The benefits of hyaluronic acid for the skin: what it is and how this natural substance works
Among the many ingredients that can improve the health and appearance of our skin is hyaluronic acid: this precious compound, naturally present in our body, proves to be a true elixir for maintaining youthful-looking and intensely hydrated skin.
In this article, we will explore the multiple benefits of hyaluronic acid for the skin.
What is hyaluronic acid and what is it used for?
Hyaluronic acid plays a fundamental role in helping the skin maintain a youthful and hydrated appearance. This gelatinous substance is naturally present in our body, especially in the skin tissue, joints and eyes. Its main characteristic is the ability to retain water, providing deep hydration and giving the skin a soft and elastic texture.
However, over time, and due to external factors such as exposure to UV rays, the production of hyaluronic acid tends to gradually decrease in our body. This can lead to a progressive loss of hydration and the appearance of signs of skin aging, such as wrinkles and lack of tone.
Fortunately, thanks to its gelatinous consistency, hyaluronic acid can be easily incorporated into creams, serums and other skin treatments, so as to compensate for its deficiency in our body, offering intense hydration and improving the overall appearance of the skin tissue.
What makes hyaluronic acid so effective?
What makes hyaluronic acid so effective is its ability to retain moisture, making the skin plump, compact and radiant, visibly reducing the appearance of wrinkles and signs of aging.
Moreover, it is important to emphasize that this substance penetrates deeply into the skin tissues, bringing benefits at the cellular level because it helps to improve the skin's structure, stimulates the production of collagen and elastin and promotes cellular renewal.
The benefits of hyaluronic acid for the skin
Skincare with hyaluronic acid has become increasingly popular for its multiple benefits, especially in terms of skin aging. Over time, the skin tends to lose hydration and elasticity due to the natural decrease in hyaluronic acid produced by our body. This deficiency can lead to the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging. However, the use of products containing hyaluronic acid can compensate for this lack and offer numerous advantages for the skin:
- Prevent dryness and itching: hyaluronic acid has the extraordinary ability to retain water, helping to keep the skin hydrated and soft.
- Reduce wrinkles and fine lines: thanks to its ability to penetrate the superficial layers of the skin, hyaluronic acid can fill in wrinkles and fine lines, giving the skin a smoother and younger appearance.
- Fight dark circles: this element, along with collagen, plumps and reduces the thinning of the skin, improving the dull and dehydrated complexion of the eye contour.
- Improve firmness and elasticity: by stimulating collagen production, it improves skin tone and reduces the appearance of sagging skin.
- Repair sun damage: contributes to repairing and protecting the skin from sun damage, reducing inflammation and promoting skin regeneration.
- Reduce skin inflammation, even for sensitive skin: has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated and sensitive skin. It is particularly beneficial for those who suffer from conditions like eczema or dermatitis.
Another advantage is that there are no contraindications. However, for patients undergoing medical treatments, it is always advisable to consult their doctor first.
Molecular weight of hyaluronic acid: the 3 categories that affect the skin
An interesting feature of hyaluronic acid is its molecular structure, composed of disaccharide chains of glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine. These chains can have different molecular weights, calculated (in daltons, a unit of molecular mass measurement) by adding the atomic weights of all the atoms in the molecule.
Based on the molecular weight, we can divide it into three categories with different effects on the skin:
- Low or very low molecular weight hyaluronic acid: with a molecular weight less than 1500 kDa (kilodaltons), it has a small molecular mass and is often used in cosmetic and skin care products, such as creams and serums. Thanks to its small size, it can more easily penetrate up to the epidermis, retaining water and helping the skin structure to remain strong and compact. This can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Medium molecular weight hyaluronic acid: with a molecular weight between 1500 to 3000 kDa, it penetrates through the skin and provides the necessary water to preserve the skin's compactness. In addition, it can help improve skin elasticity and structure, as well as provide anti-aging benefits.
- High molecular weight hyaluronic acid: with a molecular weight over 3000 kDa, it is often used in more professional aesthetic treatments, such as injections to correct deep wrinkles and grooves, as well as in aesthetic medicine procedures like hyaluronic acid fillers. Due to its large molecular size, it mainly remains on the surface of the skin, forming an invisible film that blocks water evaporation and counteracts skin dehydration.
Hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C: why use them together?
Hyaluronic acid goes hand in hand with antioxidant elements like Vitamin C (or Vitamin A) and can be used together for anti-aging treatments.
Indeed, while hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates the skin, Vitamin C helps to brighten it and even out its tone. Together, these two substances can improve elasticity, firmness and the overall appearance of the skin, reducing the appearance of dark spots and signs of aging. Additionally, the combination of hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C can help protect the skin from UV ray damage, enhancing the effect of a sunscreen routine.
How to introduce hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine
Hyaluronic acid has become a very popular ingredient in daily skincare products due to its hydrating and anti-aging properties. It is available in various forms, such as serums, moisturizing creams and masks, which can be applied directly to the skin.
Products containing hyaluronic acid can be used both as part of a daily skincare routine and as specific treatments in combination with other ingredients, like Vitamin C or retinol, to achieve synergistic results and further improve the health and appearance of the skin.
Being a substance naturally produced by the body, you can use hyaluronic acid-based products more than once a day. In fact, a good skincare routine includes using it both in the morning and in the evening, on freshly cleansed and slightly damp skin, before applying sunscreen or makeup.
Products with hyaluronic acid Il Tempio della Salute
Thermal water, a natural elixir of beauty, has long been considered an important element for healthy and youthful skin.
Among the products of Il Tempio della Salute, many also include hyaluronic acid among their main ingredients:
- The Nocturna night repair face cream: thanks to hyaluronic acid, it soothes and repairs the skin during the night, preparing it for morning radiance. The skin becomes more receptive, less red, deeply hydrated, making it more elastic and compact.
- The Sculptura biphasic serum: has an intensive lipolytic action that, in 28 days, helps to combat the imperfections of cellulite and to redesign the figure, hyaluronic acid here restores skin elasticity and evokes a sensation of renewed vitality.
- The Magnifico anti-aging regenerating serum: the presence of hyaluronic acid has a lifting effect, in fact, it stimulates collagen production and promotes the natural regeneration of the skin.
- The Gocce di Luce lightenind face serum: among its elements contains not only hyaluronic acid but also vitamin C for an intensely brightening, stimulating and compacting treatment.
Regardless of age or skin type, hyaluronic acid can be a valuable ally for our body, helping you to achieve and maintain luminous and enviable skin. Choose quality products and be consistent in your skincare routine to get the most benefit from hyaluronic acid and enjoy skin that reflects your inner beauty.
