

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Takeaway

If you aren't using hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine, now is the time to start. With so many options available now, it's easier than ever before.

To find the best hyaluronic acid products for your needs, take a look at our aforementioned list, but don't forget to shop around for a brand that fits you. Whether it's a dermatologist-recommended product or something more affordable from your local drugstore, all of them can improve your skin.